Coronavirus Update

I pray you would heed the words of Paul: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

As concerns about COVID-19 continue, it would be easy to become anxious about the many possibilities. But I pray that the concerns would lead you to our God who gives us peace. Please be in prayer for those who are directly affected, and that the peace of Jesus would reign in hearts and minds. 

As of now, there will be no cancellations of our services and programs. Beginning this Sunday we will implement the following changes:

• Communion servers will wash hands before service and use hand sanitizer before serving. If they or a family member is sick, they will not be serving.
• Gloves will be worn when preparing communion.
• Please try not to shake hands or have physical contact with others. This will alter how greeters welcome you and how we pass the peace.
• Hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes will be placed around the church (as available). To conserve, please wash your hands (for at least 20 seconds).

Children in nursery should have their hands washed once they enter the room.We are also asking that members and attenders follow these recommendations:

• Stay home if you have symptoms of a cold or flu such as cough, sneezing, muscle aches, and/or fever.
• If you are returning from known areas of higher prevalence of COVID-19, we encourage you to self-quarantine for 2 weeks.
• Model and teach our children good hygiene (for example, singing "Happy Birthday" twice while washing hands).
• Sneeze and cough into your elbows.
• At church, wash hands (for at least 20 seconds) with soap to conserve hand sanitizer.

Currently we are in development of a plan to address the situation in the case of a community outbreak in compliance with government guidelines and the recommendations of health professionals.

Finally, it is all too easy in a time of concern to think only of ourselves and our own. But again, the apostle Paul encourages us: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). For this, Paul says, is the mind of Christ Jesus for us.

May the Lord give us peace in the midst of anxiety, courage in the midst of fear, and confident trust in our Jesus throughout to the glory of His name.

In the peace of Christ,

Jessica Wey Robinson
Director of Operations