ARCHIVES

This section will cover past messages and articles that members might want to refer back to.  

With deep sorrow we announce the passing of Deacon Sandy Jackson who unexpectedly went home to Glory on Sunday, October 4.  This wonderful man was the Rock and foundation of his family and a pillar in our church.  Words can't sufficiently express our deep, heartfelt love for Deacon Jackson.  Oh, how we loved time spent listening to his wisdom and spiritual singing.  And we rejoiced to see him dancing to the Lord.  His smile was radiant and his humor brought laughter. He uplifted our spirit and brought so much joy.  We will forever treasure our memories of him.  He loved the extra sweets we sneaked him but always promised he wouldn't overeat them.  Even as his mobility decreased, we admired his continued strength to ride his lawnmower or chair to cut the grass, chop wood, and pile logs in his truck.  And, we certainly enjoyed the vegetables from his garden.  He was such a strong giant.  And always...always he had some encouraging Word from the Lord to feed our soul whether at church or at home.  The funeral service of our beloved Deacon Sandy Jackson was held at  Amos Family Funeral Home, 10901 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS 66203 on Saturday, October 17, 2020.  Deacon Jackson was laid to rest in Pleasant View Cemetery in Shawnee, Kansas.  

To paraphrase a card writer:  "He's gone ahead of us and is waiting for us now...waiting in a place where every moment is happy and peaceful.  Perhaps he's waiting to tell us another story, one with the happiest ending of all.  And what seems to us to be an ending is really only the beginning."


  • KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

 

Protesters’ Rights

The First Amendment protects your right to assemble and express your views through protest. However, police and other government officials are allowed to place certain narrow restrictions on the exercise of speech rights. Make sure you’re prepared by brushing up on your rights before heading out into the streets.


I’m ORGANIZING a protest - Your rights

 

Your rights are strongest in what are known as “traditional public forums,” such as streets, sidewalks, and parks. You also likely have the right to speak out on other public property, like plazas in front of government buildings, as long as you are not blocking access to the government building or interfering with other purposes the property was designed for.


Private property owners can set rules for speech on their property. The government may not restrict your speech if it is taking place on your own property or with the consent of the property owner.


Counterprotesters also have free speech rights. Police must treat protesters and counterprotesters equally. Police are permitted to keep antagonistic groups separated but should allow them to be within sight and sound of one another.


When you are lawfully present in any public space, you have the right to photograph anything in plain view, including federal buildings and the police. On private property, the owner may set rules related to photography or video.


Do I need a permit?

 

You don’t need a permit to march in the streets or on sidewalks, as long as marchers don’t obstruct car or pedestrian traffic. If you don’t have a permit, police officers can ask you to move to the side of a street or sidewalk to let others pass or for safety reasons.

Certain types of events may require permits. These include a march or parade that requires blocking traffic or street closure; a large rally requiring the use of sound amplifying devices; or a rally over a certain size at most parks or plazas.


While certain permit procedures require submitting an application well in advance of the planned event, police can’t use those procedures to prevent a protest in response to breaking news events.


Restrictions on the route of a march or sound equipment might violate the First Amendment if they are unnecessary for traffic control or public safety, or if they interfere significantly with effective communication to the intended audience. 

A permit cannot be denied because the event is controversial or will express unpopular views.  If the permit regulations that apply to your protest require a fee for a permit, they should allow a waiver for those who cannot afford the charge. 


What to do if you believe your rights have been violated

 

When you can, write down everything you remember, including the officers’ badge and patrol car numbers and the agency they work for.

Get contact information for witnesses.

Take photographs of any injuries.

Once you have all of this information, you can file a written complaint with the agency’s internal affairs division or civilian complaint board.



I’m ATTENDING a protest -Your rights

 

Your rights are strongest in what are known as “traditional public forums,” such as streets, sidewalks, and parks. You also likely have the right to speak out on other public property, like plazas in front of government buildings, as long as you are not blocking access to the government building or interfering with other purposes the property was designed for.


Private property owners can set rules for speech on their property. The government may not restrict your speech if it is taking place on your own property or with the consent of the property owner. 


Counterprotesters also have free speech rights. Police must treat protesters and counterprotesters equally. Police are permitted to keep antagonistic groups separated but should allow them to be within sight and sound of one another. 


When you are lawfully present in any public space, you have the right to photograph anything in plain view, including federal buildings and the police. On private property, the owner may set rules related to photography or video. 


You don’t need a permit to march in the streets or on sidewalks, as long as marchers don’t obstruct car or pedestrian traffic. If you don’t have a permit, police officers can ask you to move to the side of a street or sidewalk to let others pass or for safety reasons. 



What to do if you believe your rights have been violated

 

When you can, write down everything you remember, including the officers’ badge and patrol car numbers and the agency they work for.

Get contact information for witnesses.

Take photographs of any injuries.

Once you have all of this information, you can file a written complaint with the agency’s internal affairs division or civilian complaint board. 


What happens if the police issues an order to disperse the protest?

 

Shutting down a protest through a dispersal order must be law enforcement’s last resort. Police may not break up a gathering unless there is a clear and present danger of riot, disorder, interference with traffic, or other immediate threat to public safety.

If officers issue a dispersal order, they must provide a reasonable opportunity to comply, including sufficient time and a clear, unobstructed exit path.  Individuals must receive clear and detailed notice of a dispersal order, including how much time they have to disperse, the consequences of failing to disperse, and what clear exit route they can follow, before they may be arrested or charged with any crime.


I want to take pictures or shoot video at a protest – Your rights

 

When you are lawfully present in any public space, you have the right to photograph anything in plain view, including federal buildings and the police. (On private property, the owner may set rules about photography or video.)  Police officers may not confiscate or demand to view your photographs or video without a warrant, nor may they delete data under any circumstances. However, they may order citizens to cease activities that are truly interfering with legitimate law enforcement operations. 


If you are videotaping, be aware that there is an important legal distinction between a visual photographic record (fully protected) and the audio portion of a videotape, which some states have tried to regulate under state wiretapping laws. 


What to do if you are stopped or detained for taking photographs 

 

Always remain calm and never physically resist a police officer.  Police cannot detain you without reasonable suspicion that you have or are about to commit a crime or are in the process of doing so.  If you are stopped, ask the officer if you are free to leave. If the answer is yes, calmly walk away.  If you are detained, ask the officer what crime you are suspected of committing, and remind the officer that taking photographs is your right under the First Amendment and does not constitute reasonable suspicion of criminal activity.


What to do if you believe your rights have been violated

 

When you can, write down everything you remember, including the officers’ badge and patrol car numbers and the agency they work for.

Get contact information for witnesses.

Take photographs of any injuries.

Once you have all of this information, you can file a written complaint with the agency’s internal affairs division or civilian complaint board.


 

I was stopped by the police while protesting - Your rights

 

Stay calm. Make sure to keep your hands visible. Don’t argue, resist, or obstruct the police, even if you believe they are violating your rights. Point out that you are not disrupting anyone else’s activity and that the First Amendment protects your actions.


Ask if you are free to leave. If the officer says yes, calmly walk away.

If you are under arrest, you have a right to ask why. Otherwise, say you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Don’t say anything or sign anything without a lawyer.  You have the right to make a local phone call, and if you’re calling your lawyer, police are not allowed to listen.


You never have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings. If you do explicitly consent, it can affect you later in court.  Police may “pat down” your clothing if they suspect you have a weapon and may search you after an arrest.


Police officers may not confiscate or demand to view your photographs or video without a warrant, nor may they delete data under any circumstances. However, they may order citizens to cease activities that are truly interfering with legitimate law enforcement operations. 


What to do if you believe your rights have been violated

 

When you can, write down everything you remember, including the officers’ badge and patrol car numbers and the agency they work for.

Get contact information for witnesses.

Take photographs of any injuries.

Once you have all of this information, you can file a written complaint with the agency’s internal affairs division or civilian complaint board.

Source:  ACLU https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/protesters-rights/


Reopening Church After Covid: 7 Principles from Scripture

Use these principles to reopen your church wisely and effectively.

MAY 18, 2020


By Paul Maxwell

Many church leaders are making decisions they’ve never had to make before.  For the first time, many churches were forced to close their doors for the safety of their people.  Others were forced to use online giving for the first time in order to remain solvent.  Still others had to shut their doors for good because they did not have the money to remain open.  And yet, as states begin to reopen, pastors will have to make many similar decisions for the first time:

  • When do we reopen?
  • How should we reopen?
  • What if people are upset with us (one way or another)?
  • Should we continue to live stream online?
  • How can we serve those who want to reopen and those who must remain home at the same time?

Today, we are going to answer all of those questions.

Just as God guided you safely through the narrow caverns of COVID’s threat, he will guide you out into the safe harbor of a new normal.  Let’s dig into seven actions church leaders can take to reopen effectively, safely, and smoothly. 


Obey federal and state authorities.

 Liaison with your local police, fire, and volunteer groups to ensure that your reopening strategies are in compliance with local, state, and federal law. The Apostle Paul commends this to churches as well: 

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” (Rom. 13:1-2) 

While the church is not an institution of the state, churches should follow the guidelines of their local authorities, not only because it gains them a favorable reputation in the community as a church that cares about the wellbeing of its municipality’s general public, but also because this is the biblical thing to do. 


2. Educate your church on local reopening information.

Become the authority on your local orders, not only for your church, but also for your entire local community. People are confused right now about where to get the best information about their local communities. Make that process easy for them.

Designate several hours per week to a staff member to research the latest policies and conversations about COVID reopening in your area. Paul tells the Ephesians:

“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.” (Acts 20:28)

Part of paying careful attention to yourselves and your flock is by helping them understand what it means to be in compliance with local authorities.  More than that, this is actually an evangelistic opportunity. People in your area may subscribe to your church’s mailing list or visit your website for the most up-to-date information about your local municipality’s policies. By establishing yourself as an authority in this area, word of mouth can easily turn into an idea to stream church one Sunday, or even to visit when things reopen.  More than that, by establishing a reputation as a church that cares about local orders, people will be more inclined to visit your church after it reopens, because they know that you care deeply about these issues.  Think about this as one additional church outreach idea you can notch in your belt.


3. Protect and serve the vulnerable.

James writes: 

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” (James 1:27)

If your church isn’t caring for those most vulnerable to COVID infection, it’s not fulfilling what the Bible calls “religion that is pure.”

Paul commends the same thing:

“Honor widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.” (1 Tim. 5:3-4) 

Work with families in your church to enable them to serve the vulnerable among them—whether that is a child with asthma, an elderly person who is isolated in a nursing home, or another family member with a pre-existing condition. This should be one of the primary priorities of your church during this time. 


4. Double down on digital church.

It’s tempting to think of the digital tools churches have used to survive the COVID pandemic as a relic of a quarantined time. This would be a mistake for several reasons.

First, not everyone will be returning to church immediately. Some will be suspicious about reopening. Others will simply be unable because of a preexisting condition. For their sakes, you should continue to stream your church service online for as long as possible.

Second, your team should be leaning heavily into digital tools for church anyway for several reasons. You don’t know when another pandemic may occur, in which case having scrapped your digital infrastructure will require you to reinvent the wheel again. But more than that, you should enable your church to connect with your community virtually no matter what season you’re in. Having a robust digital infrastructure that enables people to participate in your church service easily, and from anywhere, is part of what it means to love those who are geographically or physically impaired from visiting.

As the Apostle Paul states:

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Phil. 2:4)

 

5. Keep gatherings small.  

 This might mean encouraging more of a house church model for the time being.  Recruit leaders in your church to host small gatherings during the Sunday Service for which people can sign up and share in church community together. There is precedent for this in the early church: 

“And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.” (Acts 5:31) 

I’m sure there were some temple “purists” who insisted that those worshipping “from house to house” were not really church. But that’s not how Luke tells the story. They were preaching Jesus as the Christ, and they were gathered together in worship. That was enough then, and it is certainly enough now. 


6. Continue to practice heightened sanitation practices.  

 The Apostle Paul asks us to be mindful of others, because we are part of the same body:

“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them” (Rom. 12:4-5)

Continue to practice above-normal sanitation protocol in your church for the sake of those who (1) physically require a clean space due to COVID susceptibility and (2) have a softer conscience about how to care for those who desire to physically attend church.

Yes, it would be easy to say: “If they’re susceptible to COVID, they shouldn’t physically attend church yet!”  However, this would fall beneath the bar of Paul’s command. We ought to use our gifts to serve others, not lord their disabilities or softer consciences over them.  Make it as easy as possible for the largest number of people to choose to physically attend church. That’s what it means to serve those in the body. 


7. Continue to fundraise.  

During a time of economic crisis, it’s tempting to stop fundraising out of guilt.  However, this instinct is rooted in a twisted view of church giving.  Here’s the truth:  Giving is an opportunity to worship God, to bless others, and to receive blessing from God by offering up a pleasing sacrifice to him. The author of Hebrews writes:

“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (Heb. 13:16)

“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have.”  By continuing to ask church attendees to give, you continue to offer up sacrifices that are “pleasing to God.” Don’t rob them of that opportunity. 


Over to you

In these uncertain times, many church leaders are overwhelmed with anxiety.

But remember: There are good guidelines to follow, and you do not have to lead your church perfectly to lead your church well.  Follow the wisdom principles outlined above, because they are biblical principles that will guide your church through this difficult time when you are unable to see the shore beyond the horizon of suffering.  God has not abandoned your church, and he has placed you in the position to believe, communicate, and exemplify that to your people.  What feels like failure on every side will turn into a battle-worn tale of tragedy and glory—of how your church stepped up and served your community with light and hope during a time of chaos and confusion.  May God give your church all of the grace and mercy that it deserves during this difficult season.


Paul Maxwell

Paul Maxwell, Ph.D., is the Content Strategist at Tithe.ly. 


Considerations for Communities of Faith

Updated Feb. 19, 2021


Print

COVID-19 Cases are Extremely High. Avoid Events and Gatherings

COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are extremely high across the United States. To decrease your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19, CDC recommends that you do not gather with people who do not live with you at this time. Attending events and gatherings increases your risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. Stay home to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

CDC offers the following general considerations to help communities of faith discern how best to practice their beliefs while keeping their staff and congregations safe.  Millions of Americans embrace worship as an essential part of life.  For many faith traditions, gathering together for worship is at the heart of what it means to be a community of faith. But as Americans are now aware, gatherings present a risk for increasing spread of COVID-19 during this Public Health Emergency. CDC offers these suggestions for faith communities to consider and accept, reject, or modify, consistent with their own faith traditions, in the course of preparing to reconvene for in-person gatherings while still working to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

This guidance is not intended to infringe on rights protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution or any other federal law, including the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (RFRA). The federal government may not prescribe standards for interactions of faith communities in houses of worship, and in accordance with the First Amendment, no faith community should be asked to adopt any mitigation strategies that are more stringent than the mitigation strategies asked of similarly situated entities or activities.

In addition, we note that while many types of gatherings are important for civic and economic well-being, religious worship has particularly profound significance to communities and individuals, including as a right protected by the First Amendment. State and local authorities are reminded to take this vital right into account when establishing their own re-opening plans.

Scaling Up Operations

  • Establish and maintain communication with local and State authorities to determine current mitigation levels in your community.
  • Provide protections for staff and congregants at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Offer options for staff at higher risk for severe illness (including older adults and people of all ages with certain underlying medical conditions) that limit their exposure risk. Offer options for congregants at higher risk of severe illness that limit their exposure risk (e.g., remote participation in services).
  • Consistent with applicable federal and State laws and regulations, put in place policies that protect the privacy and confidentiality of people at higher risk for severe illness regarding underlying medical conditions.
  • Encourage any organizations that share or use the facilities to also follow these considerations as applicable.
  • If your community provides social services in the facility as part of its mission, consult CDC’s information for schools and businesses and workplaces, as relevant, for helpful information.


Safety Actions

Continue to take these steps to reduce your risk of getting and spreading COVID-19:

Even if you and others (including children) do not feel sick and do not have any symptoms, you can still spread COVID-19 to family, friends, and community.

Do NOT be around others if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, if you are sick, or if you have tested positive for COVID-19.

Promote healthy hygiene practices

  • Encourage staff and congregants to maintain good hand hygiene, washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Ensure you have accessible sinks and enough supplies for people to clean their hands and cover their coughs and sneezes. Supplies include soap, water, a way to dry hands (e.g., paper towels, hand dryer), tissues, hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol (for those who can safely use hand sanitizer), and no-touch/foot pedal trash cans (preferably covered).
  • Encourage staff and congregants to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of their elbow. Used tissues should be thrown in the trash and hands washed.
  • Whenever soap and water are not readily available, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can be used.
  • Consider posting signs on how to stop the spreadpdf icon of COVID-19 and how to promote everyday protective measurespdf icon, such as washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and properly wearing a maskimage icon.

Masks

  • Encourage use of masks among staff and congregants. Masks are most essential when social distancing is difficult. Note: Masks should not be placed on children younger than 2 years old, anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, and anyone who is incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. Masks offer some protection to the wearer and are also meant to protect those around the wearer, in case they are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19.

Intensify cleaning, disinfection, and ventilation

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at least daily and shared objects in between uses.
  • Develop a schedule of increased, routine cleaning and disinfection.
  • Avoid use of items that are not easily cleaned, sanitized, or disinfected.
  • Ensure safe and correct application of disinfectants and keep them away from children.
  • Cleaning products should not be used near children, and staff should ensure that there is adequate ventilation when using these products to prevent children or themselves from inhaling toxic fumes.
  • Ensure that ventilation systems operate properly and increase circulation of outdoor air as much as possible by opening windows and doors, using fans, etc. Do not open windows and doors if they pose a safety risk to children using the facility.
  • If your faith community offers multiple services, consider scheduling services far enough apart to allow time for cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces between services. Take steps to ensure that all water systems and features (for example, drinking fountains, decorative fountains) are safe to use after a prolonged facility shutdown to minimize the risk of Legionnaires’ disease and other diseases associated with water.

Promote social distancing

  • Take steps to limit the size of gatherings in accordance with the guidance and directives of state and local authorities and subject to the protections of the First Amendment and any other applicable federal law.
  • Promote social distancing at services and other gatherings, ensuring that clergy, staff, choir, volunteers and attendees at the services follow social distancing, as circumstances and faith traditions allow, to lessen their risk.
  • Consider holding services and gatherings in a large, well-ventilated area or outdoors, as circumstances and faith traditions allow.
  • Consider appropriate mitigation measures, including taking steps to limit the size of gatherings maintaining social distancing, at other gatherings such as funerals, weddings, religious education classes, youth events, support groups and any other programming, where consistent with the faith tradition.
  • Provide physical guides, such as tape on floors or walkways and signs on walls, to ensure that staff and children remain at least 6 feet apart in lines and at other times (e.g. guides for creating “one-way routes” in hallways).

Take steps to minimize community sharing of worship materials and other items

  • Consistent with the community’s faith tradition, consider temporarily limiting the sharing of frequently touched objects, such as worship aids, prayer rugs, prayer books, hymnals, religious texts and other bulletins, books, or other items passed or shared among congregants, and encouraging congregants to bring their own such items, if possible, or photocopying or projecting prayers, songs, and texts using electronic means.
  • Modify the methods used to receive financial contributions. Consider a stationary collection box, the main, or electronic methods of collection regular financial contributions instead of shared collection trays or baskets.
  • Consider whether physical contact (e.g., shaking hands, hugging, or kissing) can be limited among members of the faith community.
  • If food is offered at any event, consider pre-packaged options, and avoid buffet or family-style meals if possible.

Nursery/Childcare

Staffing and Training

  • Train all clergy and staff in the above safety actions. Consider conducting the training virtually, or, if in-person, ensure that social distancing is maintained.


Monitoring and Preparing

Check for signs and symptoms

  • Encourage staff or congregants who are sick or who have had close contact with a person with COVID-19 to stay home. Share CDC’s criteria for staying home with staff and congregants so that they know how to care for themselves and others. Consider posting signs at entrances with this information.

Plan for when a staff member or congregant becomes sick

  • Identify an area to separate anyone who exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 during hours of operation, and ensure that children are not left without adult supervision.
  • Establish procedures for safely transporting anyone who becomes sick at the facility to their home or a healthcare facility.
  • Notify local health officials if a person diagnosed with COVID-19 has been in the facility and communicate with staff and congregants about potential exposure while maintaining confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)external icon or other applicable laws and in accordance with religious practices.
  • Advise those with exposure to a person diagnosed with COVID-19 to stay home and self-monitor for symptoms, and follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop.
  • Close off areas used by the sick person and do not use the area until after cleaning and disinfection. Ensure safe and correct application of disinfectants and keep disinfectant products away from children.
  • Advise staff and congregants with symptoms of COVID-19 or who have tested positive for COVID-19 not to return to the facility until they have met CDC’s criteria to discontinue home isolation.

Maintain healthy operations

  • Implement flexible sick leave and related flexible policies and practices for staff (e.g., allow work from home, if feasible), and provide requested reasonable accommodation absent undue hardship to individuals with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)external icon or other applicable laws and in accordance with religious practices.
  • Monitor absenteeism and create a roster of trained back-up staff.
  • Designate a staff person to be responsible for responding to COVID-19 concerns. Staff, clergy, volunteers, and congregants should know who this person is and how to contact them if they become sick or are around others diagnosed with COVID-19. This person should also be aware of state or local regulatory agency policies related to group gatherings.
  • As volunteers often perform important duties (e.g., greeters, ushers, childcare), consider similar monitoring, planning, and training for them. Consider that volunteer and staffing may need to increase to implement cleaning and safety protocols and to accommodate additional services with reduced attendance.
  • Communicate clearly with staff and congregants about actions being taken to protect their health.

Signs and Messages


Closing

  • Check state and localexternal icon health department notices daily about transmission in the community and adjust operations.
  • In the event a person diagnosed with COVID-19 is determined to have been in the building and poses a risk to the community, it is strongly suggested to dismiss attendees, then properly clean and disinfect the area and the building where the individual was present before resuming activities.