EBC Covid-19 Update

Edgewood Bible Church Covid-19 Update

Edgewood Bible family,

As you may have heard, Governor Inslee has prohibited gatherings of 250 people or more effective immediately. EBC frequently has under 250 people in attendance at our Sunday morning worship services.

The regular gathering of Jesus’ people to sing, pray, and sit under God’s Word is the most important means of grace in a Christian’s life. The word for church in Greek literally means “assembly, or congregation.” In Christ, we now belong to Jesus’ people, universal and local. That means for the Christian, Sunday is the one time during the week where we get to physically live out this shared identity. Therefore, gathering on the Lord’s Day, Sunday, has been integral to Jesus’ people from the very beginning.

In adherence to the mandate from our state officials, the following changes and cancellations to regularly scheduled meetings have been determined by the elders of EBC:

THIS WEEKEND:
We will hold a worship service on Sunday at 10:30am. No children’s ministries will be available during the service.

Sunday School classes, Nursery, and Children’s Church will be canceled.

Men's Breakfast is still scheduled at 8:00am.

No changes to this weekend's Youth Retreat. They are still planning on leaving on Friday at 5:00pm from EBC.

However, we would like to strongly urge everyone at a higher risk of illness or if you find yourself concerned, please stay home. This includes senior citizens, pregnant women, and anyone with underlying medical issues. We also ask that anyone who has any symptoms of an illness or is not feeling well to refrain from attending. See options below for streaming the service.

MIDWEEK MINISTRY:
Effective today, we will suspend Awana club meetings until further notice.
The Creation Seminar for Friday, March 13th is cancelled.

FOR THOSE WHO ATTEND ANY EVENT AT EBC:
SANITATION: We will be placing additional disinfectant stations in our lobby and other key points throughout the MPB. Please use the provided hand sanitizer or wash your hands well upon entering the building before touching interior surfaces.

MEET-AND-GREET: We will forgo any greeting time where handshakes would happen.

OFFERING: We will be placing a locked box in the back of the auditorium for those to give and we will forgo handing around the giving baskets. You can still give online or through the church app.

FOR ONGOING CONCERNS:

MONITORING: We are continuing to monitor the latest news and recommendations released by the CDC, state, and city officials. We will keep you posted as we learn more. If you have any questions, please email us at ebc@edgewoodbiblechurch.org

COVID-19: If you become sick with the Coronavirus, please notify us immediately.

WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED AT EBC

SERMON STREAMING: In light of the present circumstance, we will be offering a temporary live-streaming option of our gathering. You will be able to access the live stream from our Facebook Group. While we don’t believe merely viewing a church gathering online constitutes “gathering” with the church, it is better than non-attendance. We will evaluate the extent to which we will continue to offer this option as the situation develops.

LISTEN LATER: Every week here at EBC, sermons are available on Sunday afternoon via the website, the app, or through podcasts.

CARE GROUPS: Each care group will be considering their own schedule in response to the situation. Please be in contact with your care group leader.

USE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE FOR CHRIST!

HELP OTHERS! Reach out to those who may not be able to get out in public right now. Look for ways to help neighbors and elderly church or family members. Offer to get groceries for them.

PRAY! Let’s continue to pray: for the sick, for the fearful, for salvations, and for the glory of God to shine brightly. Amidst an uncertain world, He alone is certain: “He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress: I shall not be greatly shaken” (Ps. 62:2). The mission continues. Let’s be humble, wise, and courageous as we follow him together.

We grieve with those who have lost loved ones to this latest pandemic (Rom. 12:15). We are not minimizing that. Living in a world corrupted by sin is exhausting. The tears and pain are real. But, even so, we do not lose heart because, “this light and momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Cor. 4:16-18). Take heart, friends, and let’s press on together (Jn. 16:33).

For His Glory,

Pastor Jeff Coulter

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