I can tell you what we are doing. We are setting aside our usual donation until the next time we meet. This could be quite a few weeks which would mean they'll eventually get a sizeable donation.
It seems like this is a perfect time to start a new religion. I've got a kickstarter going for the Church of Barfo (aka Barfology). Who wants in on the ground floor? We are going to be offering some very special advantages to our church members, starting with eternal immunity. barfo
Our church has been streaming services the last two weeks and will continue doing so until the governor cancels the restrictions. Pretty sure that’s true of most churches throughout the Portland area. Any of you want a link, let me know.
The most amusing part of this fucked up situation: Brazil gangs impose strict curfews to slow coronavirus spread Drug traffickers in one of Rio de Janeiro’s best-known favelas have imposed a coronavirus curfew, amid growing fears over the impact the virus could have on some of Brazil’s poorest citizens. In recent days, as Brazil’s coronavirus death toll has climbed to 46, gang members have been circulating in the Cidade de Deus (City of God) favela in western Rio ordering residents to remain indoors after 8pm. Last weekend the low-income community – made famous by Fernando Meirelles’ 2002 blockbuster of the same name – became the first such area to record a case of coronavirus. And in an apparent attempt to prevent further infections the Red Command gang leaders who control the favela have ordered residents to stay at home. A video apparently recorded in the City of God circulated on social media this week showing a loudspeaker broadcasting the alert: “Anyone found messing or walking around outside will be punished.” “The traffickers are doing this because the government is absent. The authorities are blind to us,” one resident told the Guardian. A report in the Rio newspaper Extra said gang members with loudhailers were moving around City of God telling its 40,000 residents: “We are imposing a curfew because nobody is taking [coronavirus] seriously. It’s best to stay at home and chill. The message has been given.” (More in the link.)
Wow--that is amazing, and phenomenal, and hilarious, and disturbing, and..I don't know which other adjectives are applicable, but I'm sure there are several.
Louisiana pastor says he'll keep violating coronavirus ban BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — A Louisiana pastor charged with six misdemeanors for holding church services in violation of a ban put in place to control the coronavirus said Tuesday that he would continue to ignore the ban because God told him to. Pastor Tony Spell was issued a summons Tuesday for holding services at the Life Tabernacle church in the city of Central in violation of an order from Gov. John Bel Edwards prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people, said East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore. Each violation carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $500 fine, Moore said. “The whole situation just puts everyone at risk,” Moore said. “We ask everyone to abide by the governor's order.” Spell, reached by telephone Tuesday, confirmed he was read his rights and fingerprinted — but the summons wasn't deterring him. Another service was scheduled Tuesday night that he said was expected to draw hundreds. “We’re still here and still assembling and having church,” Spell said. Asked why he was defying the governor’s orders, he said, “Because the Lord told us to.” Asked whether he was concerned about the pandemic, Spell said: "I'm no more concerned than I would be going to Walmart or Home Depot.” https://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/article/Louisiana-pastor-says-he-ll-keep-violating-15169615.php
After a megachurch pastor was charged with violating shelter in place, church announced plans for a "Christian Woodstock" massive music festival. Whether it will happen is undetermined.
