Dear Church Family:
As
many of you are already aware, on March 15 the CDC issued guidelines
that all gatherings over 50 people should be cancelled for the next 8
weeks. Today, Governor Newsom signed an Executive Order entitled “Safer
at Home” that requests we all stay home except for essential needs (https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/).
We are in an unprecedented time of learning what it means to care for
one another and protect our most vulnerable community members!
In
accordance with these guidelines, the leadership of La Verne Church of
the Brethren has made the following decisions about our life together as
a church:
1. We will connect virtually for Sunday morning services. You can tune in via our website: https://www.lavernecob.org/sermons/
2.
There are no scheduled church events: no board meetings, no commission
meetings, no CONNECT! group meetings during this time. The church
offices and all church facilities will be closed beginning March 23.
Staff will work remotely. You will still be able to reach the church office and pastoral staff during this time at 909-593-1364.
3. We are committed to continue paying our staff, and they are working hard to identify creative
ways to “be the church” together during this time. You will receive a
separate letter soon from the pastoral staff outlining ways you can
remain connected to one another, how you can access pastoral care, and
what you can expect from online worship services and other online
connections.
4.
Because we will continue to pay our staff, it is more important than
ever for you to continue your financial support of your church. Many of
you have asked how you can be helpful. The short answer is: keep giving!
If you are used to putting cash or a check into the offering plate,
please consider sending a check to the church office or pushing a button remotely instead. Go to https://www.lavernecob.org/give-2/.
You do not need to have a Paypal app to do this. Your continued
financial support during this difficult time is the most meaningful
action you can take to show your love for our staff. The church is its
people!
5.
If you are 65 or older, or if you have a chronic health condition,
please take special care of yourselves. Because we care about you, we
cannot accept any volunteer work that would take you out of your
homes. We will continue to convey ways you can connect with the church
from your homes, and the letter from our pastoral staff next week will
share additional ideas for how you can continue to support the work of
the church and connect in meaningful ways with others from where you
are.
As
the designated leaders of the church for this time, we covet your
prayers. In a rapidly evolving situation, these decisions are not easy,
particularly as Palm Sunday, Love Feast, and Easter are so deeply
meaningful to us, as is our connection to one another. But we are
committed to finding new ways to “be the church” to one another and
maintain our commitment to doing the work of Jesus peacefully, simply,
and together.
With prayers for your health and well-being,
Zandra Wagoner, Church Moderator, and Laurie Schreiner, Church Board Chair
