Coronavirus and the disease it causes, known as COVID-19, is quickly spreading throughout New York and much of the world. Right now, there are many unknowns and many among us are naturally experiencing anxiety about the future and confusion around what to do next.

No matter what we may be experiencing, New Day Church is family.

And while we have had to suspend in-person worship for the time being, we will continue to be a family that cares for each other.

Knowing this, we are organizing as a community to offer support via phone and internet as well as in-person whenever possible. We will adapt our responses to meet one another's needs as they change over the coming weeks. At this time, we invite you to join in community with us in the following seven ways:

1. Utilize emergency contacts

   • In the case of any emergencies or urgent needs call one of the people helping to lead our mutual aid work: Chris Sweeney (914-522-0673) or Kelly (917) 715-6621, or email at christopher.r.sweeney@gmail.com.

2. Call one another to check-in

   • As the city slows down and we practice physical distancing, we might be experiencing anxiety, loss, loneliness, and/or isolation. This is especially true for those who need to self-quarantine or who live alone. So please, pick up the phone and call each other. Over the course of the next few days, we will institute a small group / buddy-system so that we can be sure that every member of the community is in touch with someone else everyday.

3. Identify community members with pre-existing conditions

   • If you believe you or another member are especially vulnerable with a pre-existing condition like diabetes, heart or lung issues, circulatory issues, asthma or any other underlying medical condition, we ask you to please let us know how to best show up for you. Name what you need and we will do our best to support. E-mail christopher.r.sweeney[at]gmail[dot]com.

4. Ask for help with groceries or other needed items

   • It may become necessary to deliver groceries, pharmacy goods or other items, especially for the elderly, caretakers, anyone who gets sick, or even those who do not have cars. For anyone who has this need or knows of someone in the community who does, call Chris or Kelly for delivery arrangements. Also, for now, there are no shortages in the Catskills. If you are struggling to find particular things at stores, Chris and Adrian should be able to get them and deliver them in the next few days. We also have members with cars in the Bronx, so we can make things happen more quickly when necessary.  

5. Inquire about emergency funds if you're in need

   • Of course, we still don't know all of the ways this will affect us economically. Some of us might lose jobs or have shifts cancelled. Some of us might not know when the next pay-check is coming. New Day has made money available for emergency groceries, utilities, medical or housing costs, or other urgent needs as they might arise. We have a seeded a mutual aid fund from our internal tithe to support our community members in need, and are launching it now in this critical moment. While the initial fund is modest, we will call on God's guidance and abundance to grow this fund to be able to meet each others needs in the coming weeks and months.  

6. Name your housing needs

   • If you find yourself in an untenable housing situation, if you need to relocate or are alone or afraid, we will support you throughout the process of getting what you need, including looking for potential housing opportunities. Again, contact Chris or Kelly.

7. Join us on Sundays at 11 AM for virtual service on Zoom

   • A Zoom link will be shared prior to each Sunday on our social media channels and newsletter. If you join by computer, phone, or tablet, you will be prompted to download the Zoom app. If you need any support launching Zoom, please text Nora Cunningham at (646) 441-0240.

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This is not the first time a church has come together in a time of fear and difficulty. As always, New Day will emerge stronger and more resilient if we live out what we are and are called to be: a church and family, living in the compassion and abundance of God. Let us keep each other always in our prayers.

For more information concerning the coronavirus, its symptoms, and prevention methods, please visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).