Through thick and through thin we are the Lord’s and in all circumstances we can bless the Lord.  Life changes and we adjust.  Life changes and God calls us to use our resources to adjust.
 
The last few days have seen a renewed call from the state of California to shut businesses and activities that heighten the risk of contracting the coronavirus.  Just when things seemed to be opening up a bit, the number of cases and deaths has been going up again.  It feels like a roller coaster – and as I said a few weeks ago, we don’t know how many cycles like this we will have to go through moving forward.
 
For those of us in southern California the following must close:  gyms and fitness centers,  places of worship, indoor protests, offices for nonessential sectors, personal care services, like nail salons, body waxing and tattoo parlors, hair salons, barbershops, and indoor shopping malls.
 
As we continue to be the church with our various activities and services, one of our highest priorities is the health and safety of our congregation.  Balancing the desire to reopen with our need to ensure the well-being and safety of our membership and friends is one of the challenges we face as we plan in the midst of an uncertain future.
 
On Monday night, the Board of Trustees appointed a task force to begin planning for our eventual reopening when the time comes.  The goal is to develop a phased in approach that will include all the detail for protocols and procedures necessary to comply with state and county guidelines and take into consideration the needs of all our members from the youngest to the oldest.  We want our facilities to be sterile and clean and our volunteers equipped with materials and training to ensure the activities we offer are safe.  In other words, we are being proactive in preparing for the future in thoughtful and thorough ways.  The task force will include two members of the Board of Trustees, 1-2 representatives from the Worship Ministry Team and two staff members.
 
If you have any thoughts, concerns or questions – please feel free to contact me, Lauren or Setta.

Be well…and know that you are loved…and in all things, let us bless the Lord.
 
In Christ,

Rev. Dr. David D. Young
Senior Minister