Logos for April 4 2020--Protecting Your Mental Health in the Midsts of COVID19

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With the effects of Hurricane Dorian still lingering in The Bahamas, dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic in our little nation can be particularly stressful for many people. Feelings of anxiety, fear, and helplessness are common emotions as we go through these difficult times. For some persons, this crisis compounds other issues they were already dealing with such as grief, depression, domestic violence, and abuse. Given the unprecedented events of the past few weeks, strong emotions may be overwhelming to children and adults. Amid these uncertain times, here are things you can do to protect your mental health, focus on strengthening yourself, and support your community.

Stay informed. It is important to be aware of the facts regarding this disease and how it impacts you. Credible sources such as the news, The World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) can keep you updated and informed. However, it is easy to become bombarded with too much information and misinformation, especially on social media. Filter messages and take a break from the news cycle to avoid becoming traumatized.

Take care of yourself. Bestow kindness and compassion on yourself using simple methods such as eating healthy meals, drinking lots of water, engaging in physical activity, and getting proper rest. Of course, this includes following guidelines such as social distancing and hand-washing. Self-compassion helps us to have an attitude of acceptance and understanding for ourselves that we can then extend to others.

Check-in with loved ones. Call, text, or email your family and friends to stay connected. Reaching out during this time can help you feel less alone and provide comfort to others who may feel isolated. Virtual groups and chat forums with loved ones provide positive spaces that can increase wellbeing, self-worth, and a sense of belonging.

 Establish a routine. We are in an era of a new normal. As much as possible maintain structure - especially for children. The disruption to their lives may be difficult for them to understand. So, parents and caregivers should explain to them in simple terms what is happening in their lives. Parents and caregivers should map out school time, breaks, meals, chores, and playtime on a schedule. Schedules are helpful for adults as well. Even if you are working at home, find time to have some fun and do things you enjoy.

 Focus on the present. There is so much we cannot control about COVID-19 and how it affects our lives. But we can do our part to manage stress by staying in the “here and now.” Worrying about the past or future prevents you from being fully in the moment. Practice deep breathing and mindfulness exercises to refocus your energy on the present to gain a sense of calm.

 Use your faith. In the wake of financial loss and restricted freedom, it is not uncommon to lose faith and become discouraged. Spiritual tools like prayer, gratitude, and reading scripture can help you manage emotions, build resilience, and increase hope – all of which can help you manage obstacles during this time.
--Dr. Helen N. Rolle, PhD, NCC Counseling Psychologist


JOIN THE 100 DAYS OF PRAYER
Sign up at: REVIVALANDREFORMATION.ORG/100DAYS


ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES
Conference and Church Closures Due to COVID19
The South Bahamas Conference headquarters, and all of our churches will remain closed until further notice. We will continue to adhere to the protocols outlined by the Bahamas Government. Individual church services will continue to be held online or via various social media platforms. Please get further information on this from your church Pastors or Clerks. Information should have also been provided concerning the options for returning tithe and offering during this time. Kindly see our Conference website, click the link at the top of the page labelled ‘Online Giving’ and follow the directions given. An instructional video is also provided on this link. Thank you for your faithfulness to God and we pray for your safety and good health. Have a blessed Sabbath day.

Condolences
It is with sadness that the Administration of the South Bahamas Conference announces the passing of Sister Ivy Humes. Sister Humes was a faithful member of the Grant’s Town Church and a retired worker at Bahamas Academy where she taught for more than thirty years. We extend condolences to her children Mr. Norman Humes, Mrs. Janice Zonicle, and Mrs. Jacqueline Gibson, Women’s Ministry Director, for our Conference, and the extended family. May God comfort you during your time of bereavement.                      
--Administration

ADVENTIST BOOKA AND NUTRITION CENTER
Please note our adjusted hours in order to cater to your needs during this time are Mondays - Fridays 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Sundays - Closed. The social distancing rule will be applied during your visit. 
--ABNC Manager

BIBLE CLASS
Bible class for the South Bahamas Conference will be available via Zoom on Sunday @ 6:30p.m. Contact your church Pastor for the Meeting number. Topic: Bible Translations: What’s the difference? Is one version superior to all others? The study will also be live streamed via Youtube: Look for Englerston Adventist.
--Pastor Lynden Williams, Bible Studies & Spirit of Prophecy Coordinator


SOAR / SOLUTIONS TO OBSTACLES
Adventist Retreat Postponed Until Further Notice
Due to the pandemic COVID-19, the Solutions to Obstacles Adventist Retreat /SOAR, which is scheduled to be held April 17-19, 2020 at the National Training Agency on Gladstone Road has been postponed. A new date will be announced soon. 
-- T. Basil Sturrup, Ministerial Secretary


WORSHIP WITH ONE OF OUR CHURCHES 
Friday April 3rd – Saturday April 4th, 2020. Wednesday April 8, 2020.

Churches Worshipping via ZOOM
Please contact pastors for links to meetings.

Bethany (via zoom) – Pastor Jamal Franklin – Email: jfranklin@sbcadventist.org.bs 
Adventist Youth Service on Friday at 7:00 p.m.
Sabbath Prayer & Praise Service on Saturday at 8:00 a.m.
Sabbath School Services: Adult Unit - Classes 1-3 on Saturday at 5:00 p.m.
                                               Children Class on Saturday at 3:00 p.m.
                                               Youth Class on Saturday at 5:00 p.m.
Divine Worship on Sabbath at 10:00 a.m. @bethany242 (via YouTube and Facebook) 
Wednesday Prayer & Praise Service on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.

Good News & Exuma District (via Zoom) - Pastor T. Basil Sturrup - Email: sturrup1@gmail.com 
Facebook page: Good News SDA Church Bahamas
Youth Sabbath School from 10:00a.m. – 10:55a.m. Topic: All My Heart
Adult Sabbath School from 9:30a.m – 10:55a.m. Topic: Uniqueness of the Bible
C.H.A.M Connect for children ages 5-14 years from 10:00a.m – 10:55a.m
Divine Worship Service from 11:00a.m - Noon. Speaker: Pastor T. Basil Sturrup. Topic: Rise Up
Youth Forum (Sabbath afternoon) at 4:30p.m.
Wednesday Prayer & Praise Service / Bible Study – Proverbs 13:19 – 25. Topic: Wisdom + Discipline + Righteousness = True Wealth. on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.

 Grant’s Town (via Zoom) - Pastor Leonardo Rahming - Email: lrahming@sbcadventist.org.bs 

 Hillview (via Zoom) - Pastor Michael Toote

 Johnson Park, Crooked Island, Acklins (via Zoom) - Pastor Danhugh Gordon

 Berea & Breath of Life (via Zoom) - Pastor Edward St. Fleur

 Message of Hope (via Zoom) - Pastor Melvin Lewis

 New Providence & Real Harvest, Eleuthera, North & south Andros districts (via Zoom) - Pastors: Alvarico Moss, Manasseh Simms, Lee Burrows, Kareem Black - Email: amoss@sbcadventist.org.bs
Friday Vesper – Speaker - Jon Dorsett -7:00p.m
Sabbath School – 9:30a.m.
Divine Worship – 11:00a.m. Speaker: Pastor Lee Burrows. Topic: How to Love.
Wednesdays – Topic: Seven Ways to Overcome Crisis @7:00p.m.

 Long Island (via Zoom) - Pastor Jon Dorsett - Email: jondorsett7@gmail.com 
Sabbath School – 9:00a.m
Divine Worship – 11:00a.m
Sabbath Afternoon Bible Class – 5:00p.m

 Adelaide / Bethel (via zoom / Whatsapp) - Pastor Larry Greene - Email: pastorlg@yahoo.com 
Sabbath School – 10:00a.m
Divine Service – 11:00a.m

 Living Faith (via zoom) – Pastor Raydell Duffis - Email: rduffis@sbcadventist.org.bs 
Prayer Meeting Wednesday - 7:00p.m.
Night of Encouragement Thursday - 8:00p.m.
Youth Bible Study Friday - 5:30p.m -6:30p.m.
Sabbath Reception Friday Evening - 7:00p.m
Sabbath School - 9:15a.m
Divine Service - 11:00a.m.

La Senda De La Vida (via zoom) - Pastor Ludwing Garcia - Email: lgarcia@sbcadventist.org.bs 
Sabbath School - 10:00a.m
Divine Service - 11:00a.m.
Wednesday Prayer & Praise Service - 7:30p.m.

Gambier (via zoom- Pastor Craig Williams
Saturday @ 10:00a.m

Agape, Redemption & Philadelphia (via zoom) - Pastors: Carl Johnson, Peter Joseph
Wednesdays @ 7:30p.m.
Saturdays @ 11:30a.m (LIVE)
Theme: The Power of Prayer in a Time of Crisis. **Visit David William’ / Philadelphia Church FB Page

 Centreville & New Haven - Pastor Paul Scavella (Centreville Church’s FB Page)
Sabbath School at 10:30a.m.
Divine Worship and Sermon at 11:00a.m.
Bible Study/Mid-Week Prayer Service -Wednesdays at 7:00p.m.

New Englerston (YouTube channel) - Pastor Lynden Williams
Live broadcast on Youtube
Service starts @ 11:15a.m.

Peardale & Ephesus (via Zoom) - Pastor Nikita Thompson - Email: nthompson@sbcadventist.org.bs 

Ebenezer & Francophone - Pastor Wilson Isnord

Maranatha - Pastor Valentino Campbell

San Salvador – Pastor Ludwing Garcia / Elder Michelle Williams


Please Email Weekly Announcements
To: sbclogos@gmail.com
Or logos@sbcadventist.org.bs
By Tuesday at 3:00p.m.
CALL 341-4021

SUN SETS NEXT SABBATH
April 11, 2020 at 7:30p.m.