03/20/2020
The following information is from the Upper Columbia Conference:
Dear Upper Columbia Conference family,
We face uncharted and unprecedented times, due to the COVID-19 virus. Each day our medical professionals are giving us new guidance on how best to navigate these waters. Today, the White House is recommending groups of no more than 10 people gather together.
Decisive action is needed to protect those who are most at risk. This includes the difficult decision of suspending all church services in the Upper Columbia Conference, beginning March 21, with services possibly resuming on April 18, 2020.
As the virus continues to spread, your health and safety are extremely important to us. Due to the impact of the virus, the Upper Columbia Conference administrative offices in Spokane and College Place, Washington will be closed to the public. Even though we are closed to outside visitors, our departments will still be accessible by phone and email as we work remotely beginning March 17, 2020, until April 13, 2020. This date is subject to change in the future, based on government recommendations. Additionally, guidance from the North American Division recommends that we also cancel all work-related travel (both foreign and domestic), as well as church-sponsored events. The ABC Bookstore will remain open during this time.
With services suspending, our individual worship and family worship becomes that much more important. Stay close to God during these times. Rely on Him and encourage others.
This challenge may very well be an opportunity to bring us all closer to the Lord than ever before. Without assembly, we must do all that we can to care for our most vulnerable, while at the same time preparing each other for the Lord’s soon return.
Just as Mordecai said to Esther, we all may have been put here for “such a time as this.” Checking in with a neighbor, friend or family member just may give you that opportunity to bring One More to Him.
Please stay safe and healthy. May God protect our UCC family.
UCC Administration