July 2020
A newsletter of Zion Hill Baptist Church
THE LIU (pronounced LEE-UU)
Modified Normal
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t is practically July 2020 – our 4th month of modified normal. Facetime, Zoom and Live Streaming are some of the tools that are keeping us connected. They are wonderful mediums of communication. However, I believe that many of us are counting down the days to when it will be safe enough to hug and sit safely in the presence of our love ones. As the Director of Youth and Children, I sit in awe of our young people’s resilience in the face of social unrest. I wonder in all our adaptations and uncer-
tainties, if we are doing enough to nurture this precocious generation – as a whole. Our children have greater access to media. As I recall the video replays of George Floyd and Rayshard Brooks spooling over and over via news channels and social media, have we paused to ask how our minors are really doing? Youth and children are jewels to the world. They have persevered through an entire semester of school. Some have graduated. They have adjusted to a virtual classroom. Now, they are the leaders of a
modern Civil Rights Movement – having to grow up sooner than we anticipated. It is disconcerting that our “babies” are weighted with the call to justice. However, we have seen a young generation during the 1950s and 1960s who fought a similar fight; and it led to integration. I reflect on the resilience of our Zion Hill young people, still worshipping or at least trying in the midst. Trying to spread joy and truly attempting to communicate God in their own sequester. The Youth (continued on page 3)
It’s Not Magic, Just Plain Old Caring
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he Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) posted an article, updated July 1, entitled “Coping with Stress” https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html . It focuses on the stress caused by the ongoing pandemic, COVID-19 and how we might effectively deal with it emotionally. Under these conditions the authors of the post warn that people may experience a variety of stress-indicating symptoms of the virus such as: fear and worry, changes in sleep and eating patterns, worsening of health (mental and physical), and increased use of tobacco, alcohol and other mind-altering substances. After listing a variety of places where people can get immediate help for inordinately high levels of stress, the article lists several ways to better cope with this pandemic-induced stress. Some of these ways include:
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REAP ROLL CALL New Members June 2020 Brother Nolan Code Sister Erica Ennis
CHURCH FAMILY
Acknowledgements June 2020 Your kind expressions of sympathy are deeply appreciated, gratefully acknowledged, and will always be remembered by: The Ushery, Polk and Hendricks Family
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F inding out what to do should you get COVID-19 (the CDC website listed above is a good source) Take care of your health Take deep breaths Exercise and stretch regularly Meditate
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Eat healthier Get enough sleep Take a break from watching, reading or listening to the news Take time to unwind Connect with others, your community, faith-based organizations (your church)
All of these measures are important and should be followed as needed. I would, however, add to this list of coping mechanisms the simple act of caring for and reaching out to one another. While some may see this idea as implied in the CDC’s last recommendation of connecting with others, I want to emphasize it as an independent means by which to help us get through this crisis. I would submit that one way to relieve stress is to help others do the same. When we extend ourselves to aid others in need, their relief through our efforts often returns to us in ways that help to relieve our own stressful moments. This reciprocal action resembles the teacher learning a lesson while teaching, or the physician feeling better after successfully treating a patient, or a volunteer builder experiencing more appreciation for his/her own home. I believe this is the core idea in the Apostle Paul’s message to the congregation in Rome when he wrote: “…love one another with mutual affection…” (Romans 12:10). The expression “mutual affection” is derived from a Greek term that means dear, friend, neighbor, associate. This is what we need to be to one another, especially during these potentially high-stressed times. Becoming such may consists of no more than a check-up call, text, tweet, post, email, etc.; it could involve listening attentively and carefully without the often unwarranted and unwanted imparting of advice; it could be a brief but sincerely offered word of encouragement or direction to another source for assistance; and of course it might include a prayer – going to God together. Sometimes, however, mutual affection necessitates more extensive help a greater commitment, especially in crisis situations. Loving one another with mutual affection should not be complicated for most of us; it only requires that we get in touch with our most human selves and implement one of the foundational principles of our faith – “Love one another” (John 13:34). This means that when someone has a need, and we have the means to meet that need, then we should simply do so, without any strings attached. With this attitude and activity we can, by God’s abiding grace, provide each other with resources to manage the stress and strain of our present human predicament. Brothers and sisters, it’s not magic, just plain old caring. n —Pastor Parker
Modified Normal (continued) and Children’s Ministry appreciates and values the opportunity to spread love not only to Zion Hill parishioners, but to those who are tuning in to worship with us. Our young people are passionate, and I am grateful to say that our separation has not changed their love and ability to serve. We appreciate our Pastor, Dr. Aaron L. Parker, for granting our young people the opportunity to continue to still reign as, “Sensational.” We appreciate the virtual community of support. God knows that our parents work extremely hard behind the scenes, while balancing life, to ensure
that we are blessed with ministry of our Youth and Children. Everyone, including our Youth Leaders, video editors, audio engineers …This collective effort to foster our young voices. Community is happening in the middle of Covid-19. If you love to write, edit video, work with sound, love to teach young people, please email your information to fchism@ zionhill.org. And join us for our next Sensational Sunday! One is coming soon. n Blessings, Love and Stay Safe! —Min. Felisha R. Chism Director of Youth and Children Ministries
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Social Determinants of Healthcare and the Covid-19 and the Coronavirus — Where do we go from here?
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he coronavirus and the COVID-19 pandemic have been with us from March 2020. However, some epidemiological experts believe that January 2020 represents the inception of this viral spread into the United States. With respect to the coronavirus, there are more than 2.7 million cases in the United States, and over 126,000 Americans have died. Locally, Georgia has experienced a new surge in the spread of the coronavirus and COVID-19.
determinants of healthcare, including but not limited to the following conditions: 1) poor housing environment, 2) inadequate education, 3) economic instability (lack of a livable wage and decreased financial literacy-manifested via a lack of savings and lack of significant comparable wealth to other communities) concomitantly, associated with 4) lack of presence of adequate healthcare insurance, and not having healthcare access ( due to failure to expand Medicaid coverage for our fellow citizens in the urban and rural areas in the State of Georgia and nationally. Equivalent to the above conditions listed and part of the array of social determinants of healthcare, one has to remember that racism (systemic for over 400 years in the United States), poverty, and environmental devastation with toxic waste sites near our communities and lack of clean water and food deserts lead to the increased risk of getting the coronavirus in the African American community. Where do we go from here?
Are there factors and parameters in the minority, and more particularly, in the African American and the Latino populations which increase the risks and susceptibility of these communities to the coronavirus and COVID-19? In brief, the short answer, succinctly, is yes. Social Determinants of Healthcare The social determinants of healthcare refer to the underlying elements in a community which are proximal to the cause, and are likely to contribute to
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the development of healthcare disparities and to the lack of healthcare equity. It is well known with firm medical and scientific evidence that comorbidities, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and cancer(s)- i.e. breast, lung, and prostate—increase the risk of contracting the coronavirus and the actual COVID-19 illness. Underneath these comorbidities which can increase mortality disproportionately in African Americans and in Latino Americans are the social
Pragmatically, what are the potential solutions which need to be implemented in order to halt the spread of the coronavirus and COVID -19. Continued identification of the prevalence of the coronavirus with accelerated and massive, adequate Testing is still paramount in the path forward to contain and to reduce the spread of the coronavirus and COVID-19. Director of the National Institutes of Health, Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Anthony Fauci, M.D., still strongly promulgates that massive testing, (continued on next page)
Misinformation in the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic
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ome of the messages and information being spread via the media within minority communities and elsewhere has contained gross misinformation. This includes the message that the coronavirus was created in a lab in the United States and it was sent to China; and that this was all a plot. Additionally, the President who hyped untested medications, has relentlessly participated in spreading misinformation. What's the psychological impact of hearing this kind of information and how can people sort out the scientific facts from misapprehensions or even in some cases, outright falsehoods? The issue of misinformation that is being propagated is critically important in the pandemic response. It's vitally important that everyone have accurate scientific information about what they can do to reduce their risk, what they should do if they're symptomatic, and what they should do to help their families and their communities. Brian D. Smedley, PhD, Chief of Psychology in the Public Interest for the American Psychological Association (APA), provides valuable insight into this question. Dr. Smedley states, “Certainly, we
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contact tracing for those exposed to other positively tested individuals for the COVID-19 virus and tracing a positively tested individuals with social isolation for at least 14 days. Best Practices Remember that these mitigating practices are still currently recommended to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. These actions include: 1) hand washing with soap and water, 2) hand cleansing with the hand sanitizer containing at least 70% alcohol, 3)
know that misinformation is more likely to spread when people are fearful, when people are anxious, and when people are uncertain. That is certainly the psychological state of much of the population during this pandemic. That's why it's so vitally important that our elected officials and our public health leaders communicate clearly
certainty and people not having factual information, has tended to engender stereotypes. Misinformation has created space for xenophobic attitudes and racist attitudes to creep into the public consciousness. Irresponsible language from elected leaders and officials has also exacerbated xenophobic feelings. This type of fear divides
“Certainly, we know that misinformation is more likely to spread when people are f e arful, when people are anxious, and when people are uncertain” —Dr. Brian D. Smedley
and in culturally excellent ways to reach all of our populations. Providing the best scientific information so that people can trust what they're hearing. They can take action to reduce their risk. But when we have the opposite, when we have clear instances of misinformation, when people are not getting the facts, it only contributes more to the fear and anxiety. Those kinds of psychological states can make it harder to help reduce risk for many of our populations and ultimately, flatten the curve. Clearly, the psychological dimensions of the pandemic are absolutely vital to address just as we do things like physical distancing.” Unfortunately, fear, because of un-
our communities and makes it easier to blame innocent victims rather than blaming the real culprit which is the virus itself. Psychological research has demonstrated, states Dr. Brian, “That communities that have come together, that have found ways to solve their challenges, communities that have high levels of what we call collective efficacy are those communities that are going to rebound the quickest from the pandemic. It strongly suggests that even though we're physically distancing, it's social cohesion, social coming together that's going to help us solve this problem.” n —Rev. Kevin Jackson ZHBC Counseling Ministry
wear the face masks which should cover your mouth and your nose, in all public spaces, 4) avoid crowds of more than 10 persons, 5) practice social distancing of at least 6 feet, 6) when one coughs cough into one’s elbow, and 7) avoid touching one’s eyes, mouth, and eyes. Furthermore, wearing the mask inside a space with unfamiliar persons and wearing the mask outside, both- with a social distancing of 6 feet, decrease the risk of contracting the coronavirus by 5 times, and by 18 times, respectively. In addition, the Health Ministry at Zion Hill Baptist Church is continually
working with the COVID-19 Task Force at Zion Hill Baptist Church in order to provide current and the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Due to our spirit of deep and empathetic concern about your health and our desire to save lives, we remain intimately involved in praying for you and your family. n — Shelby R. Wilkes M.D., MBA/Chair-ZHBC Health Ministry/ Chair-Board: Georgia State Medical Association, Inc./Member of Dean’s Council of Rollins School of Public Health-Emory University
Join us for virtual services Sunday Worship Service at 9:30 am EDT Wednesday Bible for Life at 7:00 pm EDT
Join us on either of the following live streaming platforms: n
L ivestreaming: http://zionhillbaptistchurch. yourstreamlive.com/
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F acebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/ zhbcatl/
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Y ouTube: (search for ZHBCATL zionhill)
@zhbcatl
ZHBC zionhill
Is Christ Lord and Savior of your life? Jesus answered, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 NRSV) Admit your need for Him. “...since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23 NRSV) Recognize His love for you. “But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 NRSV) Place your faith in Jesus and invite Him into your life. “...because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9 NRSV) Pray a prayer of repentance and faith. For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13 NRSV)
We want YOU to contribute! If your ministry has a virtual activity or news that you want mentioned, you can send an email to zhbc@zionhill.org. We welcome all ministry contributions: writing, story ideas, suggestions, digital photographs, artwork, letters, responses to our columns, reviews, etc. and look forward to hearing from you. All material is subject to approval and editing. ALL contributions must be submitted by the second Wednesday of each month. The LIU will be distributed once a month. If you do not see your contribution in the current issue, it will appear in upcoming issues. CORRECTIONS We attempt to be accurate and balanced. We apologize for any errors that occur and when notified we will print appropriate corrections.
BIBLE for LIFE Join Pastor Parker on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm streamimg live on Facebook, YouTube, and at http://zionhillbaptistchurch.yourstreamlive.com/
Series Title:
“Seasonal Change”
The LIU is a publication of
6175 Campbellton Road, South Fulton/Atlanta, GA 30331 Rev. Aaron L. Parker, PhD, Pastor 404-691-8025 • www.zionhill.org
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Available after streaming as recordings.