Ebbs and flows; that seems to be a couple of watchwords for us to use in this present state of fluctuation we find ourselves in. We cannot emphasize enough that the decisions we make as a church and the protocols put in place are there to protect congregations from threats, they are never a giving into panic or an exercise of a lack of faith; rather these decisions are made in love and wisdom for each of us.
As I am reminded in Romans 10:12 that we are to prefer our brother over ourselves, we must look at the issue of masks through this lens. We have folks who are immune-compromised within our congregation. These folks also desire community with a local church body. Out of deference to those, we should use this as a guide when making the decision of whether to wear or not wear a mask.
We recently received new guidance in regards to how we should meet and the number requirements. Under this new guidance from the governor, we are allowed to have in attendance 25% of our capacity in the sanctuary at any given time. That allows us to have 93 individuals in the services with masking and physical distancing measures in place.
Additional people can attend simultaneous services at the same building only if the building has separate rooms, has an entrance/exit separate from the main entrance, and bathrooms available for all attendees. Masks and distancing will again be required at all times.
Another change that has been indicated in the guidance is that I, or whomever else will be preaching, will be using a Plexiglas screen in front of them so that the mask requirement for the speaker can be alleviated. In addition we are allowed two members of the worship team to lead us in worship, provided they are wearing masks or behind the Plexiglas.
Congregations are required to wear masks when inside the building unless you fall up under any of the exemptions that would prohibit you from wearing one.
We will continue having in-person services as well as simulcasting on Facebook and YouTube Live. Sunday School begins at 9:30 a.m.; Main Worship Service at 10:30 a.m.
The challenge for each of us is to seek God and what His will is for our lives. Please continue to make prayer a priority in your lives, continue to pray for each other, our leaders making these tough decisions and those working directly with everyone affected by the things that are going on. I also encourage you to make a phone call to someone in our local body to encourage them.
Stay in His word and please continue to support your church through giving. You can mail your tithe into the church at 633 E. Magnesium, Spokane, WA 99208; drop it off at the office; please call to ensure someone is available at 509-467-5536; or you can also go through the church website www.mountainviewag.net and click on the donation link for online giving.
Thank you and God bless you,
Pastor Dan Henshaw and First Lady Sharon
