Tag: coronavirus

Christian Chronicle, The Ross News

After difficult year, COVID-19 vaccines bring joy and hope

‘It’s a great relief to see so many friends and family becoming more protected. We’ve had enough sickness and loss.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle “Celebrate. People need hope.” My friend David Duncan texted me that advice when I told him I was struggling to write this column. Related: An unfathomable toll A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, I want to make sure I acknowledge the … Continue reading After difficult year, COVID-19 vaccines bring joy and hope

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Most Christians welcome the COVID-19 vaccines, but some are skeptical

A majority view the coronavirus shots as an answer to prayer, a survey finds. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Many of the 700 members of the Grace Chapel Church of Christ in Cumming, Ga., north of Atlanta, are excited about the rapid development of vaccines to fight COVID-19. “This is an answer to prayer, for certain,” said Paul Huyghebaert, the church’s lead minister. When his turn comes, … Continue reading Most Christians welcome the COVID-19 vaccines, but some are skeptical

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Going virtual again: Churches return online as COVID-19 cases surge

Record number of coronavirus infections prompt leaders to rethink in-person assemblies. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Amid a nationwide surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths, many Churches of Christ that had resumed in-person assemblies have moved worship back online, a Christian Chronicle survey found. It’s the latest twist in congregations’ nine-month battle to curtail the spread of a virus that has infected more than 15.4 million and caused nearly … Continue reading Going virtual again: Churches return online as COVID-19 cases surge

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle, The Ross News

My grandson, COVID-19 and me

Seeing the once-in-a-century pandemic through the eyes of a 2-year-old. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle OKLAHOMA CITY — As soon as I open the garage door, I hear the sweet voice of my 2-year-old grandson. “Hey, Papa, I’m riding a bike!” he calls from our front sidewalk. Taking a break from a Christian Chronicle deadline, I find Bennett playing outside with his Nana — my wife, … Continue reading My grandson, COVID-19 and me

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

After the pandemic, will people return to church?

Some ministers fear the attendance decline will outlive the COVID-19 outbreak. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle A note on the Facebook page of the Glendale Road Church of Christ in Murray, Ky., caught my attention recently. It referred to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and voiced understanding for anyone staying away from in-person worship for health reasons. “However, if the reason for your absence is because you’ve become … Continue reading After the pandemic, will people return to church?

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Uncle Sam helped congregations, Christian universities meet payroll

Thousands of church and faith-based higher ed jobs were retained through the federal Payroll Protection Program. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle At least 47 Churches of Christ across the nation received loans of $150,000 or more through the federal government’s coronavirus relief bill, a Christian Chronicle analysis found. In all, those Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act loans amounted to at least $9,450,000 — and as … Continue reading Uncle Sam helped congregations, Christian universities meet payroll

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

More churches resume in-person worship, but COVID-19 brings changes

From social distancing to individual communion packages, congregations take steps to prevent the coronavirus from spreading. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Masks or no masks? Sing and make a joyful noise — or not? Required temperature checks at the door? These are among the questions facing Churches of Christ nationwide as congregations increasingly move to resume in-person assemblies, a Christian Chronicle survey found. After nearly three … Continue reading More churches resume in-person worship, but COVID-19 brings changes

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

COVID-19 challenges Christian relief ministries’ response to spring tornadoes

Members of Churches of Christ adapt practices to serve storm victims during the coronavirus pandemic. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle After an EF3 tornado slammed into Jonesboro, Ark., on March 28, the Nettleton Church of Christ could have used the COVID-19 pandemic as an excuse not to help. Instead, the 100-member congregation immediately mobilized while taking precautions designed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. “Because … Continue reading COVID-19 challenges Christian relief ministries’ response to spring tornadoes

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Serving amid COVID-19, husband and wife try to balance safety and compassion

He leads a disaster relief ministry. She works as an ICU nurse. Avoiding the coronavirus is a challenge. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Hours after Easter Sunday tornadoes walloped the twin cities of Monroe and West Monroe in northeastern Louisiana, Ryan Lee came home from working with a chainsaw crew. The mask intended to protect him from the coronavirus dangled around his neck. … Continue reading Serving amid COVID-19, husband and wife try to balance safety and compassion

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.