Dear Brothers & Sisters,

The elders have been closely following developments with regard to the Corona Virus that are rapidly changing.

Last night the White House Corona Task Force announced a Community Mitigation Strategy specific for Seattle and Santa Clara County. (see link below)

The government has recommended a 30 day mitigation period due to the widespread transmission of COVID-19. These mitigation strategies are designed to address the effects of the virus in areas that are experiencing community spread.  The goal is to protect the public from contracting the virus, especially those at higher risk including senior citizens with underlying heath conditions and individuals with immune suppression issues.

In light of this announcement, after much prayer and discussion, out of an abundance of caution we are cancelling all chapel meetings and activities up until April 1. This includes our Sunday services, and all midweek meetings. Up until then we will continue to prayerfully re-evaluate the situation and communicate with you any further updates.

In lieu of chapel services/meetings, we suggest that we all use this time wisely. For instance:

    – On Sundays we encourage a time of family or private devotions and prayer.

    – You may also wish to consider a time of worship including breaking bread if possible.

    -We are suspending our series in Leviticus, but there is a rich archive of previous messages on our chapel website. Now would be a good time to catch up on past messages that you may have missed or revisit ones that were a particular help or blessing to you.

    -All our Friday night study gatherings are canceled.

    – We encourage the parents of the Sunday school kids to spend time with their children teaching them Bible stories, lessons and verse memorization in lieu of Sunday school and crosswalk

    – All who are part of the Wednesday night UoA classes are encouraged to get ahead in their homework and Bible reading.

We realize this is an unprecedented step for us. Please feel free to contact any of the elders if you have questions, concerns or suggestions.

Again we urge all of us to practice common sense preventative guidelines to reduce the risk of contracting the virus:

– Keep your hands clean by washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

– Wash your hands before eating.

– Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

– Avoid contact with anyone exhibiting cold or flu-like symptoms. If you have symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath, please call a health provider and tell them about your symptoms and any recent travel.

– Stay home and away from others when sick.

– Cover your coughs and sneezes with tissues or your arm/sleeve. Dispose of tissues in the trash and wash hands promptly.

– Keep surfaces clean using disinfecting wipes.

In times like this we are thankful that the Lord is in control and that we can rest in His all-sufficient grace and peace.

In Christ’s Love,

The elders

Santa Clara Community Mitigation