Yesterday CBC radio's The Current had a panel discussion on immunization against the H1N1 flu virus. The concern is that it will be back with a vengeance in the Fall and the question is, who gets vaccinated first? One of the panelists was Dr. Francoise Baylis, a bioethics prof at Dalhousie and a former parishioner.
You wouldn't be aware that clergy are urged to get flu shots every year because of our contact with the public and the time we spend in institutions with the sick and elderly. During my years in Nova Scotia the public had to pay for a flu shot but mine was free because I was considered a frontline worker. Here clinic times are set up for clergy.
While it seemed as though the impact of H1N1 was overblown earlier this year, the possibility of a pandemic is real. I have chatted with colleagues about the impact of a pandemic on worshipping communities. If we are required to avoid group gatherings public worship would be in jeopardy for a while. The impact would be considerable, including financially. We'll trust in God's guidance along the way, but part of that guidance may be developing a pandemic strategy for congregations.
I find with us being away a lot in the summer, I am able to "catch up" by reading your blog. If there were a pandemic maybe a way to reach people would be youtube videos, blogs etc. As for financial implications, maybe more people would go on PAR. Just my thoughts on the topic for today.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back Nancy. You're right that the internet is a really good way to stay connected. Unfortunately the "senior set" tend not to use the internet in the same way, although that is slowly changing.
ReplyDeleteIn the past few years we have used Pre-Authorized Remittance. For a long time we felt that the act of putting offering on the plate was an important liturgical moment. Ruth still puts the PAR card on the plate and we don't have to worry about calculating "catch-up" when we are away on vacation.
I got an email today from one of the congregations of the ministerial outlining its pandemic plan. We need to develop one.