Coronavirus Update April 3, 2020

BLESSED IN PLACE

This is still the day the Lord has made; and we will still rejoice and be glad in it. These past few weeks have

been among the most challenging in our lifetimes, and yet, even in the midst of this storm, it’s encouraging

to know that God is still in control and that we will continue to look to Him as our source of strength.

While we’re under a shelter in place and stay at home directive in many places throughout the country, God

reminds us that we are also “blessed in place”. God will bless us, right where we are—in the middle of this

circumstance. There is an “after this” and I declare to you that there will be victory, there will be glory and

there will be a praise—after this! I encourage you to pray for one another, check in on one another as we are

doing our best to keep you updated and encouraged through this time. Please see the resources on our website

and this mailer. Please keep your eyes open as we will be trying some new things and updating some things.

It looks like we might be in this for a while, hang with us. We will get through this, together! I speak over

your life: Will you join in the words of Jesus and the late great Dr. Maya Angelou, and when this mess is

over, you will be heard shouting, “I’ll Rise!”

In His Name,

Pastor Brian D. Hunter

As we keep you up to date in the various areas of our ministry, we will also keep you informed about our stewardship. During this unique season, your support of our ministry through tithes and offerings can be done in five ways:

1. Mailed to our Administrative Office; 1400 8th St., Berkeley, CA 94710. Please remember to include your first and last name, as well as your return address and mobile phone number, so we can allocate your donation accurately. PLEASE DO NOT MAIL CASH

2. Download BMZ giving app at Church By Ministry One and simple following the prompts

3. You can text your giving to (510) 924-0042.

4. Via our website at www.berkeleymtzionmbc.org

5. Also, feel free to drop your tithes and offering envelopes in the church mailbox located in the front of the church on the left hand side, which will be monitored by staff daily. PLEASE DO NOT DROP CASH IN THE MAILBOX.

During your most difficult times, we want you to know that we are here to pray WITH you and FOR you! Please feel free to take advantage of the various prayer resources.

1. Daily prayer call on Monday's - Friday's to begin on Monday, April 6. The dial in number is (425) 436-6329. The access code is 462995

2. Call the church office and leave your prayer request on the voicemail (please speak slowly and clearly).

Friday, April 3rd , 2020

GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE! The global spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, has become a central topic of discussion and concern for all of us. But as we learned on Wednesday we choose faith over fear. We deliberately and intentionally decide to speak words of faith and not of fear. For you and your family, this coronavirus crisis has highlighted things we’ve taken for granted and forced us to rethink how we go about the common practices of our daily lives.

This bulletin will serve as our comprehensive guide supplying information and direction and keeping us informed and connected.

SUSPENSION OF IN-PERSON CHURCH GATHERINGS ON CAMPUSBased on the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control we have suspended all in-person church gatherings (meetings, small groups, rehearsals, services, etc.) until further notice. The health and well-being of you and your family is our top priority. The “news” changes from hour-to-hour. But be advised, “trouble won’t last always!” Now, to be clear: while we will not gather in person, we will still can gather ONLINE as I will post a message every Wednesday and Sunday via our website and Facebook page. Of course we prefer to be together, but at this time, but I am grateful for technology that allows us to continue to receive the Word of God. Even Jesus didn’t live in a TGIF world: Twitter, Google, Instagram and Facebook! I want you to faithfully join me every week as I continue to share the Word of God. You won’t want to miss it! FOCUS ON OUR SENIORSI want to ensure our seniors that we are thinking of you during this time. We do not want our seniors to feel isolated during this health crisis. We have learned that nursing homes and senior citizen assisted living facilities are requesting that we do NOT visit our senior loved ones. I/we will continue to make phone calls in an effort to keep our senior saints who may not be as familiar with online technology, connected to the family. I thank God for those of you who have already reached out to many of our seniors.

Always remember: there has never been a storm that did not end. This storm will end.The Lord is with us through this valley of the shadow of death. WE WILL COME THROUGH THIS!

In His Hands,Pastor Brian D. Hunter

ARE WE STILL HAVING CHURCH?

Although WE CANNOT GATHER IN OUR BUILDING, yes we are still having church and still doing ministry. We are asking all those who can

to join us online at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday and at 10:00 a.m. Sunday. So please plan to join us via our streaming venues:

BERKELEY MT. ZION WEBSITE

CHURCH FACEBOOK PAGE

CHURCH YOUTUBE PAGE

VISIT WWW.BERKELEYMTZIONMBC.ORG

VISIT WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BMZMBC/

VISIT WWW.BIT.LY/2UTHPOZ/ (case sensitive)

THE BMZ TOUCH

One of our top priorities as we walk through this time is to ensure that we remain connected, and that no one feels neglected, that we are still here to help in whatever way we can. During this time it is our endeavor to give all our members the “BMZ TOUCH”. We will

continue to touch our members in various way by:

Mass mailings with updates and pertinent information.

Our T.O.U.C.H. ministry will continue call.

Our Deacons and Deaconesses will continue to shepherd the members of their tribes.

Visit our website: www.berkeleymtzionmbc.org.

Online Church Services Sunday 10:00 a.m. and Wednesdays 7:00 p.m.

Facebook Groups - Church Facebook page.

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HOW DO I CONTINUE TO GIVE?

There are six ways to continue to give during this time:

Via our website at www.berkeleymtzionmbc.org.

Text your giving to (510) 924-0042.

Via our BMZ giving App: Visit www.simplegive.ministryone.com/landing/Z6P0 to download MinistryOne APP on Apple store or Google Play. After downloading app, search “Berkeley Mt. Zion”.

By mail: 1400 8th St. Berkeley, Ca. 94710. Please do not mail cash.

Drop giving envelope in church mailbox. Please include name and membership number. Do not put cash in the mailbox.

Every Tuesday between 12 noon - 3:00 p.m. a designated deacon/mem-ber will come to your residence to pick up offering envelope. You must call the church to arrange the details of pick up.

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WHAT ABOUT OTHER CHURCH ACTIVITIES

FACTS ABOUT CORONA VIRUS

As it stands, there will not be any onsite mass gatherings, bible studies, meetings, or events at BMZ until further notice. However, please plan

to take advantage of the following virtual opportunities to enhance your spiritual growth:

Daily Prayer Call on Monday’s - Friday’s to begin on Monday, April 6. The dial in number is (425) 436-6329. The access code is 462995.

Diseases can make anyone sick regardless of their race or ethnicity.Fear and anxiety about COVID-19 can cause people to avoid or reject others even though they are not at risk for spreading the virus.

For most people, the immediate risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be low.Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19.

Someone who has completed quarantine or has been released from isolation does not pose a risk of infection to other people. For up-to-date information, visit CDC’s coronavirus disease situation summary page.

FACTS ABOUT CORONA VIRUS(CONTINUED)

There are simple things you can do to help keep yourself and others healthy.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.• Stay home when you are sick.• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

You can help stop COVID-19 by knowing the signs and symptoms:• Fever• Cough• Shortness of breath • Seek medical advice if you• Develop symptoms

AND

• Have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or live in or have recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19. Call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room. Tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.

MYTHS ABOUT THE CORONA VIRUS

A vaccine to cure COVID-19 is available. FALSE. There is no vaccine for the new coronavirus right now. Scientists have already begun working on one.

You can protect yourself from COVID-19 by swallowing or gargling with bleach, taking acetic acid or steroids, or using essential oils, salt water, ethanol or other substances. FALSE.

None of these recommendations protects you from getting COVID-19, and some of these practices may be dangerous. The best ways to protect yourself from this coronavirus (and other viruses) include:Washing your hands frequently and thoroughly, using soap and hot water.Avoiding close contact with people who are sick, sneezing or coughing.In addition, you can avoid spreading your own germs by coughing into the crook of your elbow and staying home when you are sick.

A face mask will protect you from COVID-19.FALSE.Certain models of professional, tight-fitting respirators (such as the N95) can protect health care workers as they care for infected patients.For the general public without respiratory illness, wearing lightweight disposable surgical masks is not recommended. Because they don’t fit tightly, they may allow tiny infected droplets to get into the nose, mouth or eyes. Also, people with the virus on their hands who touch their face under a mask might become infected. People with a respiratory illness can wear these masks to lessen their chance of infecting others. Bear in mind that stocking up on masks makes fewer available for sick patients and health care workers who need them.

Getting COVID-19 is a death sentence. FALSE.That’s not true. About 81% of people who are infected with the coronavirus have mild cases of COVID-19. The data thus far suggests that only around 2.3% of people infected with COVID-19 die from the virus. People who are older or have underlying health conditions seem to be most at risk of having severe disease or complications.

TRUE FALSEOR

TRUE FALSEOR

TRUE FALSEOR

TRUE FALSEOR

MYTHS ABOUT THE CORONA VIRUS

If you have coronavirus, “you’ll know”. FALSE.No, you won’t. COVID-19 causes a wide range of symptoms, many of which appear in other respiratory illnesses such as the flu and the common cold. Specifically, common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and difficulty breathing, and rarer symptoms include dizziness, nausea,

TRUE FALSEOR

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EXERCISES FOR SENIORS

Indoor Activities• Put some music on and walk briskly around the house or up and down the stairs

for 10- 15 minutes, 2-3 times per day.• Dance to your favorite music.• Jump rope (if your joints can handle it).• Do an exercise video.• Use home cardio machines if you have them.

Strength Training• Download a strength workout app to your smart phone, such as the 7-Minute

Workout (no equipment necessary).• Do a strength training video.• Perform yoga – deep breathing and mindfulness can also reduce anxiety.

Outdoor Activities (if allowed by your government) • Walk or jog around your neighborhood.• Stay 6 feet away from others.• Be active in a local park. Spending time in nature may enhance immune function.

Wash your hands when you get home.• Go for a bicycle ride.• Do gardening and lawn work (Spring is around the corner!).• Play active games with your family.• Find ways to do simple muscle strengthening exercises around your house such as:

• Squats or sit-to-stands from a sturdy chair• Push-ups against a wall, the kitchen counter or the floor• Lunges or single leg step-ups on stairs

Don’t sit all day! For example: If watching TV, get up during every commercial (or periodically) and do a lap around your home or an active chore. For example, throw some clothes in the laundry, do the dishes or take out the garbage. Feel productive after just one show!

HOW TO TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT CORONA VIRUS

Here are some tips on how to talk to your kids about the coronavirus. The first step for how to talk to your kids about the coronavirus—let your kids talk. Your kids are hearing conversations on the news and between adults about the “pandemic,” “quarantine,” “virus,” the lack of a “vaccine,” and “the danger to the elderly and immunocompromised.” Our kids don’t understand most of the vocabulary surrounding the coronavirus. They need a safe place to talk about what’s going on. Ask your kids what they’ve heard and what questions they have about the coronavirus. Offer your kids real information to fight “fake news. Give your kids real facts to combat the rumors they may have heard. They don’t need to know all the details (because too much info can be worrisome, too!), but here are a few tips to guide you on how to talk to your kids about the coronavirus.

HOW TO TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT CORONA VIRUS

Give your child specific things they can do to feel in control. Teach kids that getting lots of sleep and washing their hands well and often can help them stay strong and well. Explain that regular hand washing also helps stop viruses from spreading to others. Be a good role model and let your kids see you washing your hands often!

Talk about all the things that are happening to keep people safe and healthy. Young kids might be reassured to know that hospitals and doctors are prepared to treat people who get sick. Older kids might be comforted to know that scientists are working to develop a vaccine. These talks also prepare kids for changes in their normal routine if schools or childcare centers close in the future.

Put news stories in context. If they ask, explain that death from the virus is still rare, despite what they might hear. Watch the news with your kids so you can filter what they hear.

Kids and teens often worry more about family and friends than themselves. For example, if kids hear that older people are more likely to be seriously ill, they might worry about their grandparents. Letting them call or Skype with older relatives can help them feel reassured about loved ones.

Let your kids know that it’s normal to feel stressed out at times. Everyone does. Recognizing these feelings and knowing that stressful times pass and life gets back to normal can help children build resilience.

Keep checking in with your child. Use talking about coronavirus as a way to help kids learn about their bodies, like how the immune system fights off disease.

Talk about current events with your kids often. It’s important to help them think through stories they hear about. Ask questions: What do you think about these events? How do you think these things happen? Such questions also encourage conversation about non-news topics.

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FACEBOOK GROUPS

A Facebook Group is a place for group communication and for people to share their common interests, ideas, and express their opinion. They let people come together around a common cause, issue or activity to organize, express objectives, discuss issues, post photos, and share related content. You can access the following groups by simply going to our Church Facebook page Berkeley Mt Zion MBC (BMZ)

BMZ Exercise Group

BMZ Nutrition Group

BMZ Prayer Group

31 BIBLE VERSES TO REMIND US - WE DO NOT HAVE TO FEAR

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

“Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.” John 14:27

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18

“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” Psalm 94:19

“But now, this is what the Lord says…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1

“An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” Proverbs 12:25

31 BIBLE VERSES TO REMIND US - WE DO NOT HAVE TO FEAR

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34

“Humble yourselves, then, under God’s mighty hand, so that he will lift you up in his own good time. Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7

“Tell everyone who is discouraged, Be strong and don’t be afraid! God is coming to your rescue…” Isaiah 35:4

“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” Luke 12:22-26

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” Psalm 55:22

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31 BIBLE VERSES TO REMIND US - WE DO NOT HAVE TO FEAR

“Immediately he spoke to them and said, ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’” Mark 6:50

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

“‘For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, for I myself will help you,’ declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 41:13-14

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

“The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper.” Psalm 118:6-7

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25

“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:39-40

“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” Psalm 34:7

“But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats.” 1 Peter 3:14

“I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4

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31 BIBLE VERSES TO REMIND US - WE DO NOT HAVE TO FEAR

“Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.” Deuteronomy 3:22

“Then he placed his right hand on me and said: ‘Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.’” Revelation 1:17

“Jesus told him, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe.’” Mark 5:36

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” Romans 8:38-39

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”…He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you…For he will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways…“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him…” Psalm 91:1-16

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