Dear Vineyard Church family,
I wanted to let you know we are monitoring the situation regarding the coronavirus (COVID19) very closely.
Please join me, our staff, and the rest of our church family as we pray for those who are being impacted — patients, families, healthcare workers, authorities — and for God's protection over all of us.
“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
2 Timothy 1:7
What that means is we don’t want to walk in fear… but in love and wisdom. We want you to know that the health and safety of our church family are of the utmost importance. Nationwide, organizations are taking drastic steps to ensure the health and safety of their employees and customers, and we are following suit.
The President has issued a recommendation not to meet in groups of more than 10, and though this doesn’t include churches, I believe it is in the best interest of public wellbeing to comply. So, this Sunday morning, we will be hosting online services only at 9 AM and 11:15 AM via Facebook Live and YouTube. It will be our typical Sunday morning experience right from the comfort of your home. Please click the links below to watch.
During this time, It’s important for us to meet together as much as possible in a way that is safe and considerate for the concern of the public at large. So, I’m going to ask you to open your home to one another, have a watch party on Sunday with your friends and family, just don't exceed the recommended limit of 10.
We have made the decision in light of the recent recommendations to suspend all on campus groups. We are working on creative ways for you to be able to continue the groups digitally, and will have more information on that in the coming days.
Additionally, we have had to make the very difficult decision of canceling our Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunts.
It’s important at this time that we maintain connection and care for each other’s physical and spiritual needs. We are working on a crisis care page on our website to coordinate with those who are in need of assistance. Also, if you’re feeling ill, please let us know.
It’s important during this time we care for the vulnerable and we check in on our neighbor, and that we convey the peace and hope we have to the world around us.
As this emergency unfolds, we will be exploring ways that our church can respond to the needs of our neighbors and display the love, hope, and peace of Jesus Christ during these days.
Lastly, please join me, our staff, and the rest of our church family as we pray for those who are being impacted — patients, families, healthcare workers, authorities — and for God's protection over all of us.
What you can do:
Please consider the following CDC guidelines (per www.cdc.gov):
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus COVID-19?
Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:
• fever
• cough
• shortness of breath
How can I help protect myself?
People can help protect themselves from respiratory illness with everyday preventive actions.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
if soap and water are not available.
In times like these, I remind myself that, “We walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7).
Prayerfully,
Caleb Roe
Lead Pastor
