11 things everyone should know about getting the novel coronavirus

With the United States now facing its own serious coronavirus outbreak, it’s natural to wonder whether you’ll get the respiratory illness and what you can do about it. Thousands of cases and dozens of deaths have been reported in the US. But due to a lack of widespread testing, it’s likely the outbreak is even bigger.

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“Escape from Circumstances”: Dickinson in Quarantine

“For Death – or rather
For the Things ’twould buy –
This – put away
Life’s Opportunity –

The Things that Death will
buy
Are Room –
Escape from Circumstances –
And a Name –
With Gifts of Life
How Death’s Gifts may compare –
We know not –
For the Rates – lie Here –”

— 644B Franklin Variorum

Escape from Circumstances – / And a Name” was Emily Dickinson’s base state. She lived in a room, in a home, with her family. She self-sequestered for over 50 years.

A kind of purgatory between life in the whole world and being without the world, this sequestration from hubbub is now facing millions, maybe billions, because we might get sick, sick because of life together.

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Millions, perhaps billions, are already sick of life, living life joined to the other millions, perhaps billions, who scream daily on the Interweb. These mornings in Lent that I spend in silence typing these things are also self-sequestration, but a cheat.

Unlike Emily, I know that, as I live them, I need to leave and will. I want to leave. Like I leave a comfy bed every morning to crank at level 28 for 90 minutes to vitiate my mildly morbid obesity. And take my 4 pills. And think, then write these things.

There is a bed, for some, of intermittent sequestration to “put away / Life’s Opportunity.” Like yoga or meditating or prayer or, well, lying in bed. Jesus was in the wilderness for 40 days. Thoreau only spent part of each week in Walden. He emerged to be part of the world he longed to escape.

Both Thoreau and Dickinson had the luxury of self-sequestration because they had money, made by others, to absent themselves from the hubbub. Now millions, maybe billions, may be forced to detach from necessities for a higher necessity — staying alive.

The Things that Death will
buy
Are Room –

Emily was in a permanent state of detachment between life on earth and life after death. She lived it. In Lent, if you follow the schedule of liturgical seasons, this is our time of living in the contemplation of not living.

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It is a Christian’s Walden to be in Lent. We visit Emily’s isolation. We hopefully hit the OFF button just a bit. But then, like a sentence, we re-emerge, like a mammal in spring, to each day’s mishegas.

Even when things get put away, “the Rates – lie here” — these wages of life are not just needed, they validate. Emily laughed at that, or perhaps envied it, but Thoreau, and Jesus, returned to it. As do I.

This week I signed contracts to help in the making of two of the most public, most rewarding things I could do as an architect. I may be able to pay down my credit line and card, and not think about the intermittent terror of payroll every two weeks for a season. Or not.

The annual self-sequestration of Lent is, in fact, a luxury. We choose to go without some things for a time. Coronavirus is not a choice. Neither is death a choice, for most of us, but it is our life’s wage. And we hope, in this transaction, to give our life to something greater, though we do not know.

Emily’s sequestration was a gift to me. It is a gift every morning. Those contracts I signed could also offer a wage, but compel a promissory gift from me to those who I will never know.

But Emily and Jesus knew it was all a gift. I know because they say so to me, every day. I wish I heard them clearer, but I am trying.

Image credits: Houghton Library, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

https://mbird.com/2020/03/escape-from-circumstances-dickinson-in-quarantine/

The Mocking Cast - Coronacation Survival Kit - [Audio]

This is one of Pastor Cris's Favorite Podcasts. It is about finding grace in unlikely places.
Its a fun show that is very encouraging.

In which Dave, Sarah, and RJ talk new corona-realities, compassion shortages, and Martin Luther's advice for pandemic survivors--before giving their quarantine recommendations. Also, RJ goes bodysurfing while Sarah prays for teenagers in love.

What did you give up for lent?

In Case you Missed it From Cheryl. From March 19 20'

In Case You Missed It – things I pulled from today’s Treasure Coast Newspapers to share with whomever might need to know:

1.     Per FL Gov. DeSantis, K-12 schools will remain closed until April 15.  There will be “per school” homework for students to do at home during that time, other than their spring break period.

2.    Bars and Clubs in FL ordered closed for next 30 days, started on Tuesday March 17 at 5pm.  Restaurants are to cut their crowd capacity in half.  Some restaurants are closing with the exception of take out and drive thru.  Just found out Macy’s and JCPenney closing their stores due to the virus.  There are others, so check online or call before going on any shopping trip.

3.    Many sports are cancelling events until further notice.  It is now expected that Kentucky Derby might have to push its May 24 date back and that the 2020 Tokyo Olympics will be rescheduled for 2021.  Stay tuned to see if that happens. 

4.    Gil Smart’s column in today’s paper talks about working people and that “40 per cent of our population is not equipped to handle an unexpected monthly expense”.  Curfews are happening, businesses are shutting down, and the “C” virus as I (not Gil) call it, for short, will ultimately wind down.  The devastation and effect on our generations, however, may last a long time.  Gestures to help others are greatly appreciated, (I am adding, as long as they are doing it in a safe, secure way).  He ends with “make a point to lend a hand”. 

Right now, we are to limit ourselves to gatherings of 10 people or less.  Some churches are suggesting a small in-home Bible study group to keep socializing and positivity going.  There are positive things happening – read through the rest of my list.

5.     Treasure Coast Food Bank is now serving more schools who are doing box lunches for pickup to help students usually fed at schools during this down time.  A new grant from the USDA applied for a year ago will allow them to expand healthy-living initiatives and feed more people.  This also allows them to help local farmers, buying fresh produce direct for distribution.  Treasure Coast Food Bank is part of the Stop Hunger.org initiative and Feeding America.org as well.  They are located at 401 Angle Road in Fort Pierce and their phone # is (772) 489-3034.

6.    Tom Brady to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers!  Even if on the other side of the state, it will give FL sports a shot in the arm, so to speak, right?

7.    “TCPalm is dedicated to readers amid the coronavirus.”  COVID-19 content provided free to all as a public service to the Treasure Coast Community.  Here’s a quick summation of what they say:

A.    Download the TCPalm app and activate the news push alerts to get up-to-the minute breaking news on your smartphone. 

B.   Sign up for USA TODAY coronavirus new3sletter and newly created Florida-specific one.  www.usatoday.com/news/coronavirus/.  Also www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local

C.   Follow TCPalm on social media.  On their Facebook page, they have a Treasure Coast coronavirus group for sharing.

8.     Piper Aircraft is accepting apprenticeship applications for its 2020 program, in connection with IRSC.  Set to begin in late July.  Go to www.piper.com/careers  for applications.

9.     In the Your News, Hobe Sound Bible College is celebrating its 60th year!  They had a gathering of 300 alumni and friends at their Homecoing.  For info, www.hsbc.edu or (772) 546-5534.

Friends, neighbors and families, this is just something I am putting together as a hopeful help to pass along to others who might have missed some news, and to keep some from being lonely – passing along things like this help others keep active and involved.  In this small way, since I get the newspaper and many don’t, some news may help others they would not otherwise get.

While I am doing this on my own time, and since my passions have to do with hearing loss and helping others, I must mention that I pray everyone retains the hearing level they have now, without losing more, by (1) avoiding noise, the #1 cause of hearing loss; (2) check their OTC and Rx drugs for side effects that affect hearing (many do) (3) check any chemicals, solvents, etc. they are around or use (smoke, fumes, powder, dust, chemicals involved with printing, painting, boat and aircraft building, construction, glue manufacturing, metal products, petroleum, leather products, furniture making, agricultural chemicals and mining).  Also, some public safety officers, like firefighters, are exposed to both noise and chemicals including smoke. 

In addition to keeping safe from virus of any kind, please consider saving your ears and eyes from damage that will change your life.  The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA for short) (non-profit, unbiased 501 c 3 organization) website, www.hearingloss.org has webinars that include “Are You Ready?  Emergency Preparedness for People with Hearing Loss”, and others, including about tinnitus, coping and purchasing a hearing aid (they have a handout for that, as well).  All free.  Consider checking these out.  The Treasure Coast Chapter of HLAA meets (during normal times and during the season) on the first Saturday of the month at 10:30 am in the History Room, Indian River County Library.  Speaker available for your organization about hearing loss.  Contact me, if interested.

I am working on a low-cost Practical Lip Reading 101 DVD, but in the meantime, working on a way to send out lip reading lessons via email to those interested.  If you are interested, please contact me at the email below.

In addition, the Fort Pierce Lions Club collects unwanted hearing aids and eyeglasses to recycle to those in need and does referrals to help those who can’t afford hearing aids or eyeglasses or eye procedures.  They meet the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm (during normal times) at the Second Street Bistro in downtown Fort Pierce.  Come and see the amazing things this club is doing for your community!  For a free, emailed copy of the latest club newsletter, email me.

If you are in need of prayers or references in time of need, (I have a folder plus other materials on hand always), either I or someone from my church will add you without any obligation, let me know.  We won’t put you on any list unless you want to be added.  We are a small church but very community-minded and understanding.  For questions about any of this, clnolte@msn.com.  PLEASE do NOT send me a solicitation!

To God be the glory,

Cheryl L. Nolte

Mini News - March 22 2020

Christian History Almanac - Saturday, March 21, 2020 [Audio]

On this day, we remember St. Benedict, who died in 550, and Brother Klaus, who died in 1787. The reading is "Thee, God, I come from, to thee go" by Gerard Manley Hopkins.

[Sunday Service] Invisible Love - Life Together

↓↓↓↓ Just the Sermon ↓↓↓↓-↑↑↑↑ The Whole Service ↑↑↑↑

Questions for the Week

1. Describe a time where you didn’t feel and see Jesus working and wondered where he was.

2. Read Mark 15:21-39.  Have recent world events caused you to read this differently?  If so, how so?

3. Read 1 Peter 1:6-9.  According to Peter, where is Jesus when you don’t see him?

4. Describe a time in the past when you faced challenges that you realized Jesus was near. How can you encourage someone with that this week?

Remember the Daily Grace

www.GraceLutheranPSL.com/Daily
Check the site often for funny, serious, video, articles, biblical and what-not.
Let’s Bring Grace and Peace to a Chaotic and Lonely Time.

Important Posts from the Week.

Watch the Latest Photo Video!

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

March 20, 2020 - Christian History Almanac [Audio]

On this day, we remember St. Cuthbert and Fred Rogers. The reading is a poem, "Lent" by Christina Rossetti.

Grant me serenity

Building Construction [Photos]

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Cleaning up the church! Thanks! [Photos]

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Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer Statue Lit With Flags of the World as a of Show Solidarity in the Fight Against Coronavirus

Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer is one of the world’s most iconic statues. And, this week, the massive structure that overlooks the city of Rio de Janeiro was a illuminated with the flags of the world as a sign of solidarity in the global fight against the Coronavirus.

A mass, led by Rio de Janeiro’s archbishop Orani João Tempesta, was held near the statue, as people were encourage to pray for the victims of the outbreak.
ADVERTISING

The words #praytogether—in languages spoken around the world—were also projected onto it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Qw1UpnpsKA&feature=emb_title

https://relevantmagazine.com/current/brazils-christ-the-redeemer-statue-lit-with-flags-of-the-world-as-a-of-show-solidarity-in-the-fight-against-coronavirus

Christian History Almanac - Thursday, March 19, 2020

St Joseph

School Hamster

Publix senior shopping hours

Publix is designating Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, 7 – 8 a.m., as senior shopping hours for customers age 65 and over. This change in hours will begin Tuesday, March 24, and continue until further notice. Publix Pharmacy will also open at 7 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to serve our senior population.

According to the CDC, individuals over the age of 65 are at increased risk of complications from the coronavirus. Publix is offering these expanded hours to better support our elder community.

https://corporate.publix.com/about-publix/newsroom/news-releases/senior-shopping-hours

People I Am Praying for Right Now

People I Am Praying for Right Now
by SARAH CONDON on Mar 11, 2020

A pregnant friend who had to cancel her trip to Disney World.
My asthmatic dad.
All of the older people who are coming to church.
All of the older people who are not coming to church.
Children in the third ward of Houston who depend on school for food.
Their parents.
Anyone making decisions about whether or not to close schools.
Everyone in our city who just has allergies but believes that their spouse in a bathrobe might be the grim reaper.
The grim reaper. This is a tough season for her.
Teenagers who are in love. We need that kind of madness and hope right now. Keep it up, kids.
The young woman who took a job at CVS to get herself through college. And now gets yelled at about the lack of Purell. Hourly.
My Asian doctor who told me how racist people have been to her.
Lonely people.
People who wanted to spend less time on social media and now are spending three times as much time on social media.
Flight attendants.
Anyone with OCD.
People who have recently been told they only have months left to live. I pray that they can take advantage of cheap cruises. Seriously.
People who are really scared.
People who feel the need to be critical of people who are scared.
Myself. That I can remember that God so loved the world that He gave us Jesus. And that He did not come to condemn the world but that He came to save it. He said so Himself.

https://mbird.com/2020/03/people-i-am-praying-for-right-now/

Let's Get Ready to Watch the Service at Home (Instructions)

On Sunday we are going to premier our worship service on the web page, www.gracelutheranpsl.com at 9AM

The Worship service will also be available on YouTube,
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-75ObCQ87gyBbjzTnLrjnQ

Youtube is great because it is so versatile. Youtube videos will play on most internet-connected devices.

• So if you have

  • a computer with the internet, you're good.

  • a smartphone. you're good.

  • a smart TV, you’re good.

  • a smart TV box, like a Roku or Apple TV, you’re good.

Watching the worship service on a TV will be the best experience.
But if you can’t get it to work. Still watch on your computer or phone

---

Watch the video below to find out how you can “cast” the YouTube video from your phone or computer to your TV (this is what Pastor does in the Bible studies to put the Bible and videos on the screens).

Remember to download the youtube App on your Phone or be using “Chrome” On your computer.
Also Practice Today and Tomorrow!

---

But what if you don’t have a smart TV or a Smart TV box?

HDMI Cable and Plug

• Do you have a flat-screen tv?

• If yes, does it have an HDMI plug?

  • See Picture >>>>>

• You can purchase a Roku box

• Here is the one to get, they are at Walmart in St. Lucie West right now: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Roku-Premiere-HD-4K-HDR-Streaming-Media-Player-Simple-Remote-and-Premium-HDMI-Cable/886364048

• Just install the Roku Box, set it up with the instructions, and install the YouTube app on the Roku.

  • I know it sounds like a lot, but you can do it - I have faith in you.!

But what if I have a normal TV without the right plugs?

This is why we are putting together a DVD.
Contact the church, or come to a communion time, and we will have a DVD packet for you.
Just get the DVD going, and watch the worship service with your DVD player.

You can use your phone, tablet, or computer to control the YouTube experience on TV, using the Cast icon to Cast or Airplay. If you're casting from a mobile ...

I found this video also helpful, but it is a little different

Where 2 or More

The Christian History Almanc Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Wednesday, March 18, 2020 On this day, we remember the First Lateran Council in 1123, and Wilfrid Owen, born 1893. The reading is from Wilfrid Owen, "Maundy Thursday.