Changes At JBC In Response to COVID-19
Hello Jubilee Family,
Like you, we've been watching the news of coronavirus unfold and we are praying for those countries and people affected. We are also considering how it may impact our church family in the weeks to come.
We still plan to continue to worship together on Sundays and on Wednesdays and in our small groups. We are keeping an ear out for the latest health and government organization guidelines and recommendations and we'll respond as necessary. The elders met together on Tuesday to pray and discuss and we have a contingency plan in place if things get worse or should governmental and health authorities mandate additional precautions.
Here are some of the precautions we are taking:
1. We are making extra efforts to wipe and sanitize hard surfaces before and after the services on Sundays and Wednesdays, especially the nursery and Jubilee Kids area. We are using strong antiviral and germicidal cleaning agents. (Thanks Laura, Alisha & Raymundo!)
2. With the recommendations of our PADS ministry leaders and volunteers we are closing our location starting next week until further notice. Having PADS guests sleep in close proximity puts them at an increased risk and also puts our volunteers at risk. We really struggled with this decision but we felt it's in the best interest of our PADS guests and volunteers. Additionally, we ask that you and your children stay out of the gym and kitchen this Sunday. This will give us a chance to deep clean and sanitize the area during the week.
3. We will not be having snacks after the service.
Here are some of the ways we will need your help:
1. When you arrive at church this Sunday, don't worry about opening the door. We will do our best to open them for you!
2. We'll have hand sanitizer positioned in key locations throughout the building. Please make an effort to wash your hands and sanitize regularly.
3. We encourage you to enthusiastically greet one another with joy. However, for the time being, as much as possible do so without handshakes or hugs. This will be hard fo rme as it will be for many of you but we are doing it out of love for our neighbor.
4. Rather than passing offering baskets on Sunday, we'll have baskets available on stage and at the doors. You can also give your tithes and offerings online.
5. If you (or someone in your home) has a cough and/or fever, or other respiratory difficulties, we ask that you seek medical attention and do not come to church. You may join us again if you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. Or if you or someone you are close to, has been exposed to someone who tests positive for coronavirus or have been instructed to self quarantine, please seek to follow the doctor's instructions. Also please call the office and let us know, so we can be in prayer for you and also alert others you may have been in contact with.
6. We are 200 some people in a 800 seat sanctuary. We'll open up all the pews so you can spreak out and keep a safe distance.
7. If you or anyone in your home is immune compromised, or if you feel it will be wise for you to avoid crowded space, we encourage you to stay home and watch the service online. The link to our live service will be posted on our Facebook page and will also be emailed out to you. We tested the system yesterday and we are hoping it will work without a glitch on Sunday! (Thanks Greg Norris & the A/V Team).
This is a dynamic situation and we will keep you up to date with necessary changes. We are all eyes and ears during this time, so please feel free to share your thoughts and opinions, we truly value them. We appreciate all who have reached out and shared your thoughts and concerns. We also appreciate your prayers as we try to act with wisdom during this time.
During this time of uncertainty, let's pray to our God who has the whole world in His hands and who has you and me in His hands. Let all that we have been learning for the last several weeks from God's Word fill you with hope and strength. This is a great time for us as believers to remind an uncertain world of the certainty in Jesus!
Jubilee, the pastors, elders, deacons and staff, we love you and we are praying for you during this time. We look forward to worshipping with you on Sunday at church or online!
With lots of love,
Pastor Sam