The Epistle 2021 Spring Edition

St. Paul AME Church THE EPISTLE SPRING EDITION

RT. REV. BISHOP JEFFREY N. LEATH – PRESIDING PRELATE REVEREND KENNETH J. GOLPHIN – PRESIDING ELDER REVEREND DR. ROBERT A. STRODE – PASTOR REVEREND BARRY FRAZIER - RETIRED ITINERANT ELDER REVEREND FONSECO M. FRAZIER - ITINERANT ELDER REVEREND KELLY ROBERTS – LOCAL ELDER REVEREND MONICA LAMB – ITINERANT DEACON EXHORTER SHELBY G. STRODE EXHORTER DORIS J. COFFEY - EDITOR

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Greetings, Historic St. Paul family, As always, Sis. Strode and I are praying with and for you, especially during this year of Covid-19 pandemic.

We appreciate our Editor, Exhorter Doris Jean Coffey and Sister Bessie Jackson, Public Relations for this wonderful Epistle.

“Covid-19” Perhaps, Covid-19 has given us an understanding of how this virus spreads. It would be great if the gospel presented by us would spread on this society—that the love of Jesus can spread in a safe way by following the guidelines of the “CDC” and that God will be glorified, while the church is edified through social media. Thank God for ZOOM, Facebook, YouTube, and other social media.

“What The Church Needs” The teaching of Jesus is very important as we look to the “Resurrection” and “Pentecost” this year.

First, the church must identify what we believe. Most of us live with two belief systems. Experiential beliefs, consists of those feelings and ideas caught early in childhood about God, the universe, people, and self.

Second, Ideological beliefs, are those feelings and ideas which one learns through a formal process, such as high school, college and graduate school. Often there is a conflict between the two systems. One may say, “I believe that GOD is grace and GOD loves me just as I am,” but deeply distrust a GOD who could create a world filled with violence and hate. The outcome is that those who keep trying to convince themselves of the goodness of GOD, while living a life of fear, distrust of people and GOD, which comes out as dogmatism, because the people must continue to convince themselves of their beliefs.

Third, we need to feel congruent within ourselves about GOD, the universe, the church, people and ourselves. When we do, we experience a tremendous relief from inner conflict and a sense of confidence for the future.

Finally, so let us look to the “Resurrection and “Pentecost” as a church and put our experiential and ideological beliefs into proper perspective this season.

“I know that my Redeemer lives; He lives, who once was dead; To me in grief He comfort gives; With peace He crowns my head.

Yours in Christ, Rev. Dr. Robert A. Strode 2

ASH WEDNESDAY What Is Ash Wednesday?

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. The Catholic Church, as well as many liturgical Protestant denominations such as Lutheran, Presbyterian, Episcopal, and Methodist adhere strictly to the “church calendar” which includes observances of Ash Wednesday and Lent.

On Ash Wednesday, churches will burn old palm branches or something similar and place a cross of ashes on the foreheads of those who participate in an Ash Wednesday service for two reasons: - as a reminder that life is fleeting (we were made from dust and the ashes remind us we will be that way again one day) - as a sign of repentance from sin. In the Bible, ashes were a sign of mourning, and the ashes are used to symbolize that we mourn our sin and need to be forgiven.

What Is Lent? Lent is the 40-day period from Ash Wednesday, not counting Sundays, leading to Easter/Resurrection Sunday. During Lent, people fast. While Biblical fasting only includes fasting from food, fasting for Lent in modern terms is used in a broader sense to include giving up something that is important to the person or something he/she spends a lot of time doing.

Each Sunday of Lent, the fast is broken and then resumed the next day. The purpose of fasting for Lent is to draw closer in our relationship with God. It is to remind us to turn our thoughts toward him and recognize our fallen state and our need for him.

So when we participate in Ash Wednesday and Lent practices, here are four beautiful lessons it can teach us: Lesson 1: The Ashes Teach Us to Focus on Eternity - Sometimes it’s easy to be consumed by the temporal aspects of life. We make plans for tomorrow, next week, summer vacation, holidays, yet, in all of this, sometimes we tend to forget that life is fleeting. However, we aren’t promised tomorrow, or even an hour from now. The Bible reminds us of this in James 4:14, “…yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” One aspect of the ashes is to remind us that one day we too will return to dust. This makes us focus on the aspect that our lives are short, and eternity is forever. When we have eternity on our minds, we can better reflect on the way we are living.

Ash Wednesday can make us question: - Are we doing anything on Earth to make sure that someone will be in heaven because we labored and told them about the Good News of Jesus?

- Are we too caught up with the fleeting aspects of life?

- Are we storing up treasures on Earth or treasures in heaven?

Lesson 2: Ashes Can Reveal Our Confidence in Christ - After the Ash Wednesday service, parishioners generally leave the ashes on their forehead and continue the rest of their day/evening as they usually would. Having to identify with Christ in such a public way can cause various emotions and thoughts in people: - Do we mind being identified as a Christian?

- Do we hope that no one asks us about the cross?

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- Are we nervous about how we will respond if someone asks?

- Could we effectively explain the gospel to someone who asks?

- Are we hoping someone will ask so we have the opportunity to share?

Having to wrestle with these questions can help us see how confident we are about our knowledge of the Gospel. It can also reveal if we are shy or bold about our relationship with Christ.

Lesson 3: Fasting Teaches Us to Refocus on Christ - The craving for food is perhaps the strongest drive in the human body. When we do not have food, it becomes our number one priority and consumes our thoughts. That is why Lent requires fasting. It is a drive we cannot ignore. With fasting, when the hunger pains hit, we are encouraged to focus our mind on God, pray, and remind ourselves of our need for Him. In the broader sense of fasting that the church accepts today, I have noticed many people fasting from screens. Technology, smartphones, and social media consume much free time and people give up this modern convenience to focus on Christ.

Fasting from a necessity or something important to us during the Lenten season, or really any time, makes us keep Christ consistently on the forefront of our minds. Focusing on him grows our relationship with him.

Lesson 4: Fasting Teaches Us to Rejoice in the Resurrection - During Lent, Sundays are celebration and “feast days” when fasting is not required. These Sundays are small celebrations leading up to the ultimate celebration of the Resurrection.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is to be the paramount celebration in all Christendom. It should fill us with uncontainable joy and celebration, and the Sundays leading to it are to prepare us.

Going through a fast helps us to be more joyful and thankful for the feast. Since fasting causes us to think on Christ, our sin, and our need for him, we realize what a “feast” he offers to us.

We have been brought from spiritual death to life, save from our enslavement to sin, and get to spend eternity in heaven with Jesus. What a feast to rejoice about and celebrate!

Ash Wednesday and Lent are celebrated in different ways, in various degrees, among the church today. I encourage you, if your church celebrates Ash Wednesday and Lent, don’t become numb to its meaning. Let your heart dive in and grow closer to your Savior.

If your church does not celebrate this time, always know you can participate by yourself, or with others, if you choose. Take the time to focus on Christ, your need for him, your relationship with him, and allow yourself to grow.

May you find more joy in the resurrection of Jesus Christ this Lenten season than you ever have before. He is risen! He is risen indeed!

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LENT: A Season of Preparation Lent is a period of forty days that Christians observe every year just before Easter, typically from late February to early April. The Lenten season begins on a day known as Ash Wednesday (about six weeks before Easter) and continues until Easter Sunday, not counting the Sundays in between, as they are still considered days of celebration.

The word “lent” comes from a Saxon word that meant “length.” It originally referred to the springtime season in the Northern Hemisphere when the days were lengthening and signs of new life were appearing.2 Lent is meant to be a time of reflection and repentance before the celebrations of Holy Week.

For centuries, Christians have commemorated Jesus’ crucifixion on Good Friday and his subsequent resurrection from the grave on Easter Sunday.

Christians believe that Jesus’ death on the cross provides forgiveness of the sins of anyone who asks for it. And Jesus’ victory over death gives anyone who believes in him a joyful hope for a new life and a restored relationship with God. Thus, early Christians developed the season of Lent as a time of preparation in order to experience the full meaning of Good Friday and Easter Sunday every year. Just as people carefully prepare for big events in their personal lives—a wedding, the birth of a child, or a graduation—Lent invites people of faith to make their hearts ready to remember Jesus’ death, commemorate his sacrifice, and celebrate his resurrection.3 A Wilderness Journey - The idea of Lent began during the third and fourth centuries.4 The number of days is based on the biblical significance of the number forty—specifically, the forty years the Israelites wandered in the desert and Jesus’ forty-day fast in the wilderness.5 Thus, Christians describe the forty-day Lenten season itself as a journey in the wilderness. Lent represents a time of searching for God amidst the brokenness of life, a season of intentional fasting before a time of feasting. Historically, Christians have given up something during Lent as a symbolic way to mark their journey and refocus their energy on their relationship with God. Most often, this includes fasting from certain foods or drinks. Some skip a meal each day or give up specific things such as meat, caffeine, alcohol, or sweets. Others give up more modern luxuries such as the Internet, social media, or e-mail; reading books, magazines, or newspapers; shopping; watching television; or listening to music.

It is important to remember that none of these things are inherently bad, sinful, or evil. Yet any of these pleasures can easily become overly important in our lives. We likely have all experienced that.

The idea of a Lenten fast is to abstain from these subtle but powerful influences in our lives in order to become less distracted and better equipped to give one’s full attention to the spiritual journey. It is an occasion to relinquish something one typically enjoys in order to identify with Jesus and the sacrifice he made on Good Friday.

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Significantly, “Lent should never be morose—an annual ordeal during which we begrudgingly forgo a handful of pleasures.”6 Lent should be considered an opportunity to realign ourselves with God and pursue a renewed relationship with him.

Many Christians adopt something new during Lent as well. They choose to pray at fixed times each day, read the Bible, serve the poor, observe moments of silence and meditation, or engage in habits that enrich the soul.7 On Ash Wednesday, some Christians attend special church services and place ashes on their foreheads as an outward symbol of the repentance and fast they are undertaking. The day before Ash Wednesday has become known as Fat Tuesday, or more familiarly, Mardi Gras. The day is considered one’s last chance to indulge in rich foods, intoxicating drink, or anything else one is giving up for the following six weeks.

A Strange Ritual - This yearly ritual may sound strange to anyone who has never observed Lent. But the point of Lent is not to do something “religious” to somehow impress God. Nor is it about drawing attention to what you are doing. Jesus himself warned his followers about fasting or praying in a public and prideful manner.8 Rather, Lent is about recognizing the regular seasons of life and embracing the rhythm of fasting before feasting. And this fasting—however one chooses to observe it—is a journey of faith. A journey of reflection and self-examination. A journey that provokes repentance and transformation.

Lent is a journey that culminates in the hope of Easter morning.

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The Coronavirus: How God Can Comfort You in the Midst of Uncertainty If you’ve been connected to social media or any news source over the past few weeks, you’ve seen the constant stream of new updates — of countries on lockdown, travel restrictions, numbers of reported cases and deaths, not to mention reports on the global economy.

It’s no secret that the sudden onset of COVID-19, caused by the coronavirus, has become the central focus of the whole world, making many fear the uncertainty of what’s ahead. Everything feels chaotic and uncertain.

When life feels out of control and anxiety seems to overwhelm you, where do you find your hope, peace, joy and stability?

We invite you to remember the words of Psalm 46:1-7 (New International Version): “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; He lifts His voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46 It’s necessary to take time to be real about the emotions you’re feeling — fear, anxiety, stress, confusion — but remember where you find your hope during times of uncertainty. We pray you find comfort in God’s presence today, remembering He has complete control and He is good.

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Rev. Linda Marie Brown May 19, 1953 – January 24, 2021 Rev. Brown was a kind hearted person with a warm smile. She was always willing to lend a hand. It was not uncommon for her to give away books and gifts without an occasion.

She was a wonderful Church School teacher to the children and LOVED her students. She did not tolerate misbehavior but made every student feel loved.

She loved crafting, especially scrapbooking and chatting.

In spite of her health and personal challenges, she offered comforting words and a listening ear to others. She spoke often of the love she and Brother Milton shared.

She loved the Lord and encouraged others in their faith. She was greatly loved will be greatly missed.

Submitted by Sister Dinah Johnson - Sunday School Superintendent ************************************************************************************

THE AUDREY BROOKS FAMILY THE TYRONE & LINDA MILLER FAMILY 8

I am Robert A. Strode, a PASTOR...

I preach for JESUS, THE MASTER! I love my CONGREGATION, with no HESITATION! God called me to serve 24/7...

To help people make it to HEAVEN! God said: Strode, go PREACH and TEACH ...

That my word is not out of REACH! I answered: Lord, I hear your VOICE...

Please tell me that I have a CHOICE! God, I'm just an ordinary MAN... doing the best that I CAN!!!

God said: Strode, I use ordinary PEOPLE...to preach to the world, and those under a STEEPLE! So, here I am, an ordinary MAN, encouraging folk.. to do what they CAN! 43 years of pastoring CHURCHES conquering places...

Where the enemy LURCHES! God's Word cuts sin on the left and RIGHT...

So, I pray, both day and NIGHT! God is the center of my JOY...

I knew that He was near, when I was just a BOY! My faith was made STRONG, when I heard my mother pray, "Lord, don't let my boy do WRONG!!!

Rev. Dr. Robert A. Strode © 2018 9

Why Resurrection Sunday is Significant to the Christian Faith

Whether it is called Easter or Resurrection Sunday is not as important as the event and purpose of the resurrection. However, the timing of the crucifixion and resurrection is significantly meaningful. The resurrection of Jesus is the culmination of all things meaningful, faith and fact, in establishing a relationship with God. God used the timing, which occurred just after "Passover" and during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, to illustrate the ultimate sacrifice He made for sinners. Without this sacrifice, Christianity would be an empty religion. Every purpose of Jesus Christ, His atonement for sin, would be unfulfilled and the foundation of Christianity would fall apart.

The Passover commemorates God's "passing over" the Hebrew's homes by the angel of death (Exodus 12:29). By accepting Jesus, we are promised eternal life and we are saved from spiritual death. The Feast of Unleavened Bread (verse 15) begins with unleavened bread (made without yeast) and sacrificing an unblemished, sacrificial lamb. Leavening represents the escape from bondage and sin. Jesus is called the Lamb of God through whom the only escape is possible.

Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection are God's provision for the perfect and final sacrifice for man's sins. God requires no other payment for sins! With this provision, mankind is granted opportunity for new life by the forgiveness of sin and escape from its bondage. It is ours for the mere acceptance of this gift.

This is the key event in the New Testament where it is proclaimed throughout. All four Gospels report the miraculous event. In Matthew 28:6 the angel declared "He is not here: for he is risen!" Mark 16:6 reports "'Don't be alarmed,' [the angel] said. 'You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.'"

In Luke 24:46-48, the risen Jesus gave His disciples a greater understanding of the resurrection when He told them: "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things." Jesus foretells of His resurrection in John 16, then to one of the doubting witnesses, Thomas, He says the following in John 20:29: "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

While Jesus was admired and praised as a teacher, healer, and performing miracles, He was put to death on the cross. But God raised Him from the dead. Had the witnesses not believed what they saw, Christianity would not have spread across the globe and remained a profound belief to this day.

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What is Easter Sunday?"

There is a lot of confusion regarding what Easter Sunday is all about. For some, Easter Sunday is about the Easter Bunny, colorfully decorated Easter eggs, and Easter egg hunts. Most people understand that Easter Sunday has something to do with the resurrection of Jesus, but are confused as to how the resurrection is related to the Easter eggs and the Easter bunny.

Biblically speaking, there is absolutely no connection between the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the common modern traditions related to Easter Sunday. As a background, please read our article on the origins of Easter. Essentially, what occurred is that in order to make Christianity more attractive to non-Christians, the ancient Roman Catholic Church mixed the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection with celebrations that involved spring fertility rituals. These spring fertility rituals are the source of the egg and bunny traditions.

The Bible makes it clear that Jesus was resurrected on the first day of the week, Sunday (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:2,9; Luke 24:1; John 20:1,19).

Jesus’ resurrection is most worthy of being celebrated (see 1 Corinthians 15). While it is appropriate for Jesus’ resurrection to be celebrated on a Sunday, the day on which Jesus’ resurrection is celebrated should not be referred to as Easter. Easter has nothing to do with Jesus’ resurrection on a Sunday.

As a result, many Christians feel strongly that the day on which we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection should not be referred to as "Easter Sunday." Rather, something like "Resurrection Sunday" would be far more appropriate and biblical. For the Christian, it is unthinkable that we would allow the silliness of Easter eggs and the Easter bunny to be the focus of the day instead of Jesus’ resurrection.

By all means, celebrate Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday. Christ’s resurrection is something that should be celebrated every day, not just once a year. At the same time, if we choose to celebrate Easter Sunday, we should not allow the fun and games to distract our attention from what the day should truly be all about—the fact that Jesus was resurrected from the dead, and that His resurrection demonstrates that we can indeed be promised an eternal home in Heaven by receiving Jesus as our Savior.

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ZOOMING AND BLOOMING FOR CHRIST The Outline Greetings Prayer Scripture Inspirational Sharing Chit Chat Bible Quiz Did You Know – Fun Bible Facts Closing Prayer

YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN US AS WE LEARN TOGETHER! 12

KNOW YOUR CHURCH Presented by The Lay Organization in collaboration with the Media & Public Relations (MPR) Team

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!

Do you believe? This is the overarching question of the resurrection. Faith is more important than understanding details or even recognizing the resurrected corpus of Jesus.

Do you believe?

The query is full of implications. Believing entails a different perspective on life, death and sin. It calls for a new focus and energy with regard to behavior. It is announced with the boldness of a trumpet and has comforting expectation called hope. Do you believe?

[We pray] that each of you will be fortified with faith that conquers death and defies the power of the grave. May you confront the challenges of daily existence with the hope which springs from faith in the living Lord! Let us renew our commitment to earthly justice and compassionate service as we set our faces toward eternity.

Rising from the ashes of Lent, let us embrace the flames of service which are fanned on Pentecost. This is not a season to be discouraged or afraid. It is a period for boldness through faith, because He lives.

[We pray for our sisters and brothers in various places around the world who have experienced illness and death due to the devastating COVID-19 pandemic and for those have who experienced persecution and injustice.]

We still maintain faith in the protection and justice of the One who raised Jesus from the dead.

Rising from the ashes of Lent, let us embrace the flames of service which are fanned on Pentecost. This is not a season to be discouraged or afraid. It is a period for boldness through faith, because He lives. We pray blessings for each of you during this Easter season.

Reprinted in part from the 2015 Resurrection Greeting from the Council of Bishops.

[Updates and emphasis added for this Lay Organization Know Your Church message].

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Continue to Pray for our Sick and Shut-In Lizzie Conner Lutisha Coleman Marian Dunn Rev. Barry Frazier Carolyn Higgins Marjorie Johnson Anna Walker Joan White Viola White

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COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Fraud Alert: We have received reports of scammers reaching out to people offering to register them for funeral assistance. FEMA has not sent any such notifications and we do not contact people prior to them registering for assistance.

Learn More The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many families. At FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters. We are dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus.

Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.

We are working with stakeholder groups to get their input on ways we can best provide this assistance, and to enlist their help with outreach to families and communities. FEMA will begin to implement COVID-19 funeral assistance in April.

Additional guidance is being finalized and will be released to potential applicants and community partners as soon as possible. In the meantime, people who have COVID-19 funeral expenses are encouraged to keep and gather documentation.

FEMA will begin accepting applications for Funeral Assistance on Monday, April 12, 2021 through our dedicated call center.

Who is Eligible?

To be eligible for funeral assistance, you must meet these conditions:  The death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.  The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.  The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who

incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.

 There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen,

non-citizen national, or qualified alien.

https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number Applications begin on April 12, 2021 844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585 Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time If you had COVID-19 funeral expenses, we encourage you to keep and gather documentation. Types of information should include:  An official death certificate that attributes the death directly or indirectly to

COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.

 Funeral expenses documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that

includes the applicant’s name, the deceased person’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses happened.

 Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral

costs. We are not able to duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government agencies, or other sources.

How Funds are Received If you are eligible for funeral assistance you will receive a check by mail, or funds by direct deposit, depending on which option you choose when you apply for assistance.f

https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance

COVID-19 vaccines COVID-19 vaccines help us reopen our economy, get our children back in school, return to our places of worship and be with friends and family again. By partnering with state and local public health officials, Lexington is working to safely and effectively distribute vaccinations. Watch for updates and additions to the information on this page. (This page was last updated on April 2.)

Many of us are eager for our turn to get the vaccine. There are currently limited COVID19 vaccine doses being distributed by the federal government to states; however, it is expected vaccine supply will increase. Watch below for updates on providers who are actively taking vaccine registrations and appointments.

You can find the statewide vaccine information by visiting vaccine.ky.gov or calling the vaccine hotline at 1 (855) 598-2246.

Please continue to follow public health guidelines – wear a mask, maintain a social distance and continue to wash your hands repeatedly.

The CDC has released guidelines to follow once you've been fully vaccinated. Some of those include: • Someone is

• You

considered fully vaccinated when:

o

2 weeks after second dose in a 2-dose series (like Pfizer and Moderna vaccines)

o

2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine (like Johnson & Johnson Janssen vaccine)

can gather indoors with fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask.

• You

can gather indoors with unvaccinated people from one other household without masks, unless any of those people or anyone they live with has an increased risk for several illness from COVID-19.

• If you've been

around someone who has COVID-19, you do not need to stay away from others or get tested unless you have symptoms.

• You

should still take steps to protect yourself and others in many situations, like wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet apart from others, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.

• You

should still avoid medium or large-sized gatherings.

• You

should still delay domestic and international travel.

• You

should still watch out for symptoms of COVID-19.

• You

will still need to follow the guidance at your workplace.

https://www.lexingtonky.gov/vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines Multilingual COVID-19 vaccine information.

Kentucky Vaccine information in Spanish.

As of Friday, April 2 (information provided by CDC):

• Total number of fully vaccinated residents of Fayette County = 82,242 • Percent of total population fully vaccinated = 25.4% • Total number of fully vaccinated residents 18 years of age and older = 82,093 • Percent of residents18 years of age and older fully vaccinated = 32.1% • Total number of fully vaccinated residents 96 years of age and older = 28,173 • Percent of residents 65 years of age and older fully vaccinated = 62.9%

There is no cost to get the vaccine. The federal government has purchased all vaccines being administered in the United States.

United States scientific studies show the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and very effective.

All approved vaccines have gone through the same vaccine safety system as other vaccines produced over the years.

https://www.lexingtonky.gov/vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines The vaccine cannot give you the disease and will help you keep from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19. Once you receive the vaccine, you may experience some side effects, like sore muscles, feeling tired, or getting a mild fever. Having these side effects does not mean you have COVID-19, it merely means the vaccine is working to teach your body how to fight COVID-19.

Different vaccines require different handling processes and follow-up schedules.

• Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine o The vaccine must be stored

in an Ultra-Cold Freezer (temperatures between 80 degrees and -60 degrees Celsius).

o

Two doses required per patient, 21 days apart.

o

Recommended for people age 16 years and older.

o

Potential side effects include arm pain, swelling and redness, chills, tiredness and headache.

o

Studies show this vaccine is 95% effective at preventing COVID-19 illness.

• Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine o The vaccine may be stored

and -15 degrees Celsius).

in a freezer (temperatures between -25 degrees

o

Two doses required per patient, 28 days apart.

o

Recommended for people age 18 years and older.

o

Potential side effects include arm pain, swelling and redness, chills, tiredness, and headache.

o

Studies show this vaccine is 94.1% effective at preventing COVID-19 illness.

• Johnson and Johnson (Janssen) Vaccine o The vaccine may be stored in a refrigerator

and 8 degrees Celsius).

(temperatures between 2 degrees

o

One dose required per patient.

o

Recommended for people age 18 years and older.

o

Potential side effects include arm pain, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, and fever.

o

Studies show this vaccine is 85% effective in preventing severe/critical COVID-19 illness.

https://www.lexingtonky.gov/vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines Vaccination locations Vaccines are being administered by the following providers. Follow the webpages and phone numbers for each provider to find out more information and/or register for a vaccine.

The VaccineFinder webpage provides information on locations in your area providing vaccinations. The CDC supports this resource; however, it may not have all locations listed. Check back to the list below for the most up-to-date known locations in Fayette County offering vaccines.

Need a ride to get your vaccine? There are a few services providing free transportation.

Federated Transportation Services of the Bluegrass is offering FREE rides to COVID-19 vaccine clinics for those in need. Schedule a ride by calling 1 (888) 848-0989.

Also, iTN Bluegrass is offering FREE rides to COVID-19 vaccine clinics for those adults 60 years and older with vision impairments. Schedule a ride by calling (859) 252-8665.

https://www.lexingtonky.gov/vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines

Kentucky Regional Vaccination Center (Kentucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Parkway - vaccines administered inside Alltech Arena on main pedestrian level. Follow directional signage) • Vaccinations

will take place, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Thursdays through Saturdays – appointments are required.

• Sign-up online for an appointment, or call 1 (866) 211-5320.

• Appointments are open to anyone age 16 and older starting Monday, April 5.

• Golf cart

transportation will be available for those who need assistance with mobility from their vehicle into the arena.

• The vaccination

Kentucky.

location is operated by Kroger in partnership with the Commonwealth of

UK HealthCare (Kroger Field, park in Blue Lot and follow directional signage) • Request to be vaccinated: o The University of Kentucky

is urging residents, age 16 and older, from across the state to request a vaccine appointment at this location.

https://www.lexingtonky.gov/vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines o

This location operates 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and 9 a.m.

– 6 p.m. on Saturdays.

o

After you've requested a vaccination, an invitation will be sent to the email address you provide – look for an email from UK HEALTHCARE VACCINATIONS.

o

Once receiving the invitation, respond as quickly as possible.

o

Approximately 20,000 vaccinations are administered each week at Kroger Field. This number may increase as more vaccine doses become available.

o

Vaccinations are only available with an appointment.

For those who cannot access online tools, or need assistance, call (859) 2180111.

• For more information, visit ukvaccine.org.

• If you are credentialed to provide vaccinations, please consider volunteering in a clinical or non-clinical position at this location. If you are interested, sign-up to volunteer here.

• If you are a UK faculty member, staff member or student, you can find information on vaccination plans online. o

UK HealthCare Mobile Pop-Up Vaccination Units (Various Locations) • The University

of Kentucky, the state, and the City are working together to begin offering outreach clinics every Saturday targeting underserved areas.

• Vaccine doses

are being allocated by the Kentucky Department of Public Health each weekend for these clinics.

• The purpose of these pop-up

locations is to provide more equitable access to vaccinations to those in underserved communities.

• Community

organizations are working with UK to identify and invite those who will receive shots each weekend.

• Walk-up • UK and

appointments or people not scheduled in advance will not be permitted.

UK HealthCare staff the clinics.

• Clinic locations o o o o

include:

February 20: Keeneland, utilizing resources to provide vaccines to the Hispanic community who work in the track's stable area and on Central Kentucky horse farms.

February 27: First Baptist Church Bracktown March 6: Shiloh Baptist Church March 13: Charles Young Community Center

https://www.lexingtonky.gov/vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines Lexington-Fayette County Health Department • Providing vaccinations

for those 18 and older who live or work in Fayette County.

Vaccinations are available through appointment-only vaccination clinics as available. o Dates and times of those clinics will be announced by the LexingtonFayette County Health Department. o No walk-ins will be accepted. o The clinics will be limited to those 18 and older who live in or work in Lexington. o To learn more, go to www.lfchd.org/vaccine • Phase 1B (70 + years old) Notification Form: If you are 70 and older, you can receive notifications about future clinics by providing information at COVID-19 Vaccination Notification Form. If you receive your first dose from LexingtonFayette County Health Department, you will be contacted about scheduling your second dose.

Know this is NOT a guarantee of getting the vaccination. This is a way to be notified about future vaccination clinics as they become available. If you have questions, call (859) 899-2222 or email covid19vaccine@lfchd.org.

• The

ability to get vaccinated will require an appointment.

Walgreens Pharmacies - Federal Partner Sites • Appointments

are required to be vaccinated.

• Visit

here to see if you're eligible and to schedule your appointment at available locations. Individuals will need to set up a Walgreens account to sign up.

• Vaccine quantities are limited.

Baptist Health Lexington, Lexington Green (116 Lexington Green Circle) • Now scheduling • To

appointments for area residents in vaccine phases 1A through 1C.

schedule an appointment, visit scheduleyourvaccine.com

Lexington VA Health Care System, Bowling Campus (1101 Veterans Drive)

https://www.lexingtonky.gov/vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines • Veterans

of any age can receive a COVID-19 vaccine at the Lexington VA Health Care System by walking-in, signing-up for an appointment or sending a secure message to their primary care providers through MyHealtheVet.

• Vaccinations

are available 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.

• Sign-up for an appointment here • For more information call (859) 233-4511 ext.

4814.

Vaccination distribution phases A phased vaccination distribution approach has been developed by the Kentucky Department of Public Health. Below, you will find the phases and descriptions.

Starting Monday, April 5, vaccination registrations will be available for Phases 1A, 1B, 1C, 2 and 3. Providers will prioritize appointments based on guidelines within these phases.

Phase

Description

1A

Long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, health care personnel.

1B

First responders, anyone age 70 or older, K-12 school personnel.

1C

Anyone age 60 or older, anyone age 16 or older with CDC highest risk C19 risk conditions, all essential workers.

2

Anyone age 40 or older.

3

Anyone age 16 or older.

4

Children under the age of 16 if the vaccine is approved for this age group (est. 18% of the KY population).

Phase 1 A, B & C Reference (as indicated by Kentucky Public Health) *Beginning March 22, Phase 1C includes anyone age 50 or older.

Frontline essential workers include: • Healthcare personnel • First

responders (Firefighters, Police)

• Corrections • Education

(teachers, support staff, daycare)

https://www.lexingtonky.gov/vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines • Food

& agriculture

• Manufacturing • U.S.

Postal service workers

• Public transit • Grocery

workers

store workers

Other essential workers include: • Transportation

and logistics

• Foodservice shelter &

housing (construction)

• Finance • IT

& communication

• Energy • Media • Legal • Public safety • Water &

(engineers)

wastewater

• Clergy

Conditions considered at increase risk of severe illness include: • Cancer • Chronic kidney

disease

• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary

disease)

• Down

Syndrome

• Heart

conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies

• Overweight • Obesity

(BMI > 25 kg/m2, but < 30 kg/m2)

(body mass index (BMI) of 30kg/m2 or higher, but less than 40 kg/m2))

• Severe obesity

(body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 40 kg/m2))

• Pregnancy • Sickle cell

disease

https://www.lexingtonky.gov/vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines • Type 1

diabetes mellitus

• Type 2

diabetes mellitus

• Asthma (moderate-to-severe) • Cerebrovascular disease

(affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain)

• Cystic fibrosis • Hypertension

or high blood pressure

• Immunocompromised

state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant, blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or use of other immune weakening medicines

• Neurologic conditions,

such as dementia

• Liver disease • Pulmonary

fibrosis (having damaged or scarred lung tissues)

• Thalassemia (a type of blood

disorder)

Volunteer to help If you are a current or retired health professional, we welcome your help in administering vaccinations. Volunteer for the Medical Reserve Corps.

If you are not a current or retired health professional, but want to help with data entry, vaccination site support and more, send an email to mayor@lexingtonky.gov.

The University of Kentucky is also looking for individuals to volunteer in clinical positions, and University of Kentucky employees without credentials to volunteer for non-clinical roles. Learn more here.

https://www.lexingtonky.gov/vaccines

Free trash disposal day The City of Lexington partners with the Bluegrass Regional Transfer Station to offer Fayette County residents a free** trash disposal day for non-hazardous household waste four times a year. Events are held in January, April, July and October.

The remaining Free Trash Disposal Days of 2021 are: •

April 10

•

July 10

•

October 9

Events run from 6 a.m. – 1.p.m. at the Bluegrass Regional Transfer Station, which is located at 1505 Old Frankfort Pike. **Construction and demolition debris as well as any items larger than what would fit in the curbside cart will not be accepted free of charge but can be dropped off at the regular gate rate during the event.

About the event Fayette County residents can dispose of up to one pickup truck load of non-hazardous household waste at this event. Items normally serviced through the city’s curbside collection program will be accepted.

Construction and demolition debris as well as yard waste and large outdoor items will be accepted at the regular gate rate during the event; they do not qualify for free disposal.

The guidelines for the free disposal day are: •

Participants must present a valid Fayette County drivers’ license

•

All loads must fit in a standard truck bed

•

All loads must be covered by a tarp and level with the bed of the truck

•

No commercial vehicles allowed

•

All loads will be subject to inspection, and acceptance of materials at no cost will be at the discretion of Transfer Station employees

•

Items accepted at no cost include: mattresses, box springs, bagged household waste, small indoor household furniture such as tables and chairs, up to four tires off the rim

https://www.lexingtonky.gov/trashdisposalday#:~:text=Lexington%20offers%20free%20disposal%20day s,(859)%20425%2D2255.

•

Items accepted at a cost include: any material that does not originate from inside a household such as outdoor furniture and grills, as well as appliances, electronics, tire rims or any tires over four per load, yard waste of any kind, construction and demolition debris, building and remodeling material, outdoor sheds and shelters, water hoses

•

Items not accepted at the facility at any time include: hazardous materials, free-flowing liquids such as paint or pool chemicals, medical waste.

Appliances and electronics will not be accepted for free during this event. Appliances may be taken to Environmental Recycling Inc. at 3899 Winchester Road where they will be accepted at no charge. Electronic devices, such as computers, printers, cell phones, microwave ovens and televisions, can be dropped off at no cost to the city’s Electronics Recycling Center at 1306 Versailles Road. Residents can donate liquid latex paint to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore at 451 Southland Dr. Hazardous materials such as pesticides, motor oil and paint will not be accepted at this event. Residents can bring such items to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection event. This collection is free for Fayette County residents.

Lexington offers free disposal days four times a year: January, April, July and October.

Visit lexingtonky.gov/transferstation for more information on normal disposal rates and transfer station hours of operation.

https://www.lexingtonky.gov/trashdisposalday#:~:text=Lexington%20offers%20free%20disposal%20day s,(859)%20425%2D2255.

Paper shred event Lexington normally hosts free paper shred events twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall. Fayette County residents may bring up to five boxes or bags of material to be shredded at no cost.

This event allows Lexington residents to safely dispose of their sensitive materials in an environmentally-friendly way. Shred-it, a division of Stericycle, securely destroys documents on-site with their fleet of mobile shredding trucks. The material collected is recycled into low-grade paper products.

About the event The next Paper Shred event will be held on Saturday, April 24, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

1631 Old Frankfort Pike (enter via Jimmie Campbell Dr.) The Better Business Bureau of Central Kentucky and Keep Lexington Beautiful Commission are also Paper Shred partners.

Please note: •

No wet materials will be accepted.

•

No plastic binders or binder clips should be included with materials.

•

Staples, paper envelopes and paper clips are acceptable.

•

Participants are asked not to arrive before 9 a.m. as event organizers will be unable to accommodate anyone before that time.

•

Cardboard boxes will be collected at the event and sent to the Lexington Recycling Center.

https://www.lexingtonky.gov/papershred

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

Kentucky Conference Women’s Missionary Society Stay At Home Tea

REGISTER NOW FOR FREE: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEtcmopjgoE9G4ExFKTkkms5ahXYDikddW

Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XGQ04zCgRGu8MJ-HeLCEqA

Friday, Apr 23, 2021 12:00 PM - Saturday, Apr 24, 2021 3:00 PM CDT

Register at https://connectional-lay-organization.brushfire.com/onlineevent/499004

CLO Design Contest Update

Click To View Contest Notice and Official Rules

Connectional Lay Organization Design Competition Contest Rules - “Updates” OVERVIEW: The purpose of this contest is to create a design to be used for a variety of items.

The Connectional Lay Organization of the A.M.E. Church’s Promotion and eCommerce Development Committee (CLOPEDC) is looking for a new design that will enhance the CLO organization’s brand.

•

Open to all high school seniors, and current collage/university/seminary students at any level.

•

The design should reflect the values of the CLO and should incorporate its logo and/or Connectional Lay Organization name (abbreviated or spelled out)

•

The design must be appropriate for a professional business setting.

•

Contestants are advised to avoid gradients and half-tones.

GUIDELINES: •

The design should reflect the values of the CLO and should incorporate its logo and/or Connectional Lay Organization name (abbreviated or spelled out)

•

The design must be appropriate for a professional business setting.

•

For quality reproduction purposes, the winning entry must later be submitted in

•

scalable vector graphic format (EPS). Color must be CMYK.

•

Contestants are advised to avoid gradients and half-tones.

•

The design must be easy to use, handle, resize, and manipulate for all reproduction purposes.

•

It should be visually appealing on both small (as small as 2 cm x 2 cm) and large scales.

TIME PERIOD •

Opens 12:01 a.m. (CST) March 24th, 2021

•

Ends May 31st, 2021, (CST) 11:59 p.m.

•

Late Submissions will not be considered.

•

The winner will be selected and notified via email by Mid-April.

Click To Submit Your Entry

Register to attend at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIsd-qsqjIuHtf0SqliSc9TfA-2jwvjF75B

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