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A Sunday Without Church: In Crisis, a Nation Asks, ‘What Is Community?’ A Sunday Without Church: In Crisis, a Nation Asks, ‘What Is Community?’
(1 day later)
COLUMBIA, MD. — It was Sunday morning, and the vast parking lots of Bridgeway Community Church sat empty.COLUMBIA, MD. — It was Sunday morning, and the vast parking lots of Bridgeway Community Church sat empty.
Instead of greeting thousands of worshipers, volunteers stood in the damp cold, ready to explain to anyone who might not have heard that services are now online only, at least until the threat of Covid-19 has passed.Instead of greeting thousands of worshipers, volunteers stood in the damp cold, ready to explain to anyone who might not have heard that services are now online only, at least until the threat of Covid-19 has passed.
Inside, the Missions Cafe was closed. The halls no longer resounded with congregants singing or children racing to Sunday school. For a church whose stated mission is to be a multicultural community “where people were sad they had to wait a week to come back,” waiting took on a whole new meaning.Inside, the Missions Cafe was closed. The halls no longer resounded with congregants singing or children racing to Sunday school. For a church whose stated mission is to be a multicultural community “where people were sad they had to wait a week to come back,” waiting took on a whole new meaning.
This week, as the coronavirus has spread, one American ritual after another has vanished. March Madness is gone. No more morning gym workouts or lunches with co-workers. No more visits to grandparents in nursing homes. The Boston Marathon, held through war and weather since 1897, was postponed.This week, as the coronavirus has spread, one American ritual after another has vanished. March Madness is gone. No more morning gym workouts or lunches with co-workers. No more visits to grandparents in nursing homes. The Boston Marathon, held through war and weather since 1897, was postponed.
And now it was a Sunday without church. Governors from Kentucky to Maryland to North Carolina moved to shut down services, hoping to slow the disease’s spread. Catholic dioceses stopped public Mass, and some parishes limited attendance at funerals and weddings to immediate family. On Sunday morning the Vatican closed the coming Holy Week services to the public.And now it was a Sunday without church. Governors from Kentucky to Maryland to North Carolina moved to shut down services, hoping to slow the disease’s spread. Catholic dioceses stopped public Mass, and some parishes limited attendance at funerals and weddings to immediate family. On Sunday morning the Vatican closed the coming Holy Week services to the public.
The number of Americans who regularly attend a church service has been steadily declining in recent years. Many have left the traditions of their childhood, finding solace and identity in new ways. But for the one in three adults who attend religious services weekly, the cancellations have meant a life rhythm disrupted. And for the broader country, canceled services were another symbol of a lost chance to be still, to breathe and to gather together in one of the oldest ways humans know, just when such things were needed most.The number of Americans who regularly attend a church service has been steadily declining in recent years. Many have left the traditions of their childhood, finding solace and identity in new ways. But for the one in three adults who attend religious services weekly, the cancellations have meant a life rhythm disrupted. And for the broader country, canceled services were another symbol of a lost chance to be still, to breathe and to gather together in one of the oldest ways humans know, just when such things were needed most.
Across the country, congregations made do on Sunday. As national warnings against large gatherings rose, some churches chose to gather in person anyway. Others buckled down and tried something new. In interviews, Americans who attend churches large and small — from Minneapolis to Louisville to Raleigh, N.C. — described how they had been faring these last few days without an important anchor in their lives.Across the country, congregations made do on Sunday. As national warnings against large gatherings rose, some churches chose to gather in person anyway. Others buckled down and tried something new. In interviews, Americans who attend churches large and small — from Minneapolis to Louisville to Raleigh, N.C. — described how they had been faring these last few days without an important anchor in their lives.
On stage in the auditorium at Bridgeway on Sunday, the worship team performed as pink and purple spotlights swirled, this time reflecting off more than 1,000 empty chairs. “Our God is greater, our God is stronger,” they sang. “Into the darkness you shine, out of the ashes we rise.”On stage in the auditorium at Bridgeway on Sunday, the worship team performed as pink and purple spotlights swirled, this time reflecting off more than 1,000 empty chairs. “Our God is greater, our God is stronger,” they sang. “Into the darkness you shine, out of the ashes we rise.”
Volunteers in the back at the food pantry still packed hundreds of bags, complete with packages of meat and rolls of toilet paper, for the dozens of families they serve each week.Volunteers in the back at the food pantry still packed hundreds of bags, complete with packages of meat and rolls of toilet paper, for the dozens of families they serve each week.
Church leaders sitting in a conference room chatted with hundreds of congregants who tuned in through Facebook Live. When it was time to take communion, the pastor, Dr. David Anderson, urged people to use whatever they had in their kitchens. “Not Corona,” he joked. Some used Ritz crackers and water, others cranberry juice or coffee.Church leaders sitting in a conference room chatted with hundreds of congregants who tuned in through Facebook Live. When it was time to take communion, the pastor, Dr. David Anderson, urged people to use whatever they had in their kitchens. “Not Corona,” he joked. Some used Ritz crackers and water, others cranberry juice or coffee.
In his office, Dr. Anderson paused to consider this strange new moment for America.In his office, Dr. Anderson paused to consider this strange new moment for America.
“It might force people to really ask some deeper spiritual questions,” he said. “What is the church? What is community?”“It might force people to really ask some deeper spiritual questions,” he said. “What is the church? What is community?”
In northeast Minneapolis, Stephanie O’Brien got the email just after noon on Friday: Worship on Sunday at her church, Mill City, was canceled. The public elementary school where the church meets each week was pulling all permits, until at least the day after Easter Sunday, to guard against the virus.In northeast Minneapolis, Stephanie O’Brien got the email just after noon on Friday: Worship on Sunday at her church, Mill City, was canceled. The public elementary school where the church meets each week was pulling all permits, until at least the day after Easter Sunday, to guard against the virus.
So much in this world is uncertain that even the small consistency of gathering each week can become the most certain part of someone’s life, said Ms. O’Brien, a co-pastor.So much in this world is uncertain that even the small consistency of gathering each week can become the most certain part of someone’s life, said Ms. O’Brien, a co-pastor.
“It’s like pulling the string, an unraveling of the social fabric,” she said. “I also don’t want people to lose their sense of meaning and purpose.”“It’s like pulling the string, an unraveling of the social fabric,” she said. “I also don’t want people to lose their sense of meaning and purpose.”
But in the 12 years since she started the church, she had seen that this was a group that instinctively jumped in to help one another. Each Sunday, worshipers arrived at the school early to help transform the auditorium into their sanctuary, and pack it all up again when they finish.But in the 12 years since she started the church, she had seen that this was a group that instinctively jumped in to help one another. Each Sunday, worshipers arrived at the school early to help transform the auditorium into their sanctuary, and pack it all up again when they finish.
And sure enough, this Saturday morning, when she checked on the church’s Facebook group, a young couple had shared a flyer they had designed, and encouraged others to print out and distribute on their blocks.And sure enough, this Saturday morning, when she checked on the church’s Facebook group, a young couple had shared a flyer they had designed, and encouraged others to print out and distribute on their blocks.
“Need someone to watch your kids so you can go to work?” it said. “Need someone to pick up groceries, medicine, home supplies, etc.? Need someone to help you find free food? Need something else?”“Need someone to watch your kids so you can go to work?” it said. “Need someone to pick up groceries, medicine, home supplies, etc.? Need someone to help you find free food? Need something else?”
“We’re young, currently healthy people with relatively flexible schedules,” it said. “Please call, text, or email us.”“We’re young, currently healthy people with relatively flexible schedules,” it said. “Please call, text, or email us.”
Minutes later, another congregant had it translated and posted for distribution in Spanish.Minutes later, another congregant had it translated and posted for distribution in Spanish.
Joy Horde has been “planting roots,” as she calls it, at Ridgewood Baptist Church in Louisville for 53 years. She and her husband Cecil came as newlyweds in 1967 with a young baby, and two decades later she was the first woman to be made a deacon. They still attend each week, with their daughters, grandchildren, and even two great-grandchildren.Joy Horde has been “planting roots,” as she calls it, at Ridgewood Baptist Church in Louisville for 53 years. She and her husband Cecil came as newlyweds in 1967 with a young baby, and two decades later she was the first woman to be made a deacon. They still attend each week, with their daughters, grandchildren, and even two great-grandchildren.
Usually their Sunday starts early, when they sit at home to go over the Bible study they teach together for the seniors’ group. At church, they make coffee to serve to people in the foyer. Mr. Horde, 81, sings in the choir — “I’m a baritone,” he explained.Usually their Sunday starts early, when they sit at home to go over the Bible study they teach together for the seniors’ group. At church, they make coffee to serve to people in the foyer. Mr. Horde, 81, sings in the choir — “I’m a baritone,” he explained.
In their class, each person shares prayer requests, which they write down to remember through the week. Recently they’ve been praying for one man’s brother. They thought his health was improving, but this past Wednesday, he developed blood clots. The group kept praying.In their class, each person shares prayer requests, which they write down to remember through the week. Recently they’ve been praying for one man’s brother. They thought his health was improving, but this past Wednesday, he developed blood clots. The group kept praying.
That same day, for the first time that the Hordes could remember, they learned their whole church would have to stay home.That same day, for the first time that the Hordes could remember, they learned their whole church would have to stay home.
Updated June 30, 2020
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
“I’m not blind to the fact that we are well into the age group that is probably the most — where there will be the most loss of life,” Ms. Horde said.“I’m not blind to the fact that we are well into the age group that is probably the most — where there will be the most loss of life,” Ms. Horde said.
“We are the endangered species!” Mr. Horde said, with a chuckle.“We are the endangered species!” Mr. Horde said, with a chuckle.
In their isolation, they remain together, texting with their class members to check in on friends who had surgery, keeping the prayer chain going on the phone, and sending notes when someone has a birthday.In their isolation, they remain together, texting with their class members to check in on friends who had surgery, keeping the prayer chain going on the phone, and sending notes when someone has a birthday.
“We’ll sometimes pick up a sandwich and go to the river for lunch, sit in the car where the sun is shining and everything is nice,” Ms. Horde said.“We’ll sometimes pick up a sandwich and go to the river for lunch, sit in the car where the sun is shining and everything is nice,” Ms. Horde said.
Jennifer Thurman walked through the doors of Ridgewood about 20 years ago, “asking the questions I ask and having people be enthusiastic about that.” Closing feels hard to comprehend, more like a strange snow day.Jennifer Thurman walked through the doors of Ridgewood about 20 years ago, “asking the questions I ask and having people be enthusiastic about that.” Closing feels hard to comprehend, more like a strange snow day.
“As weeks go by, I think we will feel the loss of the space and physically able to be together,” she said. “We don’t know how many Sundays this is going to be.”“As weeks go by, I think we will feel the loss of the space and physically able to be together,” she said. “We don’t know how many Sundays this is going to be.”
In this new season, Gwen Graham plans to call people who usually sit near her pew at Wilson Temple even more often than normal, to see how they are doing and whether they need a large-print copy of the church’s weekly devotional. She’ll keep doing her routine grocery shopping for her 93-year-old church friend up the street, whose aunt had first introduced her to the church 30 years ago.In this new season, Gwen Graham plans to call people who usually sit near her pew at Wilson Temple even more often than normal, to see how they are doing and whether they need a large-print copy of the church’s weekly devotional. She’ll keep doing her routine grocery shopping for her 93-year-old church friend up the street, whose aunt had first introduced her to the church 30 years ago.
“Sometimes you just have to be in that house of worship,” she said. “But we’ll make it.”“Sometimes you just have to be in that house of worship,” she said. “But we’ll make it.”
The church, on Oberlin Road in Raleigh, is her family, small and intimate, “like it is down home,” said Ms. Graham, 67.The church, on Oberlin Road in Raleigh, is her family, small and intimate, “like it is down home,” said Ms. Graham, 67.
“You can always count on someone,” she said. “Roxie called yesterday. She said, ‘Girl, where are you, I haven’t heard from you!’”“You can always count on someone,” she said. “Roxie called yesterday. She said, ‘Girl, where are you, I haven’t heard from you!’”
Roxie Floyd, 60, chairs the church council and has been making sure the phone tree runs smoothly. Each elderly person in the church gets a call at least every two days, she said. The tradition of caring for one another goes back to 1865, when free people of color started the congregation.Roxie Floyd, 60, chairs the church council and has been making sure the phone tree runs smoothly. Each elderly person in the church gets a call at least every two days, she said. The tradition of caring for one another goes back to 1865, when free people of color started the congregation.
“Jim Crow didn’t stop our church, the 60s didn’t stop our church, race riots didn’t stop our church, lynching didn’t stop our church,” she said. “It gives you a strength and hardening of character to weather storms, that we will persevere through the worst times and come out on the other side stronger.”“Jim Crow didn’t stop our church, the 60s didn’t stop our church, race riots didn’t stop our church, lynching didn’t stop our church,” she said. “It gives you a strength and hardening of character to weather storms, that we will persevere through the worst times and come out on the other side stronger.”
Nearby in Chapel Hill, Ben Williams looked out over the empty pews of Christ United Methodist Church on Sunday and prepared to lead worship, this time into a camera. In living rooms across town, congregants followed along with a liturgy he had sent out.Nearby in Chapel Hill, Ben Williams looked out over the empty pews of Christ United Methodist Church on Sunday and prepared to lead worship, this time into a camera. In living rooms across town, congregants followed along with a liturgy he had sent out.
Maybe, he hoped, by filming the service experience in the sanctuary, complete with music, worship leaders might help normalize things in the midst of things that are not normal. The worship pastor had even written a “Hymn for Handwashing,” to the tune of “Amazing Grace”:Maybe, he hoped, by filming the service experience in the sanctuary, complete with music, worship leaders might help normalize things in the midst of things that are not normal. The worship pastor had even written a “Hymn for Handwashing,” to the tune of “Amazing Grace”:
“Amazing soap! How sweet the smell, that keeps our hands germ free! Please wash your hands, and dry them, too, that we might healthy be.”“Amazing soap! How sweet the smell, that keeps our hands germ free! Please wash your hands, and dry them, too, that we might healthy be.”
“It will feel somewhat strange, right?” Mr. Williams said. “What we’ve said is, you are still with us.”“It will feel somewhat strange, right?” Mr. Williams said. “What we’ve said is, you are still with us.”