03/13/2020
Message from Pastor Kyle:
Berkley Family,
Like so many of you, I have spent the last several days trying to wrap my mind around what is transpiring throughout our world with the spread of the Coronavirus. It seems like every few hours new information comes out and new stories about how professional sports organizations, universities, schools, theme parks and businesses are handling this virus. Since you are a part of the Berkley family, I want to share with you how we are currently planning to handle this ever evolving situation.
At this time, we are planning to have services this Sunday as well as other scheduled ministry gatherings. Of course, if you feel uneasy or unsettled about attending please do not feel pressured or obligated to come. Our church is following the guidelines provided by the CDC and the World Health Organization. Best practices for dealing with viruses like the seasonal flu and COVID-19 include regular hand washing, using hand sanitizer, and choosing to remain home when not feeling well, have any flu-like symptoms including coughing and sneezing, and certainly if you have a temperature. We have consistently practiced these and will continue to do so.
Here are other specifics on how we are actively making our spaces ready:
- Continuing our practice of regularly sanitizing our spaces between weekend gatherings.
- Currently completing a deeper disinfectant cleaning in our kids' spaces and coffee areas.
- Greeters and ushers will continue offering you a warm welcome on weekends; they will offer “air fives”, elbow bumps or simply a smile, but won’t be initiating handshakes, high-fives, and hugs.
- We will not be passing our offering buckets but will have giving boxes stationed at the back of the worship center.
We invite you to:
- If you are sick, please stay home, rest, and recover.
- Let us know how we can pray for you as you may personally, professionally or relationally navigate the effects of COVID-19.
- Be sure to stay connected by watching the weekly message online (berkleyhills.org) or on our App
- Pray and reflect on this encouragement found in the Scriptures: "God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7, NLT). There is a great opportunity for us as the people of Jesus to choose the way of power, love, and self-control at a time when so many are tempted to live out of fear. Pray for our families, our church body, our cities, and our world—join us in asking that God would breathe his Spirit out on us and draw us all into the fullness of life He has for us. May we have courage to point people to Jesus as the ultimate answer for their fear and worry and be a church that models Hope in the Darkness always!
Please continue to pray for Holy Spirit wisdom to know how we should act and react to the Coronavirus and pray that the Holy Spirit would do the work that only He can do in this situation.
--
He Leads-I Follow
Kyle Brown
berkleyhills.org
