Covid-19 Update #2

Good Evening Family.

We promised we would let all of you know if anything changed.  

Though we planned to have precautions in place and handle everything with as much care as possible, with so much unknown about the virus right now we have come to the decision that the least risky move to cancel is probably the best. In talking with the various health professionals in our congregation, they have have stressed that canceling could really make a difference in how quickly things could get back to normal. 

We all recognize that it is not beyond reason to meet and we certainly could, but the more information that comes to light, it seems quite likely that the virus is more widespread in our area than we realize. One of the big warnings is that many people could potentially have the virus and be unaware even if they are not yet displaying symptoms. While we are a small group, this decision comes out of an abundance of caution. Not meeting seems to be the best thing for our own community and for the greater community of Birmingham. 

We are not really sure what the next few weeks will look like. We will continue communicating with all the appropriate channels and doing our best to communicate things as quickly as we can.

If you are around tomorrow morning, be sure to check in on the Instagram live feed, Kyle and Johnathon will be going on at 10:30a to talk about all of this and some reflections in the Lenten season as we process all that is going on. If you are able and feel comfortable, we think in times like these being surrounded by your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ can be good for the soul, even if it’s just one or two. You can also take advantage of technology and call or video chat those who would normally be at Worship with you! 

For now, we will continue with small groups and we will leave the decision to the groups themselves on whether or not to cancel, so be on the look out for communication from your leaders.

Again, we want to stress this is not a reaction of fear; this is an action of love. Loving our neighbors means protecting them by ensuring our whole community stays healthy and that our health care professionals and services are not overwhelmed.

The church has weathered many storms in her history and we will continue to do so in worship and caring for one another. Continue to remember those who are vulnerable and alone in times like these, think of ways you can help those near to you and be praying.

Paraphrasing C.S. Lewis, let us be found in these times doing sensible things ... not huddled in fear. 


Grace & Peace