—From the Downtown Church Shepherds

Many DC members would like to know what Downtown is doing in response to the health threat posed by the Coronavirus. We want to be Jesus in our community. Many elderly and immunocompromised will need to stay home. Also, many of our friends and neighbors will need help as they take a financial hit during this season of “social distancing.” The church office will coordinate food and supply deliveries, financial distribution and child care. If you are able/willing to help with any of these needs, call our office at 501-268-5383.

1. There will be no gatherings, services or classes held at the Downtown Church campus through the end of March.

2. Small groups are encouraged to use the CDC’s recommendations when determining if groups should meet. Consider resources such as RightNow Media and streaming services.

3. As mentioned above, the DC office will strive to coordinate aid for those impacted by COVID-19. Please contact the office if you need help with grocery shopping, getting to appointments, financial assistance, childcare, etc.

The Downtown leaders do not want to cause undue alarm. As a community of believers, “we do not live with a Spirit of fear but instead one of love, power, and self-control” (2 Tim. 1:7).

The above decisions are based on reports from the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Several health care professionals from Downtown wish to emphasize:

• Coronavirus has up to a two-week incubation period during which time the individual can be infected but not show symptoms while spreading the virus.

• The virus seems primarily to spread from person-to-person via respiratory droplets, or by touching contaminated surfaces. The virus may remain infectious for up to nine days on these surfaces.

In spite of the decision to cancel services, Downtown has financial commitments which must be met. Please send your regular contributions to the DC office, attention Bethany Palmer. If you would like to give above and beyond your regular contribution, please indicate by writing “Local Help” in the memo line. If giving in REALM, please select “OTHER GENERAL CONTRIBUTIONS” from the drop-down menu.

We encourage our members to be mindful of others and take the following CDC precautions:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol.

• To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces.

• Wash your hands after touching surfaces in public places.

• Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.

• Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs.

• Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.

• Avoid all non-essential travel.

• If you are ill with fever and/or a cough, stay home and see your PCP.