Statement on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Congregational Update: 3/11/2020
Together Family,
As the world navigates through the complexities of dealing with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) issue, please be aware that Together Church takes the health of all our church attendees very seriously. It is our plan to assure that every possible consideration and precaution is taken.
We know that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has become a worldwide concern and is on the top of everyone’s minds. As of this time, we do want to update everyone on what Together Church is doing to continue to provide a clean and safe church environment.
In regards to cleaning our environments at St. Johns:
· We are dedicated to offering a clean and safe environment in all areas at St. Johns. The facilities at St. John’s are cleaned regularly with highly effective cleaning solutions. Classrooms are thoroughly sanitized with hospital-grade cleaner each day. They have taken all safety precautions to ensure a clean and sanitized environment.
-Our Together Kids Crew sanitizes all equipment, toys, and other items in the Together Kids area.
– We encourage all who serve at Together to regularly wash their hands for a minimum of 20 seconds.
Some reminders on how to help keep our families healthy:
· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
· Stay home if you are not feeling well – our services will be recorded for you to watch later, and you can also give online.
· Cover your mouth and nose with your forearm when coughing and sneezing.
· Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds at a time. Use soap and water when possible.
· If no soap and water are available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60%-95% alcohol.
· Remember to be thoughtful toward new moms and those with infant children. Give babies the proper space in order to protect them and their still-developing systems.
We plan to continue our weekly services but are monitoring the situation and following recommendations from federal, state, and local government agencies. If and when we need to make a decision on services, we will make that call based on our direct authorities who are knowledgeable and trained to deal with this sort of situation. The media will not be a priority in our decision process.
Church, we do not believe there is any reason to panic or make any immediate choices to shift our focus in gatherings at homes or at St. John’s. If there comes a time where this concern needs to grow and we must make a move, we will let you know.
I know this can be an anxious time for our community, and with so many people feeling the threat of the Coronavirus, I want to encourage you not to allow fear to overcome your feeling of security and safety. We have a unique opportunity to lean on God and trust His sovereignty and care over us as we navigate each and every threat, which would drive fear into our hearts. Instead, find hope in these verses as you navigate these waters:
· Psalm 91:5-7: You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.
· Psalm 91:10-11: No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.
· Luke 12:25-26: Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
· John 14:27: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
· John 16:33: I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
· 2 Timothy 1:7: For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
I love you, and I love being your pastor. Let’s continue to introduce people to Jesus and continue to be a refuge for the broken and a refinery for the saints.
Grace and peace to you all!
Pastor Robbie