COVID 19 Response, January 8, 2021

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

You may have heard that the governor of Washington issued new restrictions a few weeks ago on businesses and group gatherings in light of an increase in COVID-19 cases in the state. We followed those fully until December 13, 2020. On that date, we decided that we will continue to respect the public health concerns and encourage folks who attend services to wear masks and respect social distancing practices. However, we also decided that the governor of the state of Washington has no authority over what we do when we gather to worship, or to prohibit anyone from gathering to do so. As a result, we will not turn people away from attendance at our services, and we will continue to offer congregational singing accompanied by our full worship band. Since that decision, the Supreme Court of the United States has essentially agreed with us. The first amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees both freedom of assembly and freedom of religion, and these are cherished “first-freedoms” that are protected by law. After that decision, the governor changed some aspects of his declared restrictions from mandates to recommendations.

We will still teach and practice respect for legitimate governing authority and will seek to protect the health and well-being of our people as fully as possible.

If you would like to read the full resolution that passed unanimously in our Business Meeting of December 13, contact the church office.

God bless you as you continue to seek the Lord!

My love in Christ,

Pastor Frank