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NORTH COAST DISTRICT NEWS
May 15, 2020
“Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can.
In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can.
As long as ever you can.” 
―  John Wesley
sleepy_beagle_glasses.jpg
DISTRICT OFFICE NEWS!

THE DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF IS WORKING REMOTELY
The North Coast District office staff is working remotely for regular business hours instead of being onsite. We continue to be "open" from Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Voicemails are checked regularly and calls returned, and emails are always welcome. Thank you for your understanding.

Stay healthy and safe!
Stephanie

AROUND THE DISTRICT
MASK MAKING MISSION in the North Coast
to Explore Possible Church and Community Connections

As we continue to work through the COVID-19 pandemic, there are many opportunities to impact our communities as the church. One way that we can meet a need is by crafting fabric masks. The CDC has recommended that we cover our noses and mouths while in public areas, and that recommendation is likely to stand for the foreseeable future. Therefore, we are exploring what is happening in the UMC in the North Coast District churches now and the possibility of a coordinated effort to match supply with demand. Debbie Smith from Strongsville UMC has stepped up as coordinator of this ministry for the North Coast District. 

Please take a few moments to complete the following brief survey at your earliest convenience to help us know what you are already doing in the way of making masks and for the possibility of joining this mission. You can contact Debbie Smith at  scrolledit@gmail.com  or Kathy Dickriede  kdickriede@gmail.com  with any questions.

CALENDAR AT A GLANCE :
5/25: District Office Closed (Memorial Day)

6/15-18: POSTPONED -- Annual Conference at Lakeside
6/29: Clergy Move-Out Day
6/30: Clergy Move-In Day

9/25: Executive Clergy Session
9/26-27: Annual Conference at Lakeside (rescheduled)
*Please remember that the District Office is always closed on Fridays*
EOC CONFERENCE NEWS
A Message from Bishop Tracy S. Malone and the Extended Cabinet

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the congregations of the East Ohio Annual Conference have shown tremendous love, creativity, leadership, and resilience. You are living evidence that the Church is the people, not the building. You have embodied the love of Christ as you have cared for one another, witnessed to the Gospel through worship in many different forms, and shown your commitment through service to others in this difficult and often scary time. We know how hard this has been and we are so grateful for you.

Since we initially closed our buildings, the COVID-19 disease is even more widely present and equally dangerous. As of this writing, more than 70,000 Americans have died from this disease in just a few months. The whole world is grappling with living under pandemic conditions with a variety of unknowns for longer than any of us would like.

We offer these guidelines for our churches to do less harm while figuring out new ways to do good among the new complex reality in which we are living and ministering. We have not set firm dates for the different phases described on these pages so that we can monitor and react to rapidly changing conditions. It is possible that progress may not be linear; we might have to go back and forth between different phases and possibly make changes when we learn new things, if that is the most loving thing to do.

As of the release of these guidelines, we continue to be in Phase 1, which began in mid-March. God will guide us in reimagining church so that it makes people’s souls well without making their bodies sick. Being guided by love will mean very concrete things, like wearing masks; thinking carefully and moving cautiously as we plan to reopen our buildings; as well as soul work, like laying aside our preferences to reduce the risk of infection to another.

We will follow State of Ohio leaders who weigh the various aspects of the public good in trying to set the course on safer practices related to employment and public gatherings. These Guidelines for Phases of being Church during the Pandemic reflect current State orders to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus. They were developed based on the best advice of medical professionals who are also faithful United Methodists in East Ohio churches.

Each pastor and each church leadership team will need to thoughtfully discuss when and how to implement these guidelines in your particular buildings in ways that demonstrate love and consideration of all of the risks involved. Loving others means that their well-being is our priority. Inviting the church back to the building will also require intense preparation. It will take longer than any of us want it to take. We do not want the many sacrifices that people have made to be undone now!

We celebrate the variety among our nearly 700 United Methodist churches while recognizing the challenge in sharing one set of guidelines. Some of you have been asking for this level of detail while others may feel this is more than you need. If you have additional questions, please contact your district superintendent or respective Conference staff person – we are here to resource and equip you!

Please continue to support your pastor as a human being – one who is coping with their own stress, grief, weariness, family circumstances, and changing dynamics of the working environment. Grace and patience should be most evident in church relationships. This is a time to work together and support every person connected to your congregation, including your pastoral leader and their family.

This is also a time to be amazed at the great good God can do when we can open ourselves to the new things God wants to do among us. What are we learning during this time? We will never go back to the old “normal,” as much as we might want to do so. Yet, we have every confidence that new ways of being the Church and engaging in vital ministry are emerging during this time of transformation and rebirth. We invite you to prayerful, collaborative, imaginative, and faithful work as you embrace your sacred calling to practice the greater love of Christ.

Bishop Tracy S. Malone and the Extended Cabinet

 
A Note about this Resource
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Click the image above or click HERE to download the Guidelines for the Phased-in Reopening of EOC Church Buildings.
EOC COVID-19 RESOURCES PAGE
As East Ohio Conference pastors, congregations, and faith communities adapt our ministries to reach out in new creative ways during the COVID-19 pandemic, we live out our guiding principles:
  • Discipleship is our foundation;
  • Covenant guides us;
  • Connection strengthens us; and
  • Leadership moves us forward.

The EOC COVID-19 Resources page has the latest information from Bishop Malone and the Cabinet, The UMC, and the State of Ohio. Please see the menu bar on the right of the Resources page for links to important details and further information on related topics. This includes a list of churches offering live-stream or recorded worship services (HERE) .
NEWS TO KNOW
Recommendations for Water Supply Flushing for Reopening of Buildings
Under Statewide COVID-19 Transition Plan
"In accordance with Ohio’s statewide transition plan announced April 27, 2020, and as buildings re-open that have had little to no water usage during the Stay at Home Order due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to flush water that has been stagnant in both cold- and hot-water distribution lines and fixtures. Low water usage can contribute to bacterial growth, including Legionella which can cause a serious type of pneumonia called Legionnaires’ disease. It can also cause other water quality issues with potential health risks due to the build-up of lead and copper in stagnant water that’s been collecting in older pipes and fixtures...."

Please read the complete notice HERE as provided to the District office by ODH.
FLAT ROCK HOMES
Items needed during COVID-19 pandemic

From Karen Kilgo, President & CEO of Flat Rock Homes, and Deaconess Sherri Buehl, a Church and Community Engagement Coordinator for Flat Rock Homes:

Flat Rock has a current on-going need for fabric, washable and re-useable gowns and masks. We’re seeking seamstresses, sewing groups, church and community groups who can help with this much-needed project.

OUR NEEDS ARE :
Gowns for Flat Rock Care Center: Our priority need right now is for fabric, washable, re-useable gowns. We’re hearing from facilities with COVID-19 positive patients that these are the items they go through the quickest. Also, they are the least available items right now on the PPE market. Please make all gowns in Large or X-Large sizes. We need them for men and women and a little big is better than too small. We have a current need for 50-75 of these gowns.

Following are two pattern sites, including one that has a YouTube video tutorial.
  1. https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/sites/default/files/isolation-gown.pdf
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoAheilcP3g and https://tinyurl.com/vdvxxa9
 
Gowns for Another Provider: There is a another provider in our area that serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They offer many of the same kinds of programs and services that Flat Rock provides. Currently, they are serving several ill residents and have an immediate need for 50-75 gowns as well. They have been very helpful to Flat Rock in the past and we’d like to help them during this difficult time. You may use the patterns listed above, and, again, sizes Large and X-Large are best.
 
Masks for Flat Rock Care Center: We have an immediate need for fabric, washable, re-useable masks for staff and residents. To protect our ears, we ask that all masks be tie-on and NOT those with elasticized ear loops. These link contains a variety of mask patterns and tutorials:
  1. https://www.masksforheroes.com/make-masks
  2. https://www.joann.com/projects/face-masks-and-coverings/

Flat Rock Homes, 7353 N. County Road 29, PO Box 1, Flat Rock OH 44828

THE NEHEMIAH MISSION
Revised Summer Program Announced

In response to the COVID 19 pandemic we have suspended our usual summer program of hosting short term overnight mission teams. As an alternative we are making a "day trip" opportunity available in order to continue providing outreach to our community.

Options for Summer Days at Nehemiah Mission are as follows:

TWO DAY: Monday, Tuesday
Group Size 15 max per day  
Group Donation Minimum: $600
Monday : Arrive 8:30am; 8:45am - Devotion and Learning Time, Prayer; Project Sites 9:30 am; Lunches packed from home and consumed at project site; Depart for home 4pm
Tuesday : Arrive 9am; Morning Devotion and Prayer; Project site by 9:30; Lunches packed from home and consumed at project site; Return to mission by 4pm; Bread on Bridge at 5:15pm; Clean up; Parting Prayer; Depart for Home: 7:30pm 


THREE DAY: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Group Size 15 max per day 
Group Donation Minimum: $900
Tuesday : Arrive 9am; Morning Devotion and Prayer*; Project site by 9:30; Lunches packed from home and consumed at project site; Return to mission by 4pm; Bread on Bridge at 5:15pm; Clean up; Parting Prayer; Depart for Home: 7:30pm 
Wednesday : 8:45am - Devotion and Learning Time, Prayer; Project Sites 9:30 am; Lunches packed from home and consumed at project site; Return home at 4pm
Thursday : Arrive 9am; Morning Devotion and Prayer*; Project site by 9:30; Lunches packed from home and consumed at project site; Return to mission by 4pm; Cook Out*; Clean up; Worship*; Depart for Home: 7:30pm 

* observing social distancing guidelines and appropriate PPE

Notes:
  • The Mission will provide food for Tuesday evening Bread on Bridge and Thursday evening cookout. 
  • Groups will provide their own packed lunches
  • No more than one group per day. 

PROJECTS may include:
  • Assist at Trials For Hope
  • Abandon Lot Cleanups 
  • Street Cleanups
  • Private home landscaping & yard cleanups
  • #Corner65 events/programming
  • Bread on Bridge prep/set up/serving/cleanup
  • Repairs, landscaping and building care at the mission


The Nehemiah Mission, 6515 Bridge Ave., Cleveland OH 44102
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Program Assistant
at The Nehemiah Mission

The Nehemiah Mission is expanding its #Corner65 ministry and making changes in programming that warrant an additional staff person. The mission is searching for the right person to fill the role of Program Assistant. This is a permanent part-time position at 15-25 hours per week with flexible scheduling. The Program Assistant works on all aspects of the mission and interacts with visiting teams, partner agencies and all those that are served by the mission. For more information or to apply, email a letter of interest and your resume to Jim Szakacs, Executive Director: pastorjimszakacs@gmail.com .

The Nehemiah Mission, 6515 Bridge Ave., Cleveland OH 44102

Two positions available at Aldersgate UMC:
Custodian and Security Guard

Custodian
Aldersgate is looking for a part-time custodian. If you are interested, please forward your resume to Aldersgate at office@worshipaumc.org or call 216-921-4075 for more information. Please include any experience or certified training.

Security Guard  
Aldersgate is looking for a Security Guard. Sundays (2 services); Weekdays (as needed). If you are interested, please forward your resume to Aldersgate at office@worshipaumc.org or call 216-921-4075 for more information. Please include any experience or certified training.
Aldersgate UMC, 4069 Eastwood Lane, Warrensville Hts., Ohio 44122


Interested in what is going on throughout the East Ohio Conference? Check out all the news, events, and more at: eocumcnews.com
Submit your request for publication of an event, job ad, or need to Stephanie at office@northcoastdistrict.com by Wednesday at 12 noon to run in the Friday NCD News. Please be aware that the less words the better! Grab attention with basic W facts (who, what, when, where, why), and if possible, provide a link to more information online. Flyers are not always easily readable in this format.
North Coast District of The United Methodist Church
4700 Rockside Rd., Suite 300
Independence OH 44131
(216) 441-4527 • office@northcoastdistrict.com
 http://www.eocumc.com/northcoast/

NCD Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.*
(*Please note office staff are working remotely;
the physical office is currently closed.)