Announcement
Dear friends,
I encourage you to listen to and view the preaching of God’s word this Lord’s Day (January 9) via livestream. We will not gather for the service this week only. This is a decision I have been wrestling with all week.
One week ago, several of our church members in two households tested positive for Covid-19. We have attempted to evaluate “contact tracing” and believe that it is unlikely the infections originated within church gatherings or were passed on to other members. So, you should not have unnecessary concern. I immediately sought counsel from our church leadership, but we did not reach a consensus about a course of action (though all were deferential). During this week, I also sought advice from several colleagues in ministry, some of whom have, themselves, battled the virus and recovered. Almost all advised me to livestream the sermon this Sunday without gathering in person. This advice runs counter to my natural instincts. However, out of an abundance of caution and, more to the point, to demonstrate our commitment to take this matter seriously, I decided that we will livestream without gathering for one Sunday and then re-evaluate the situation.
Please understand that this is a temporary solution to a unique and temporary situation. Frankly, I pray that you share my frustration at the thought of not gathering together. I believe that corporate worship does not exist without in-person gatherings of the Lord’s church.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Pastor Steven Thomas