2021 February news letter article

​As we begin a new month our church is seeing a run of the virus through several households in the community and church.  I am recovering from a mild bout and fortunately have not given it to Debbie.  I encourage you to maintain close contact with church members by phone to assist them if at all possible.  Dropping off a prescription, picking up groceries, or just a friendly call can go a long way in supporting those isolated by the pandemic.  As you talk to them do not hesitate to let us know about any needs so we can assist as needed.
 
With that in mind, I urge you to encourage each other to wear masks and maintain proper social distancing when attending worship in our sanctuary.  Health experts tell us that wearing masks and maintaining a minimum six-foot distance between non-household worshippers are two of the most effective measures to prevent transmission of the corona virus.  Our church is blessed with a facility and the technology that allows people to worship in the Sanctuary, balcony, or in the Fellowship Hall.  If you are not ready to return in person, we live stream our worship service weekly and record it for viewing at a later time.  As we gather on this limited basis we need to stay as safe as possible.
 
Luke, in consultation with our deacons, made a decision last month to suspend SONquest for the next few weeks.  While we await the return of our children’s ministry on Sunday mornings, he has been doing a short children’s message that follows along during our Sunday morning sermon.  These messages are very well done, and are helpful for children and adults as well.
 
I look forward to church returning together with our normal activities, but this is not the time for that.  In the meantime, we encourage you to take the new COVID-19 vaccine as it becomes available to you.  It is one of the most effective ways for life in our community to return to normal.  Let us know if you need assistance getting to a vaccine site.  Our technology gains during this season are a huge help now and will serve us when things return to normal.  May God bless you as we continue to minister together for His Kingdom.
 
-Pastor Jim