COVID-19 GUIDANCE
March 20, 2020 - How To Watch Sunday Worship Livestream
How can I watch the Sunday Worship Livestream on Sunday at 4 PM? There are three platforms you can watch the livestream this Sunday. Option 1 is the way we are encouraging everyone to watch. Options 2 and 3 are secondary but available options.
Before explaining the three options, I want to share an important note regarding internet speed. Last week the livestream struggled some to keep up due to internet speed at church. We have requested an upgrade in speed, but the technician cannot come for at least a month. So, if loading the livestream is a problem for you this week, this is what you should know.
First, know that all livestreams will be made available afterwards on our website, Facebook, and YouTube. Watching a livestream after it has ended takes less internet speed and will allow you to watch it without a problem. The problem is due to the upload speed at the church, not the download speed at your house.
Therefore, second, if we have problems this week then we will just pre-record the livestream in advance, removing this obstacle. But, we want to try it one more time this week before moving to pre-recorded.
Three Options to Watch Livestream
Option 1 – newhopeny.online.church
We are trying this option for the next two weeks. This option allows you to not only see the livestream, but also to interact with others through a chat, follow along in sermon notes, and to request prayer from a leader. This option allows us to interact as much as possible without being in the same room. We encourage you to try this option and let us know how you like it.
Option 2 – New Hope Church Website
This allows you to watch this week’s livestream, as well as past sermons, on our website. This option is the easiest way to find previous video sermons moving forward. However, watching livestream from this option does not allow for interaction with others. This option is the easiest to find if someone does not know where to look for the livestream.
Option 3 – Facebook
This option allows for some interaction, but not as much as Option 1. However, the pro to this platform is the ability to share with others. Sharing the livestream on Facebook makes this the best option for trying to be missional with our livestream (see more on that below). In addition, once the livestream is over it will remain on this page, making it great for sharing with others afterwards also.
Why three platforms? Why not just one? There are two answers to that question. First, we want to know which option you like best. Giving you numerous options now allows us to find which works best moving forward.
Second, this gives us as much exposure as possible to try to reach others who are not connected to our church. We recognize that this is a hard time for everyone. People turn to churches during times of tragedy, but where do they turn when churches aren’t meeting in-person? They will turn to online churches seeking answers about God. Our desire is not only to create a livestream for our members to watch, but to create a livestream that reaches others with the gospel. The more platforms our livestream is on, the greater the opportunity to preach the gospel in this digital world. This is one of the ways we engage our city in this season.
We may go to one platform in the future, but these are your three options for at least the next two weeks. Option 1 requires a fee after two weeks to run the program that powers it, but for now we are on a free trial membership. We will consider the fee if we find it serves a unique purpose of creating community, although we are not in-person.
March 19, 2020
Yesterday we found out that someone in our congregation who attended our Worship Gathering this past Sunday tested positive for COVID-19. We are making this statement for two reasons. First, we want to make you aware so that all who were in attendance can take necessary steps to watch their health and get tested if you display any of the symptoms. Second, we ask for your prayers for this person. Pray for health, safety and quick recovery.
This congregant is doing well, in light of having the virus. Doctors expect a recovery and have no concerns for the congregant’s overall well-being. Deacons are already in the process of serving this person and making sure all needs are met.
Moving forward, all in-person church activities/gatherings are cancelled until further notice. This is already true in practice, but has not been officially stated. We ask all Community Groups to meet on Zoom and not in-person.
March 16, 2020
Due to the recommendation of the CDC[1], the President of the United States[2], and our Mayor[3], we are officially cancelling our Sunday Worship Gatherings through April 5, 2020, and most likely longer. We will be streaming our services on Facebook Live at 4 PM each week (www.facebook.com/newhopenyc).
In addition to streaming our service on Facebook each week, we will be having a church-wide bible study on Zoom every Tuesday night at 7:30 PM. Zoom is an online video chat that allows us to meet online via video for conversation, prayer and study of God’s Word. The link to join is https://zoom.us/j/5175572966. You will need to download the Zoom app on your computer, tablet, or phone.
We will periodically be posting additional podcasts and blogs with the hopes of encouraging you during this season. Our hearts break because we cannot see you in person every Sunday, but we will do our best to pastor and lead you well during this season. We love you and pray you often.
In times of uncertainty let us not lose hope. Christ has overcome all, therefore we can have hope through all. Turn to him and allow him to give you comfort.
[1] https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/coronavirus-outbreak-2-03-15-20-intl-hnk/h_1f5961e7d3f4247b27cb1e9e7b81c3be?utm_source=twCNN&utm_medium=social&utm_content=2020-03-16T00%3A11%3A38&utm_term=link
[2] https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/16/politics/white-house-guidelines-coronavirus/index.html
[3] https://twitter.com/nycgov/status/1239561924968398849/photo/1
March 13, 2020
In our statement yesterday, we mentioned that we had no plans to cancel our worship services this weekend. However, since then we have decided to adapt this weekend’s schedule. We have decided to cancel both Preschool and Kids classes this weekend. In addition, we are cancelling the 6 PM service. We will have our 4 PM worship gathering.
We recognize that cancelling Preschool and Kids will cause many to stay at home and not join us for public worship. Therefore, we will be broadcasting our 4 PM worship gathering on Facebook Live. Please go to our Facebook page at 4 PM and you will see the live broadcast there (www.facebook.com/newhopenyc). We encourage the vulnerable amongst us to stay home and watch the live broadcast.
In addition, Community Group Leaders, we have registered our church for an online video chat service. If you desire to meet online via video, please contact me and I will help your group get set up so that you can continue to meet in the coming weeks safely from your home.
There is a high probability that this schedule, stated above, will continue at least until Easter. Therefore, we will continue to communicate ways to stay connected. For starters, we encourage all of you to get into contact with your Community Group leader. If you are healthy, I think it would be a great idea to meet as a Community Group to worship together each Sunday @ 4 PM. It is helpful that we have Community Groups so that we can continue to be in community with a smaller and safer population in a room. If you are not in a Community Group, go to this link to find out how to get involved — https://www.newhopeny.org/community-groups.
We do not make these changes out of fear, but as an attempt to be respectful to local and state authorities, and as an attempt to keep those most vulnerable amongst us safe. We trust God’s sovereignty in this season and walk in the hope of the gospel.
March 12, 2020
Dear NEW HOPE CHURCH members and attendees,
NEW HOPE CHURCH is committed to the safety and well-being of our members and attendees. Therefore, NEW HOPE CHURCH adopts the following policy to address the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic. To that end, we continue to monitor the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and NYC Department of Public Health regarding coronavirus (COVID-19). We advise you to stay up to date as information about the coronavirus continues to evolve.
The best way to stay up to date, as far as New Hope is concerned, is to follow our Facebook (facebook.com/newhopenyc) and Twitter accounts (@newhopenyc), as well as Pastor Jonathan’s Twitter account (@jsnason). We will also send out important information via our email blast.
Will NEW HOPE CHURCH cancel Sunday Worship Gatherings and other events?
There are no plans to cancel Sunday Worship at this time, although we are cancelling the food during the fellowship time until further notice.
However, we will adhere to New York City rules: If the city prohibits gatherings of our size, we will comply with city recommendations and cancel Sunday services. We will monitor and follow guidelines from the CDC and New York Department of Health and send updates as needed.
For Community Groups, we leave that decision to each group. Be in contact with your group leader for updated information on whether your Community Group is still gathering.
Besides Sunday Worship and Community Groups, all other schedule activities are on a week by week basis. The Women’s Fellowship event for this Saturday (March 14, 2020) is cancelled.
If we were to cancel, we will provide information about how we intend to meet over the internet remotely. We are actively pursuing live broadcast options so that we can continue to worship, even if it is remotely. We are grateful that technology affords us that opportunity, if necessary.
It's important that facts outweigh fears and that we remain prayerful at this time. We encourage everyone to listen to health authorities, like the CDC, and follow common-sense precautions to protect themselves.
What is the 2019 Novel Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19. COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around one (1) out of every six (6) people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. About 2% of people with the disease have died. People with fever, cough or difficulty breathing should seek medical attention immediately.
How does the virus spread?
People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than 3 feet away from a person who is sick.
How long before symptoms of the virus appear?
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes at this time that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear between two (2) and 14 days after exposure.
What to do if you become ill.
If you experience fever, cough or difficulty breathing and you have 1) had contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient or 2) traveled to/from an affected area within 14 days of the onset of your symptoms, stay home and contact a healthcare provider for guidance.
Prevention
There are currently no vaccines available to protect against human coronavirus infection. To reduce your risk of infection:
● Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
● Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
● Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
● Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
● Avoid contact with animals while abroad, including live bird markets.
● Ensure food is thoroughly cooked, including eggs and meats.
● Seek medical assistance as soon as possible if you develop symptoms during or after travel, especially if the symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
Prayers of blessings,
Pastor Jonathan & Pastor Ajay