South Carolina Conference Communications

Hello Disaster Friends, 

Though it is hard to tell how much is hype and how much is serious concern surrounding the current swine flu outbreak, I wanted to send this email out today to let you know that UMCOR is monitoring the situation and to offer some resources for your   use. 

First, I would encourage you to check the UMCOR website for current updates.   Both UMCOR Emergency Services and UMCOR Health are working to provide you with the most   up-to-date information.   Please check www.umcor.org  

This Sunday, May 3, many United Methodist Churches will include the service of Holy Communion as a   normal part of their worship.   The General Board of Discipleship has posted a   great resource for the handing of elements.  Please see:  http://tinyurl.com/dgxnh2 

For   excellent general information on preparing and responding to the flu outbreak there is a "Faith-Based & Community Organizations Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Checklist" available at:  http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/community/faithcomchecklist.html

There   was excellent advice from Rev. Diana Holbert, pastor of Grace United Methodist   Church in East Dallas that was posted in a Washington Post blog.  Rev. Holbert in an email she sent to her church members had these words of   counsel:"

1. If you are coughing or sneezing, it's probably a good idea to stay home. Let us know and we'll send you a cassette tape of the service if you like!" says the   pastor."

2. If you are well, I encourage you to come together to worship and to pray for those who are sick or panicked."

She said she planned to   preach this Sunday on the 23rd Psalm ("The Lord is my shepherd...") "Let's take a deeper look at what Psalm 23 has to say to us today. It may just be what the   Doctor ordered," she wrote.

"Breathe peace, not   germs." 

We   at UMCOR continue to pray for those who are sick and have lost loved ones already to this spreading virus. We will also continue to do all we can to offer information and respond as we are able. We encourage all United Methodists to, Be There and Be Hope.

Tom   Hazelwood
Assistant General   Secretary
UMCOR Emergency   Services U.S.
100 Maryland Ave. NE    Suite 315
Washington, DC    20002
Phone:   202.548.4002
Fax:    202.544.4116
Cell:    703.624.3224
www.umcor.org