[m-m-online] Minister to Minister - Special Edition

[Minister to Minister online]

Minister to Minister Online
Special Edition
Thursday, April 30, 2009
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Concern regarding the Pandemic Flu continues to increase in the state of 
Texas. Governor Perry announced a disaster declaration yesterday which 
will allow the state to begin emergency protective measures and seek 
reimbursement from the federal government. In addition Texas officials 
have postponed all public high school athletic and academic competitions 
until May 11. At least one county has closed all public schools until 
May 11. That county's leaders have asked private schools to also close, 
which our Lutheran school has agreed to do.

Let me encourage you and the members of your congregation to use common 
sense as you address this issue, be aware of what is happening in your 
community and work with your community leaders. Certainly we should take 
whatever precautionary measures we can, but at the same time be ready to 
respond to needs in your community as people of God living in grace and 
love. Let us encourage one another to boldly proclaim God's love for all 
people in Jesus Christ through word and deeds during this time.

Resource information gathered by Dr. Lou Jander, our District Disaster 
Coordinator, is included below and posted on our website. He shares 
ideas for congregations and a number of websites that you might find 
helpful. The District Staff will continue to monitor the situation and 
give updates when necessary. Please let us know how we might be of 
assistance through contacting the office or the Blog. President 
Kieschnick will also be sending out communication regarding this issue 
to the entire Synod.

Let us petition our heavenly Father to stop this virus. Let us also 
remember the people who are dealing directly with this disease, and the 
families who have lost loved ones through this disease. Our God is 
gracious and powerful. We find our rest in Him alone.
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Brothers and sisters in Christ,

With the flooding around parts of Houston and the Swine flu information, 
the newspapers and news media have been keeping busy. There have been a 
number of different actions taking place in response to what the media 
has been calling Pandemic. When the word was first used, I thought it a 
good idea to get a definition…here it is:

“A pandemic (from Greek) is an epidemic of infectious disease that 
spreads through populations across a large region; for instance a 
continent, or even worldwide.” According to the World Health 
Organization (WHO) “a pandemic can start when three conditions have been 
met:

* Emergence of a disease new to a population.
* Agents infect humans, causing serious illness.
* Agents spread easily and sustainably among humans.

A disease or condition is not a pandemic merely because it is widespread 
or kills many people; it must also be infectious. For instance, cancer 
is responsible for many deaths but is not considered a pandemic, because 
the disease is not infectious or contagious.”

So, just how does the church respond? How do the leaders of our 
congregations deal with the issue? Here are a few thoughts:

1. Have a meeting of key leaders to discuss how this situation might be 
handled in regard to cancelations of meetings, closing of schools, 
nursery care, worship services, distribution of communion, baptisms, etc.

2. Have a couple of people in the congregation really stay on top of 
developments and how the local community is responding and keep the 
leadership informed.

3. If you have a parish nurse or someone who has some medical training, 
it would be well to seek their input.

4. Be sensitive to the way your local community is responding and 
provide “Christian support and encouragement.”

5. Regularly check the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 
website for updates. http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

6. Another resource would be the U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services.
http://www.hhs.gov/

7. The Texas District Disaster: Reports – Relief – Response blog will 
provide you with updated information and provide a place for individuals 
to share how and what they are doing in response. It’s indeed important 
to hear what others are
doing. http://disaster-reports-response-relief.blogspot.com/

8. You can also stay in touch with what is happening in Texas by 
visiting the Texas Department of State Health Services web site: 
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/swineflu/default.shtm

9. Don’t create a “panic” but rather an intentional response to a 
potential health issue.

It is important that we live in the faith and hope that is so much a 
part of who we are as God’s people. We trust in the Lord and seek His 
guidance in response to what happens around us. We seek His strength and 
courage to be in ministry to one another and to the people in our 
communities.

Again, I want to encourage you to share your questions, actions, and 
thoughts on the Texas District Disaster Blog mentioned above. Let’s move 
in response to how the Lord would be in ministry.
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ABLAZE! TEXAS
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