A Health Update

Elder VP Cheryl Frenkel, RN, JCAHO Surveyor, 3/25/20

I was surveying in a hospital in Michigan last week and saw first hand as the first cases of Covid-19 were diagnosed. A special unit of the hospital was set up to ONLY handle those cases with dedicated staff with special protection to care for them. Those in this unit were very sick on breathing machines. This unit was kept locked to ensure that no one unauthorized could enter. I have talked to colleagues working in hospitals and those who are seeing it remind us to TAKE THIS VERY SERIOUSLY.

We can do this without panic by remembering to follow some simple rules:

(1) Stay home if you are sick and try to stay away from others in the home.

(2) Practice social distancing when outside (meaning at least 6 feet apart or two arm lengths).

(3) Handwashing for at least 20 seconds or two rounds of singing Happy Birthday or using hand sanitizer.

(4) Avoid touching your face, nose and eyes.

(5) Wear a mask if you are coughing to avoid coughing on others.

(6) Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or clothing.

(7) Greet each other with a wave or bow (maintaining the social distance).

(8) Work at home if possible.

(9) There is some anecdotal evidence that those who got the virus and took an Ibuprofen product like Advil were much sicker than those who took Tylenol (acetaminophen) so if possible take Tylenol if needed. We don’t have aggregate data on this, but I think it’s a case of better safe than sorry!

My company has a short morning online session each day. Today started with guessing the theme which was MISSION IMPOSSIBLE. It seems like this may be, but we will get through it. The GOOD news is that since we are seeing a surge in NYC early in the country we should expect to get through it earlier than the rest of the country. God Bless all of Us!

Welcome...

We are part of a Tradition that has stood the test of time. Our church has been in Sunnyside, NY for over 100 years and our denomination is the oldest in America!

We will be here today, tomorrow and the day after.

We will not judge nor will we try to change you.

We will introduce you to the Living Christ who can open your heart and mind to the wonder of life and the mystery of the life to come.

For some time, the leaders and members of Sunnyside Reformed Church have wanted to offer an expression of solidarity with those who are at risk in the current political climate. For example, immigrants seeking asylum who are coming to our country out of desperation and fear. We understand that many people expect churches to remain silent on political issues. But the foundation of our faith, the words of Jesus, are being used as a defense for so many actions that we believe to be in contradiction with what we have been taught to believe and to live. As we looked for a way to express our empathy and support of these communities, we were led to a statement written and signed by leaders from over twenty different Christian denominations. It is a clear statement with Biblical evidence that reminds us that we are called to live our faith every day and to consider what that means in this current, dangerous time for the soul of our nation. We are also in agreement with a statement issued by the General Synod of the Reformed Church in America concerning immigration. Rather than writing our own statement, we feel these are excellent references and we encourage anyone who is earnestly interested in what we as Christians are called to believe to read them. We hope they will spark dialogue between you, your family, friends and acquaintances. Peace be with you.

By this shall all know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another... (John 13:35)

RCA.org Protecting Families reclaimingjesus.org