Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
As you are aware, we are in the midst of an escalation of the Covid-19 virus, specifically, the Delta variant. In discussion about this escalation, the Council has considered a variety of factors: guidance from Bishop Gafjken, CDC guidance, public reporting of the numbers of people in hospitals, ICU, and on ventilator along with discernment together of our call to love our neighbors.
Taking all of this into account, the council has passed the following motion and call to action:
- For our worship and all gatherings of more than five people in the church building, masks will be required.
- Concurrently with this requirement, we will refrain from congregational singing while the mask mandate remains in place.
- There are no limitations being placed on the number of people attending church, or a reinstatement of sign-ups for attending.
- Distancing will be encouraged to work with our requirements to reduce the likelihood of viral spread should we have a member who becomes Covid-positive who comes to church.
We are fully aware that this decision may disappoint you. This is a decision that none of us wished to make, and not one that we would like to remain in place any longer than necessary. But we do this in showing our love and care for our neighbors, especially those who have not been vaccinated, those with underlying health problems and our children who cannot be vaccinated yet. We will continue to monitor and make adjustments to our policy at every council meeting, or, should the data and guidance improve more quickly than the council meeting, we will call a special meeting to relax the requirements.
Please note that this is not a way to prevent us from worshipping together in-person, but a way to continue our worship for those who feel comfortable meeting together, while doing our part to speed up the community recovery from the virus. We will continue to explore new (and old) opportunities to gather through the use of technology (Zoom and Streaming the Worship), additional worship and study opportunities (Monday Prayer Meeting, Bible Studies, Sunday School), or other ideas we develop together.
If you wish to talk to one of our pastors or our council president please do not hesitate to do so. We will be glad to talk with you.
Finally, we would like to conclude this letter by quoting the Apostle Paul’s final exhortations to the Philippians: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:4-9)
Blessings,
Pr. Bimen Limbong, Senior Pastor
Pr. Rich Gianzero, Associate Pastor
Roger Kissing, Council President