Dear Redeemer family,

Our leaders met this morning to discuss how best to move forward given the wide-spread closings and cancellations in response to local and state government requesting such actions due to the potential spread of the coronavirus. There are many churches in our community who have decided to cancel worship services tomorrow, March 15. We commend these churches for their courage and concern for the health and safety our community. There are more questions than answers about what the next few weeks has in store, so there are no easy decisions about how to best glorify God and do good.

As for Redeemer, our leaders were decided that if we were to err, we would want it to be on the side of caution and neighbor love. We suspect that will mean future cancellations and are planning for such. However, after a long deliberation, we have decided to carry on with two worship services tomorrow – at 9am and 10:30am. If you are sick or symptomatic, please stay at home. If you are immunocompromised or in the age demographic which is most susceptible to the adverse effects of this virus, we would recommend that you stay home. The 9am service will be livestreamed on Facebook. Let me say again, we do not want to bind your conscience in any way. If you believe it to be in your best interest to stay home, please feel the freedom to do so. 

If you are planning to come tomorrow, be aware of the following:

• There will be no coffee or food before or after services
• Please enter and exit through the doorway at the back of the sanctuary. The doors will remain open throughout the morning.
• There will be disinfectant stations at the entrance. Please take advantage of them.
• Worship folders will be laid out in the pew
• There will be no greeting, no offering, and no communion to minimize physical. (We are investigating the best way for us to celebrate communion together on April 5.)
• The service will be under an hour in length
• There will be kids worship for ages 0-3 (red, purple and orange classes).
• Maintain as much distance from others as possible before, during, and after the service. This might mean sitting closer to the front of the sanctuary where there is always plenty of room.

After tomorrow, decisions will be made on a week by week basis, as we continue to learn the extent of the spread of the virus. We believe this presents a real threat – especially to the most vulnerable in our community. We also are convinced that closures and cancellations are necessary to “flatten the curve” to ensure that the health system does not become overwhelmed. So, please, prepare. Be vigilant. But don’t be overcome by fear. If we do make major changes to our behavior as a church in the coming days, love will be the reason, not fear.  Our great Savior who loves us and gave His life for us is the One who is reigning over all things for the sake of the church (Eph 1:22). What a great thought! We have a reason to worship – whether from home, at the dinner table, or gathered with the saints.

May God continue to bless you and keep you.