COVID-19 INFORMATION

March 17, 2020

Dear Shield of Faith Family, 

Pursuant to a recently issued Order from Travis County Judge prohibiting public and private community gatherings likely to bring together ten (10) or more persons at this time, we regret to inform you that we will be suspending Church gatherings for the foreseeable future.

During this time, we remain committed to our ongoing fellowship and spiritual growth. As such, we plan to offer the following:

  • Live streaming of our Adult Sunday School services beginning at 10 AM each Sunday
  • Live streaming of our Sunday AM Worship Service beginning at 11 AM each Sunday
  • Online giving platform to facilitate electronic contributions and processing of tithes and offerings

CLICK HERE to watch on You Tube

CLICK HERE to watch on FaceBook

As we continue to figure out and navigate these unprecedented times, I also want to encourage you to continue to be the personification of God’s great love to each other.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has identified people aged 60 and over as high risk for the coronavirus. If you have been lucky enough to secure extra cleaning and hygiene items (e.g., hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies), please consider donating or sharing them with your elderly, isolated or mobility-limited neighbors.

Some things you may consider include:

  • Calling or texting your neighbors and members of the Church family to see if they need assistance
  • Leaving a note on their door with your phone number, in case they don’t have it
  • Sharing needed items such as toilet paper, disinfectant wipes and sprays, paper towels, antibacterial soap
  • Volunteering to help with grocery shopping or other necessary errands permissible during this period of restricted movement

Finally, we are reminded of God’s divine grace which allows for His strength to be made more perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Therefore, let us resolve to join together in focused prayer in the following areas:

  • Pray that we’re driven by faith and not fear.
  • Pray for people who have been impacted by this virus around the world.
  • Pray for our missionary family and global partners.
  • Pray for the church to seize ministry opportunities.
  • Pray Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Please don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any questions or need assistance now and in the future. You can  contact me at frank@sofaog.org or Linus Akanoh at (512) 203-3476.

 

With warm regards,

Frank McIlhaney III

Senior Pastor 

 

ADDITIONAL GENERAL WELL-BEING, SAFETY, AND HYGEINE GUIDANCE - CLICK HERE

GENERAL WELL-BEING, SAFETY, AND HYGEINE GUIDANCE

  • To safeguard you and your family’s health and well-being, we highly encourage you to thoroughly review the guidelines on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) site for important guidance on health and safety measures you can take. If you feel sick, regardless of whether you believe it pertains to COVID-19, you should stay home.
  • Limit potential exposure to sick individuals by keeping a distance between yourself and other people who are coughing and sneezing.
  • Remember that masks are not advised for healthy individuals. To avoid wasting of limited resources and mis-use of masks, the World Health Organization (WHO) advises use of a mask only if you have respiratory symptoms (coughing or sneezing), have suspected COVID-19 infection with mild symptoms, or are caring for someone with suspected COVID-19 infection.
  • The WHO recommends that you practice good hand and respiratory hygiene to reduce exposure and transmission, including washing hands thoroughly and often, coughing/sneezing into your sleeve, and not touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Please make certain at all times that you are following the guidance of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including with respect to those at higher risk for serious illness (as outlined on the CDC’s website, this includes those over the age of 60, and those with serious chronic medical conditions). In these cases, consider limiting your exposure and working remotely.
  • At the Church, we are working to wipe down high-touch common areas/surface such as door handles, counters, etc. and ensure deep cleaning of our space will also be conducted. We are working to make personal hand sanitizers and wipes are available on the Church premises.
  • If we learn about a confirmed case of the virus within the Church community, we will coordinate with local health authorities and perform all recommended steps, which may include notifying potentially impacted persons, deep-cleaning, closing the Church based on the circumstances to protect your well-being and safety.
  • In any case where you are sick or feel uncomfortable attending Church Services, you should feel welcome and encouraged to stay home.
  • If you have had primary or direct exposure (e.g., in-person, same-room close contact with someone with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19) or if you have been in contact with someone that has traveled to/from any of the restricted areas, you should seek guidance from your healthcare provider, notify us at the Church, and remain at home for 14 days from the last known time you were exposed to the diagnosed individual. In no event should you come to Church or visit other locations.
  • If you become ill or experience symptoms consistent with COVID-19, seek medical attention immediately. Refrain from being in contact with others until you have been cleared by your doctor.
  • Be sure to stay apprised with information from reputable sources, such as the WHO for the latest information and guidance on COVID-19.