CHRISTIAN WOMEN CONNECTION (CWC)
AMID COVID-19 | CORONA PANDEMIC
AMID COVID-19 | CORONA PANDEMIC
Our dear sisters and friends, we are in a season that we’ve never seen before, and that is changing moment by moment. We are all concerned about our loved ones, ourselves, our country, our future, and our church ministries.
We want to encourage you to remember the promises of God:
We want to encourage you to remember the promises of God:
He is with you.
He is your refuge.
He is your strength.
He is your peace.
He is your refuge.
He is your strength.
He is your peace.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Because the CDC and the Indiana State Health Department have recommended “social distancing” to slow down and prevent the spread of COVID-19, we are implementing a CWC Board approved, organized strategy that enables us to operate our normal business hours from our respective homes, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. This will enable us to continue to serve you as well as protect others, our loved ones, and each other.
The Coronavirus outbreak is changing the way we operate but is not altering our mission. Our mission remains the same: “To build relationships with women everywhere, and to provide ministry resources to the Church of God and to other groups for connecting women through relationships, spiritual formation, and service, and to train and empower women for leadership in peacebuilding and reconciliation.” Please know, we are dedicated to safely continue the work and ministry of Christian Women Connection and ask that we can rely on your prayers, continued support, and connection through this pandemic season.
There are over 2,000 Church of God congregations in the United States and Canada that are making careful decisions concerning their events and gatherings. Many of our local and state groups have relied on spring events to equip, encourage, and empower our women through the year, and there are several amazing events that have been planned. We have seen a few postponed and canceled CWC events online. If you are changing any events that the National Office needs to be aware of, please send this information to frontdesk@wchog.org. We will update our website and Facebook pages accordingly.
We are striving to follow the CDC guidelines for faith-based organizations and encourage all CWC local and state groups to follow them as well. Please remember, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Currently, no vaccine exists to prevent COVID-19. Communities are encouraged to follow CDC recommendations to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases ― including the flu:
https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/3-17-20-faith-and-community-based-covid-19-faq.pdf
So, how do we continue to build, strengthen, and encourage relationships when we are recommended to social distance? We suggest staying connected to your group leaders, members, and sisters in Christ through the following ways:
As we navigate this new normal for now, let us come together and encourage one another in unique ways. Our hearts are experiencing trauma, grief, and uncertainty, but we follow a God who has designated each of our steps, and there is hope and joy in knowing Him and knowing He always has control.
Sincerely,
Rev. Dr. Arnetta McNeese Bailey
Executive Director
Christian Women Connection
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Because the CDC and the Indiana State Health Department have recommended “social distancing” to slow down and prevent the spread of COVID-19, we are implementing a CWC Board approved, organized strategy that enables us to operate our normal business hours from our respective homes, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. This will enable us to continue to serve you as well as protect others, our loved ones, and each other.
The Coronavirus outbreak is changing the way we operate but is not altering our mission. Our mission remains the same: “To build relationships with women everywhere, and to provide ministry resources to the Church of God and to other groups for connecting women through relationships, spiritual formation, and service, and to train and empower women for leadership in peacebuilding and reconciliation.” Please know, we are dedicated to safely continue the work and ministry of Christian Women Connection and ask that we can rely on your prayers, continued support, and connection through this pandemic season.
There are over 2,000 Church of God congregations in the United States and Canada that are making careful decisions concerning their events and gatherings. Many of our local and state groups have relied on spring events to equip, encourage, and empower our women through the year, and there are several amazing events that have been planned. We have seen a few postponed and canceled CWC events online. If you are changing any events that the National Office needs to be aware of, please send this information to frontdesk@wchog.org. We will update our website and Facebook pages accordingly.
We are striving to follow the CDC guidelines for faith-based organizations and encourage all CWC local and state groups to follow them as well. Please remember, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Currently, no vaccine exists to prevent COVID-19. Communities are encouraged to follow CDC recommendations to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases ― including the flu:
- Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds ― especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and 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.
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, especially your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Thoroughly and repeatedly clean high-contact surfaces and objects.
- Review your process for planning events, programs, and services. Identify actions to take if you need to temporarily postpone or cancel events, programs, and services.
- Identify space in your facility to separate individuals who may become sick and cannot leave immediately.
- Stop any stigma related to COVID-19 by knowing the facts and by sharing them with others in your community (COVID-19: Recommended Preventative Practices and FAQs for Faith-based and Community Leaders)
https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/3-17-20-faith-and-community-based-covid-19-faq.pdf
So, how do we continue to build, strengthen, and encourage relationships when we are recommended to social distance? We suggest staying connected to your group leaders, members, and sisters in Christ through the following ways:
- Make weekly calls to those who are unable to use online media such as video chat and social media.
- If there is anyone sick in your group, collaborate with your local church or women’s group to deliver food and goods to their doorstep.
- Arrange a regular meeting online through group video chat or conference call to stay connected and encouraged.
- Use Facebook or Instagram to post live videos of encouragement and devotions.
- Send encouraging cards to those working on the front lines such as medical, hospitals, nursing homes, and emergency response teams.
As we navigate this new normal for now, let us come together and encourage one another in unique ways. Our hearts are experiencing trauma, grief, and uncertainty, but we follow a God who has designated each of our steps, and there is hope and joy in knowing Him and knowing He always has control.
Sincerely,
Rev. Dr. Arnetta McNeese Bailey
Executive Director
Christian Women Connection
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