LETTER FROM PASTOR JOHNSON
Dear Zion Hill MBC-Acworth Family and Friends:
We are closely monitoring the COVID-19/Coronavirus situation as news of this health threat continues to develop. Our primary aim is to insure the health, safety, and wellness of everyone connected to our family of faith. In an effort to keep members and visitors safe from the Coronavirus, Zion Hill – Acworth has moved its Sunday Worship Service online starting on March 15, 2020. Please join us! This will be available in the following platforms:
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On our web site homepage at www.zionhillacworth.org
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Through our recorded feed on YouTube
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A link on our Facebook page
Our Wednesday Bible Study is live online each and every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. starting on March 18, 2020 on Zoom.com. If you are interested in attending please email me to receive the registration link.
As decisions are made and we need to communicate information, we will do so as quickly as possible. Our Leadership Team continues to monitor the reports from our local, state, and national governments, and we are prayerfully considering each suggestion as it relates to our church family and community. Already, Acworth City Council and Mayor Tommy Allegood declared “A State of Emergency” and “shelter in place” mandate for the City of Acworth pursuant to the dangers to public health presented by the novel coronavirus.
No business, establishment, corporation, or organization shall allow more than (10) persons to be gathered in a single location if such gathering requires persons to stand or be seated within six (6) feet of any other person. In addition, all persons shall shelter in place (stay at home) as much as possible. People should only leave their homes to go to work, to obtain food, medical treatment, medication, or for an emergency.
Because this is a fluid situation, it is best for you to continue to check the latest guidance and information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). However, below are some of the best practices and basic precautions on the latest guidance from the CDC. Some of these everyday precautions are focused on good hygiene measures and can be easily implemented into your daily routine.
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Stay at home if you are feeling sick
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Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
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Disinfect surfaces regularly
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Use hand sanitizer
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Avoid close contact with someone who is sick
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Limiting close contact with others as much as possible (about 6 feet)
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Do not travel while sick
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Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing
It is important to note that this information, while gathered from a number of sources, is far from complete, so continue to check the CDC website, Georgia Department of Public Health, and World Health Organization to keep abreast to the situation in the U.S. If transmission of the Coronavirus changes significantly, changes in hygiene protocols may be suggested to optimize protection.
COVID-19 Resources
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) at https://www.cdc.gov/
Georgia Department of Health at https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus
World Health Organization (WHO) at https://www.who.int/
HAVE YOU BEEN EXPOSED?
If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) this is what you should do… CALL YOUR DOCTOR if you believe you have been exposed and have developed symptoms such as: fever, a dry cough and/or difficulty breathing. It is important that you call your healthcare provider, doctor or local health department for medical advice. Call ahead before going so the provider can take precautions when you arrive. Testing guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) change frequently. Please visit their site for updates on their guidance about who should be tested.
AM I HIGH RISK AND IF SO WHAT SHOULD I DO?
People at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider early, even if their illness is mild. Those who are considered at a higher risk are:
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Older adults
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People with serious chronic medical conditions like Heart Disease, Diabetes, and Lung Disease
THE IMPORTANCE OF GIVING
As a church body, your tithe and offering is extremely important, and we ask that you continue to give faithfully in this area. All of your giving during this unprecedented time will strengthen our church to minister to the people of our own community and beyond. You can give your tithes and additional financial contributions online. Additionally, if you prefer you can mail your financial gift to Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 4255 Taylor Street, Acworth, GA 30101.
JOIN US FOR PRAYER
In these days of uncertainty and anxiety, we have an opportunity to demonstrate our faith by praying for those in our community and around the world. I invite you to use the Church’s Prayer Calendar, as well as the seven-day prayer guide from LifeWay at https://s7d9.scene7.com/is/content/LifeWayChristianResources/7-Day%20Coronavirus%20Prayer%20Guide-pdf.pdf.
Look for regular updates via the Zion Hill MBC Acworth website and social media platforms. In the meantime, we encourage you to remain vigilant in precautions at home, and check on your neighbors, especially the elderly and those in fragile health.
In His Service,
Rev. Dr. Frank Johnson and First Lady Velyna Johnson