Neighborhood Church’s response to the new coronavirus known as COVID-19

Neighborhood Church’s campus remains closed for everyone’s safety and health. We have no immediate plans for reopening the campus or returning to physical services in the near future. Please know that each month, the church leadership, board members and staff will reevaluate where we are and let you know through the newsletter about what is happening.

The good news is that opportunities for virtual connection are quite literally limitless. Our online services allow us to reach people we otherwise would never be able to. And watch the newsletter and green sheet each week for other opportunities to connect. Please reach out to Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley with any questions.

Messages of love and inspiration:

Director of Religious Education Matt Vasko shares these tips for families to get through this home-bound time.

Collaborative Keyboardist Wells Leng performs “Adagio” by Dr. Zanaida Robles. May it bring you peace in these ever-changing times!

More resources for you:

This article has some great tips for maintaining a sense of community in the midst of the pandemic and keeping ties of solidarity close.

Don't miss these encouraging videos of health care professionals in Iran who are bravely treating COVID-19 patients and maintaining their sense of humor.

Check out the City of Pasadena Health Department's tips for preparing for possible disruptions in your daily routine caused by COVID-19.

Pandemic Poetry

Pastoral Care During COVID-19

Below you will see a form that you can fill out to alert us of your willingness and ability to reach out to other church members, or you can use the form to alert us of your needs. Once you send the form back there will be electronic lists that Sue Iri and Lyn Munro will use to match people up so that they can make their own arrangements for the delivery of assistance. In the case where a person is shopping for another, it will be important to include arrangements to pay the person for any items bought. The cost of what is purchased will not be covered by the church or the person running the errand. You will notice there is also a space to offer to call other members, just for the purpose of checking in and chatting (we all can get lonely or feel isolated in these times).

Name

First Name

Last Name

Address

Address 1

Address 2

City

State/Province

Zip/Postal Code

Country

I would like to help in the following ways.

I need someone to shop for groceries or medical supplies.

I would like someone from the church to call me to check in.

I would like to offer my services.

I am offering to pick up groceries or medical supplies.

I am offering to make friendly phone calls.

Tips from our Pastoral Care Team:

Purchase a judicious amount of backup food and supplies for your family size. Remember a few fun family favorites in case you have to stay indoors. Don't forget food, medicine and supplies for your pets!

Don't forget! Food and supplies can be purchased and delivered from Amazon.com. Many grocery stores will also deliver goods to your home for a small fee (usually $10.00). Check your local store to find out their policy.

Restaurant delivery is another great option if you can't leave the house.

How you can help:

Write our local officials to lobby to support our most vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Low-income residents of the San Gabriel Valley should not live in fear of losing their homes, their jobs, or their loved ones. We know that if we come together as a community to protect and uplift our most vulnerable, we will meet the end of this crisis faster and stronger than before. Sign this petition organized by local community leaders to urge officials to do the following:

Secure and Safe Housing: Halt all evictions and ban utility shutoffs for all residents impacted by COVID-19. Distribute rental assistance and prohibit rent increases for impacted residents.

Equitable Economic Relief: Provide financial relief for mom-and-pop businesses. Expand paid leave for all school, municipal and state employees impacted by COVID-19. Ensure equitable distribution of state and federal relief monies. Distribute information to ensure all residents have access to state unemployment resources.

Compassionate, Centralized Social Services: Disperse list of local providers offering meal services and identify locations for emergency childcare. Ensure technology needs for low-income students are met through partnerships with community-based organizations.

Outreach and Education: Be accessible as local leaders to provide COVID-19 fact-based and community-appropriate messaging. Wellness check-ins over the phone or in-person for isolated, vulnerable seniors. Utilize existing partnerships to reach residents where they are. Combat health misinformation by providing facts, protocol and guidelines in various languages and mediums to ensure access for those who lack technology.
Donate to Friends In Deed, one of our interfaith community partners working to secure food for populations who are at-risk or experiencing homelessness in this uncertain time.