MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Several churches are now streaming their Sunday services and Wednesday bible study online or on social media. But besides getting the good news to their congregations, Local 24 News Weeknight Anchor Katina Rankin wanted to know how they were spreading Memphis Love.
We all know the local church exists for evangelism, drawing people to the Christian faith. But now that local church services in a building are on hold temporarily due to COVID-19, we wanted to see how churches around the city are helping their members and Memphis neighbors.
At Hope Church, they’re helping healthcare professionals.
“City officials have asked the Memphis Community for protective masks to help our healthcare facilities in this area, and so our quilting ministry got together and they have been sewing masks they are going to deliver at the end of the week,” said Hope Church Executive Pastor Brian Albrecht.
Over at Greater Community Temple, they’re thinking about children.
“We even have online services for our young people to find something to do while their online, away from school,” said Greater Community Temple Senior Pastor Bishop Brandon B. Porter.
At Abyssinian M.B. Church, they’re advocating for social justice like a rent and mortgage freeze, plus, “We advocate that those in the community that suffer so much from medical to economic disparities get resources that they need. So this is beyond food,” said Abyssinian MB Church Senior Pastor Earle Fisher.
Speaking of food, here’s what Christ Church Memphis is doing.
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“We created a new way to work with Christ Community Health Services where we are going to be delivering lunches to them over the next weeks. This supports our local restaurants in the city while also supporting those healthcare workers serving on the front line,” said Christ Church Memphis Director of Local Missions Grant Caldwell.
Above all else, they say they are showing Memphis love by, “We are praying for each and everyone one of you,” said Porter.
We want to see how you’re showing Memphis Love during this COVID-19 pandemic too. Send us photos showing us how by texting 901-321-7520.
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Coronavirus in Context:
The symptoms of coronavirus are similar to the flu or a bad cold. Symptoms include a fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Most healthy people will have mild symptoms. A study of more than 72,000 patients by the Centers for Disease Control in China showed 80-percent of the cases there were mild.
But infections can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death, according to the World Health Organization. Older people with underlying health conditions are most at risk.
The CDC believes symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after being exposed.
Lower your risk
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- If you are 60 or over and have an underlying health condition such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD, the World Health Organization advises you to try to avoid crowds or places where you might interact with people who are sick.