The Church in an Age of COVID-19

As we are following news about the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) we remain committed to being a community that reflects God’s caring and healing presence in the world here and now. What can we do?

Don’t touch your face, and other healthy practices. Let’s begin with concrete steps recommended by public health agencies that can help prevent the spread of illness and protect those most vulnerable among us:

1. Stay home when you are sick. We recommend that members, staff, and guests be fever-free, without the use of fever-reducing medication, for at least 24 hours before returning to the church.
2. Wash your hands frequently with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds.
3. Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
4. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or bent elbow.
5. When greeting one another use a wave, bow, etc… instead of a handshake.
6. If you are at higher risk for health complications carefully consider limiting your social contact. See below for more on “social distancing.”

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and LA Country Department of Public Health have up-to-date information on their websites, which we encourage you to visit for detailed information. Any directives from the CDC and local governments should be followed.

Our facilities staff are increasing our already high-standard of cleanliness and sanitization with more frequent attention given to surfaces, doorknobs, keypads, light switches, etc… We also have hand sanitizer available in our lobby and narthex.

PRAY. Join us in praying together for ourselves, others and our global community. Take time to breathe and pray for God’s peace to surround us (personally and collectively) even as we face head on the realities and ramifications of this virus. Pray for comfort and healing for those who are sick and at higher risk of getting sick. Pray for healthcare workers and public health leaders. Pray for individuals, families and communities whose access to healthcare is limited by finances, fear, language or other challenges.

PRIORITIZE PEOPLE. As appropriate steps may be taken during this time to limit social contact (aka social distancing), there are other ways for us to care for one another. Pay special attention to friends, family and neighbors who may feel even more isolated during this season and think of creative ways to communicate and stay in touch.

At the moment we have NOT been advised to cancel Sunday worship or other events. Our staff and leadership, however, are in on-going conversation about how to best prepare for any eventuality and how we might continue to be the people God has called us to be. Any changes or updates to events will be communicated through email and on our website. Feel free to email or call us with any thoughts, concerns or questions.

Grace + Peace

Pastor Tim

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