Dear Church Family,
I trust that the Lord has been near and dear to you during the experiences of the COVID pandemic. We are so grateful that the COVID has only touched one of our membership thus far. The Lord has protected us most graciously. We need to stop and give thanks for His kindness.
Here in California, there is much we have learned about ourselves and much we have learned about the governing authorities. It seems as though the officials have concluded that this lockdown cannot go on forever. That decision to open up society is a calculated risk. On the health front, there are still people contracting this disease. Some are still dying from it. Here is a stark reality; On the economic front there is little choice left. As a nation we could face a disaster that would make the Great Depression look like child’s play.
At the beginning of this pandemic it was so painful to make the decision to close on Sundays (after we have held services here since 1915). There was a lot of anxiety about how to be responsible, how to continue to minister, how to be obedient to the rulers and how to remain faithful to Christ. We had get creative about how to do Church. We also had to realize that the church of Jesus Christ is not a building. The church is people!
Facing these realities and more, we as a church body have to make the decision when we will open doors once more. That is not an easy decision to make. We must consider the health of our individual folks whose immune systems are compromised. Our children have to be protected and on the other end of the continuum are the seniors. Even our younger adults have to be careful to take these health issues seriously.
The question I wish to pose now is this; In the light of all these facts and more, when do you think it will be wise to begin to meet again? What isa good time frame for us to gather once again? What should be the new rules with regard to social distancing, wearing masks, sanitation etc.
I would really like to hear from you by text, by email, by letter, by phone, by carrier pigeon (LOL!). Let’s see what the consensus is and look forward to moving ahead to a more normal association.
I would ask you to pray for wisdom, for guidance, for the Lord’s direction in this matter because after all is said and done this is His Church. May He be Lord of us all!
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A Letter from Pastor Steve, May 21, 2020
