OKLAHOMA CITY -- There are familiar fixtures at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City. Hand sanitizer, however, is a sign of the times. "We want to clear any distractions we can from people being a part of the community," says Reverend Dr. Bryan Eckelmann.
He's referring to the distraction of the swine flu and seasonal flu.
To make people feel safer about attending church, they've modified their communion ceremony. Instead of people dipping bread in a common cup, they're offering disposable, plastic cups.
"We want to treat it seriously," Eckelmann says, "but we also don't want to so 'bubble' people away from one another that they lose that intimacy that, frankly, in today's world we so need and crave."
At the First Baptist Church of Bethany, volunteer Jack Girod eases concerns by using plastic gloves when handing out food.
As another precaution, the pastor reminds everyone they have the option of not shaking hands with one another.
"They just kind of nod at them or bow towards them," Girod says. "They do not extend their hands and everybody understands."
Etiquette expert Carey Sue Vega says it's about making people comfortable. She does not recommend refusing a handshake, but suggests people read each other's body language in any social setting to ease concerns about the flu.
"Maybe hesitate a little bit before you offer your hand," Vega says. "If they start to offer their hand, then go ahead and follow up with that hand shake, knowing good and well you're going to wash your hands or you have the hand sanitizer on hand."
If you have questions concerning the swine flu, the state has set up a toll free hotline. That number is 1-866-278-7134.
Those phones will be answered from 8:00 am-5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
He's referring to the distraction of the swine flu and seasonal flu.
To make people feel safer about attending church, they've modified their communion ceremony. Instead of people dipping bread in a common cup, they're offering disposable, plastic cups.
"We want to treat it seriously," Eckelmann says, "but we also don't want to so 'bubble' people away from one another that they lose that intimacy that, frankly, in today's world we so need and crave."
At the First Baptist Church of Bethany, volunteer Jack Girod eases concerns by using plastic gloves when handing out food.
As another precaution, the pastor reminds everyone they have the option of not shaking hands with one another.
"They just kind of nod at them or bow towards them," Girod says. "They do not extend their hands and everybody understands."
Etiquette expert Carey Sue Vega says it's about making people comfortable. She does not recommend refusing a handshake, but suggests people read each other's body language in any social setting to ease concerns about the flu.
"Maybe hesitate a little bit before you offer your hand," Vega says. "If they start to offer their hand, then go ahead and follow up with that hand shake, knowing good and well you're going to wash your hands or you have the hand sanitizer on hand."
If you have questions concerning the swine flu, the state has set up a toll free hotline. That number is 1-866-278-7134.
Those phones will be answered from 8:00 am-5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
