Dear Church Family,

In light of the recent concerns about COVID-19 (Coronavirus), I want to take a moment as your pastor to inform and encourage you all regarding this current event.

Our ultimate hope does not lie in this world, or even in our health. Through Christ, our treasure is in heaven. As we study the book of Exodus as a church, we are continually reminded that Jesus is leading us to our heavenly promised land even as we face trials and uncertainty in this life. May we all look to the Author and Finisher of our faith as we are daily reminded about the fleeting nature of life in this world.

Let us remmeber that as Christians we are called to honor and obey God above all else. We are also called to love one another (Matt. 22:37-40), and honor and obey the authorities God has placed over us (Rom. 13:1; 1 Pet. 2:17). I know that there have been some statements and concerns from our governing authorities regarding the gathering of large numbers of people. As a relatively small church, these statements do not yet technically apply to us. I look forward to continuing to gather as a church to worship our Heavenly Father and encourage one another in the Lord. As Christians, we are called to exercise our God-given wisdom, and to be good stewards of our health and lives for his glory. With this in mind, I want to provide you with some information regarding what we are doing as a staff, and what you can do as a part of our church family.

What the Church Is Doing

• Cleaning and sanitizing. We are increasing the amount of cleaning and disinfecting that takes place on the church campus and will continue to do so for as long as we are able to purchase supplies.
• Communion. Our church already serves communion in a manner that helps to minimize the spreading of germs. However, we are working on some additional steps in the preparation and distribution of communion out of an abundance of caution (the use of gloves in preparation and utilizing larger platters to spread out the pieces of bread).
• The Board of Elders. This topic will be a part of our ongoing discussion as elders. We will communicate with the church if any other decisions become necessary in the near future.

What You Can Do

• Stay home if you are sick. I am encouraging our staff to do the same. While this is always a wise and loving practice, it is worth reminding all of us to take this precaution as there are many vulnerable people in our church. We continue to publish our sermons and worship notes online each week. I hope these resources can encourage those who may be unable to attend church.
• Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly before, after, and during church. Use hand sanitizer when necessary. The staff has placed bottles of hand sanitizer in various places around the church for you to use.
• Minimize physical contact. You are welcome to avoid shaking hands and hugging as we greet one another at church. While some of us will be less worried about this than others, please be considerate and understanding of those who feel they may need to take extra care during this time.

As believers in Jesus Christ we have an opportunity to share about the hope that we have in our Lord and Savior (1 Pet. 3:15). I am praying that we all will have chances to speak of the hope that we have in the One who has saved us from the sting of death. May we all continue to persevere in our faith, pray for the sick, love one another, do good to all, exercise wisdom, and trust in the goodness and sovereignty of our mighty God.

By His Grace Alone,

Nathan Hogan

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)