March 2020

 

Dear Ikon Community Church Family:

 

As community and public health officials respond to the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in China and closely monitor its presence and progression in other parts of the world, we join in solidarity and prayer for those who have been affected by the coronavirus and their families, health workers who are endeavoring earnestly to diagnose and treat patients, and those under quarantine awaiting results of their screening for the virus. We pray for those most vulnerable including the elderly, those with autoimmune diseases, and those with limited or no healthcare.

 

We at Ikon hope and pray that governments will work together to improve all nations’ capacity to prevent, detect and respond to this virus. While new information is being released seemingly by the hour, we want to be sure not to panic but also to be vigilant and prepared. To that end and with the hopes of mitigating the risks of rapidly transmitting COVID-19 to those within our church who are most vulnerable, Ikon Community Church will NOT be meeting this Sunday, March 15, 2020. All Ikon activities will be canceled this week including community groups as well as the Women’s Night. 

 

As we receive more information from city, county and state leaders as well as public health officials, we will prayerfully decide if and when church gatherings will continue. Please stay connected to us via E-news and various social media handles (Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram) for updates and/or changes as they occur. In the meantime, here are a number of precautionary measures in preventing the spread of COVID-19:

 

• • Stay home if you are feeling sick.

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds.

  • Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.

  • Disinfect surfaces used regularly.

  • Use hand sanitizer that contains 60%-95% alcohol.

  • Avoid close contact with someone who is sick.

  • Practice these precautionary measures at home and pass this information along to family and friends.

 

If you have traveled internationally during the last 14 days, feel sick with fever or cough, or have difficulty breathing the CDC has several recommendations:

 

• Seek medical advice. Call ahead before you go to a doctor's office or emergency room.

• Tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.

• Avoid contact with others.

• Do not travel while sick.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing.

• Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%–95% alcohol immediately after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty.

 

We also urge individuals to stay informed as information becomes available by going to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

Let’s ensure that we are led by faith in concert with facts rather than fear and panic. We believe that God is sovereign and in control of all things. We also know that God cares deeply about us and the things that travail us. He will give us the wisdom and comfort we need to endure and move through this moment. 

 

Pastor Darryl Ford