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COVID-19
​INFORMATION & UPDATES

An Update Regarding COVID-19

5/13/2021

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1) When will we be able to gather again for in-person worship? We are scheduled to return to in-person worship on Sunday, May 23rd, 2021 at 11:30 am.  This plan is based upon current procedures from the State and CDC.  In order to return, all members and friends are asked to view the above recording as we review the safety procedures necessary to keep everyone safe. During in-person worship all visitors, staff, volunteers, and clergy are REQUIRED to wear a mask inside and practice social distancing.

2) How are we doing financially? The board and staff have been monitoring our finances closely. Since moving to online-only services, our weekly income has dropped over 50%. We want to send a special word of thanks to everyone who has been able to give online or by mailing a check. We are working to ensure that our ministry continues without interruption during this critical time. If you can set up an automatic, recurring gift, it would be a tremendous help. You can do so by clicking here. 

3) Do we know how our congregants are doing? Our Deacons have done a wonderful job reaching out to our active member and friends list by calling, emailing or through Facebook messenger. We are connecting with those who have a need that we can fill. On Easter Sunday, we will be announcing new online events to help keep us connected during this time of social distancing. For example, look for the new “Women’s Night IN” group to begin soon!

4) What can I do to help at this time? First and foremost, continue to pray daily for one another, our church, community, and world. Prayer is a powerful way to share our hope, concern, and care for one another and our world. Second, take advantage of our virtual gatherings! They provide us with the opportunity to connect with one another and receive encouragement during these trying times. Visit our website and Facebook page for information that will help you stay connected on what is happening with MCC Detroit. Third, reach out and connect with one another. We all need to be reminded that we are not alone, and someone cares about us – we ARE our sister’s and our brother’s keeper! Lastly, if you able, please continue to support the church financially, which you can do by mailing your checks or donating online. We can and will get through this together.​

Note: This FAQ is a work in progress, and we will continue to update it as more information becomes available. 

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Important information regarding dealing with COVID-19

3/21/2020

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I have compiled information from various email resources I have received to pass on to those who may not be receiving information from an employer or other reliable sources. I hope these links will prove to be helpful as we contend with the challenges of COVID-19.  As in previous emails, please contact us at the church if you have a need that we can fill – mccdetroit@gmail.com - 248-399-7741 – mccdetroit.org.
 
May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.  Psalm 33:22 
 
Rev. Roland

​Information on the importance of these measures:
  • Watch this informative video from Vox on the importance and effectiveness of social distancing.
  • This Washington Post article uses simulations to demonstrate how different degrees of social distancing help reduce the rate of infection and flatten the curve.

Please remember to use these best practices:
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact especially with those who are sick
  • When out in public, maintain at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

The following resources are available for ongoing updates and critical support during this period:
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov
  • Michigan Department of Public Health: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus
  • Oakland County Public Health Department (it is more comprehensive than Wayne or Macomb Counties sites): https://www.oakgov.com/health/information/covid-19/Pages/default.aspx
  • Hospitals across the area have set up special hotlines for the coronavirus questions. Details on each are below:
    • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services - 888-535-6136
    • Ascension - 833-978-0649
    • Beaumont Health - 800-592-478
    • Henry Ford Health System - 313-874-7500
  • Questions and Answers from the Michigan.gov website about tips for older adults and other preventative measures: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98178---,00.html
  • Resources for domestic violence victims during quarantine: https://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/get-updates-information-covid-19/
  • Information about unemployment benefits: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98158-522374--,00.html
  • The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) has a $25 Water Restoration Plan. If you know of anyone who has water service off in their Detroit home, please call 313-386-9727 on their behalf if they are unable to do so themselves. For more information, visit www.detroitmi.gov/WaterRestart.  
  • The Detroit Department of Transportation announced FARES WILL BE FREE for the duration of the Coronavirus outbreak.  For driver health safety, passengers will board and exit through the read doors only.
  • Comcast is making internet faster and more accessible to people for the next two months with the "internet essentials" package now free for qualified low-income households; pausing data caps for 60 days giving all customers Unlimited data for no additional charge; and no disconnects or Late Fees. Read more here.
  • Mental Health Management resources:
    • Advice from CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html
    • Advice from Anxiety and Depression Association of America: https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/covid-19-lockdown-guide-how-manage-anxiety-and
    • Things to do during quarantine: https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/what-to-do-philly-coronavirus-indoors-quarantine-fun-activities-online-workout-classes-happy-hour-20200316.html
    • Kid friendly things to do during quarantine: https://parade.com/1009774/stephanieosmanski/things-to-do-with-kids-during-coronavirus-quarantine/
 
Here are some tips to keep in mind as you will be using your computer more.
  1. Never assume all the links in a Google/Yahoo/Bing search are safe.
  2. Think before you click anything: Nothing can substitute for simply approaching every link as if it is surely a virus unless you can verify it’s not. Even the blog link I put at the bottom of this email should create an immediate sense of caution. This very email could be an elaborate phishing ruse.
  3. Hover over the link to be sure it’s actually going to the intended location.
  4. Refuse to open attachments or click links from untrusted sources.
  5. Verify attachments and links with an alternative communication form like text or phone.
  6. Never transfer any kind of money or gift cards without verifying with the source. Use text, or phone call to verify, but never the email address making the request as it could be compromised.
  7. Be extremely cautious when giving any personal or other information requested.
  8. Make sure antivirus (AV) is up to date. Check your AV subscriptions to make sure they haven’t expired and renew them if they have.
  9. If possible, purchase and/or designate a machine as a “work machine.” This should help reinforce computing habits that otherwise might not be employed on a personal machine.
  10. Make sure Mac users are leveraging Time Machine for backing up their computers to a local external hard drive.
  11. If using the public internet, leverage a VPN solution to obscure and secure your online presence. IpVanish is something I use personally for this exact purpose
 
From Aaron Young – IT Specialist – Endsight Technology – Berkeley, CA
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MCC Detroit's Hiatus in Response to COVID-19

3/15/2020

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*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
View this email in your browser
“When you hear that a tornado is on its way, you do not stand on the roof, you move to the basement.”
John DiLodovico
Henry Ford Health System and 
MCC Detroit Member


 
I wanted to lead off with this quote that was shared with me at the Board and Leadership meeting as we weighed the options of our response be to the Covid 19 Pandemic.  The Board of Directors voted unanimously to suspend all in-person worship services and meetings at the church (including Connection Groups) until April 4th.  SO...we are "moving to the basement" in order to prepare for this current threat.  This decision creates many questions and I would like to provide some of those answers.
 
Why did you make this decision considering our worship attendance is under the 100 people in a shared space warning from our Governor?
We were fortunate to have health specialists attend our meeting today and they provided us very clear information that Covid 19 is not the flu and will impact the respiratory system differently.  Our nation has passed the time frame of containment and the best way to mitigate this threat is through social isolation (and hand washing, of course).  This virus is airborne and can reside on surfaces up to 14 days.  It is unclear who is and is not carrying the virus due to the lack of testing currently.  In short, we are following the example of many other churches (including our host church Clawson UMC), businesses and government offices and advising people to practice social isolation for the time being.  This is not our way of telling you how to live your life, but we recognize there are alternative ways to worship God besides coming to a building.
 
Does this mean there will be no worship opportunities and communion while the building is closed?
Beginning Sunday, March 15 and through Sunday, March 29, I will be recording my messages and uploading them to MCC Detroit’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.  We will also include them on our website and weekly newsletter.  However, for those who would like to have live interaction, I will be offering our Adult Sunday School class via Zoom video conferencing beginning on Sunday, March 22 at 11:30 am.  More details will be forthcoming about this Bible study and you don’t need to own a Bible to participate!  Unfortunately, we will not be able to offer our weekly communion service during this hiatus. 
 
What if I have a pastoral care need?
We recognize that social isolation can be very difficult, and we pray this restriction will not last long.  In the meantime, we encourage you to call or email the church for any pastoral need you may have.  The church number is 248-399-7741 and leave a voice message.  The voicemail will be checked three times daily.  The church email is mccdetroit@gmail.com to connect with one of our Deacons or Rev. Deb Cox, who is available. For Rev. Roland, contact me at mccdpastor@gmail.com.
 
Why until April 4th? What if this challenge extends beyond that time?
We prayerfully hope we will be able to resume service in time for Palm Sunday (April 5) and Holy Week.  However, if this challenge extends into April or beyond, we will continue to  provide online worship and maintain our pastoral care outreach.
 
How do I continue to give my tithes and offerings?
I am so glad you asked! We recognize for many in our community this can be a difficult time financially if employment is limited or halted during this time.  For those who can continue with your pledge and financial support, we need you to do so.  There are a variety of ways to accomplish this:


1. Send a check or money order to MCC Detroit:
MCC Detroit Treasurer
PO Box 836
Royal Oak, Michigan 48068


2. Send money electronically using Zelle:
Zelle is a free bank-to-bank money transfer application.  Set up Zelle on your bank or financial instution’s online site.   If your bank does not participate with Zelle, you can download the Zelle app on your cellphone or from the zellepay.com website.  Zelle money transfers are free to both you and your recipient.

In Zelle, add MCC Detroit as a new recipient:
First Name:  MCC
Last Name:  Detroit
Nickname:  Church
Email:  MCCD.TTRIAD@GMAIL.COM (be sure to note the two T’s in ‘TTRIAD’)


Note that before any donation is sent, you will get a confirmation saying that MCCD.TTRIAD@GMAIL.COM is registered to “Metropolitan Community Church of Detroit…”


3. Send money electronically using PayPal:
Go to the church website:  www.mccdetroit.org

Go to the “GIVE” tab at the top right of the page
Click "PAYPAL" tab
Click "GIVE TO MCCD" button
Enter your PayPal account information


If you do not have a PayPal account, you can create one for free.



4. If you would like to donate cash, please hold it until we resume services.
If you need assistance or have any questions, send an email to the MCCD Treasury Triad at MCCD.TTRIAD@GMAIL.COM.


“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”
Psalm 31:24
 
I want to end with this quote from scripture to remind us where hope is found, especially in times of challenge and uncertainty.   God never leaves us nor forsakes us and is right here with us.  God is not going anywhere, and neither is MCC Detroit during this time.  May you and your family and friends be safe and healthy during these weeks to come.

In hope and love,
Rev. Roland

 
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  • About
    • 50TH ANNIVERSARY
    • Pastoral Staff
    • MUSIC MINISTER
    • Our Values & Beliefs
  • Open Positions
  • Calendar
    • Spiritual Locations
    • Connection Groups
  • Give
  • Contact
    • Subscribe
  • Media
  • COVID-19
  • Rev. Roland's Reverb