COVID-19 Update From Pastor

Church Family,
During this time of nation-wide panic regarding the COVID-19 virus, it is important that we be proactive as a church family while not having a spirit of fear. Here is our strategy as it stands currently:

1. Our plan is to have normal services as scheduled for this Sunday, March 15. We will reassess for the midweek services and the following Sunday.
2. Our desire is to comply with state and local government and their decisions/requests for limits of public gatherings. These mandates could affect our services, although religious meetings are often exempted. We will monitor closely.
3. If you are sick, please stay home and join the livestream. Please do not return to church until you are fever-free for 48 hours without medicine.
4. If you are elderly or concerned that coming to church is dangerous for you and your family's health, then stay home and join our livestream.
5. This is a good time to begin utilizing our online giving platform through Realm if you have not already. Instead of passing the plates for offering, we will have collection boxes for offering drop-off. Also, you may mail in your gift or drop it by the church offices during the week.
6. We are suspending shaking hands, hugging, etc., for the time being.
7. We will work hard to sanitize all surfaces, door knobs, toilets, high-traffic areas, etc., after each gathering.
8. Please utilize the hand sanitizer dispensers around the campus.
9. We are asking Life Groups to refrain from food and drink usage as this can aid in the spread of germs.  Bring your own coffee!
10. Please exercise good hygiene, cough into your elbow or shoulder, and come and enjoy church services.

Additionally, we will offer an informative session about how to use livestream, online giving, and Realm at 5:00PM Sunday in Room 101. If you are unfamiliar with using these, please attend and get your questions answered.  We want you to stay connected.
A large group of ministry volunteers, staff, deacons, Life Group leaders, greeters, and ushers will be meeting this Sunday at 8:15am to discuss procedures, precautions, and plans moving forward. We want you to know we are getting our teams informed and educated about what is going on and what to do.

I’m convinced that God’s purpose in this as believers is not simply for us to cope and exist and “make it.” Please see these current events as opportunities to be salt and light for Jesus to this world. Perhaps this will be an exciting time of seeing God move hearts and lives into a relationship with Jesus. Could people be more in need of a Savior than during times like this?
This situation is changing every day. Thank you for your flexibility and faithfulness during this time. As we encounter some uncertain and challenging days ahead, be reminded that we serve a sovereign God who has proven Himself to be worthy of our trust. He has commanded us not to be fearful, but to trust in Him.

“Let not your heart be troubled.” We love you and are praying for you.
Pastor Greg