Bleach Blessing

With the swine flu so prominently in the news, the staff and volunteers in the Youth and Family Ministry program wondered how our Unity families would react. Would they stay home? Would they mention their concern?

We did what we do each week. Each Sunday afternoon we wipe all hard surfaces and toys with bleach wipes. If any blankets or pillows are soiled, they go home with me to be washed.

Hand sanitizer is at the ready on the welcome table and in prominent places in the classrooms. Each room is stocked with tissue.

We make it clear to our volunteers that they should stay home if they don’t feel well and call in to let us know. We request that parents keep their children home if they had a fever, colored mucus, rash, cough, vomiting or diarrhea within the last 24 hours.

On Sunday, our attendance was down and we learned that a few parents stayed home because of the feared epidemic. Of those who attended, only one parent asked what we were doing to make sure the kids didn’t touch each other. She wanted to be certain they would understand the need for good hygiene.

  Just then, one first grade boy went directly to the small sink in the classroom and washed his hands. Others used the hand sanitizer as they arrived. The mom smiled and gave me a reassured nod as she headed to the sanctuary for the service.

 After the service when parents were picking up their children, several commented on their belief that the media probably exaggerated the danger. One parent mentioned that they remembered the spiritual teaching that what we give our attention to is what we get more of.  They said that if everyone watched all the news reports and believed them strongly, they could attract illness into their lives.  Therefore they were choosing to see their children and themselves as healthy and well. They thought it was also a great idea to practice good hygiene. 

After everyone left, Sandi and I once again sanitized everything as we do each week, potential epidemic or not. The twist for us is that we also bless the space as we work.