COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS BEING TAKEN

Greetings Oak Hill Church Family,

As concerns about the spread of the coronavirus have grown in the past weeks—including here in Minnesota—we are planning to take certain precautions as we continue to gather for worship on Sunday mornings. It should be noted that these common health practices should not be taken out of context or used to incite panic or fear. The intent behind these precautions is solely for preventive purposes and not meant as a means to create anxiety, distrust, or division. Many of these common health practices apply for any and all times during this normal cold and flu season, not just in certain situations.

1.  Please ensure that you have a consistent habit of washing and/or sanitizing your hands. This goes a long way in deterring the spread of any germs (cold, flu, etc.) We will have some hand sanitizer available, or you can wash your hands in the bathrooms.
2. If you are feeling ill, we encourage you to stay home, rest, and seek medical care, if needed. You will still be able to read the weekly View newsletter and listen to the sermon on our website once it is uploaded.
3. For the time being, it would be appropriate to adjust how we greet one another or at least be open to the fact that some people might not feel comfortable shaking hands or sharing a hug. If you do want to greet someone in this way (as many customarily do) please be sure to ask them first and don't be offended if they decline. They still love you!
4. We will also be making some practical and reasonable attempts to limit communal touching of items so this may affect small areas of our Sunday experience. For example, we will not pass the offering plates during the worship service. There will be designated offering receptacles in the back of the sanctuary where we would encourage you to place your cash or check for the offering. This will be similar to how we take our Benevolence offering each month. As always, you can give online as well. Communion may also look different in that we may avoid passing the elements and rather have them served by the elders. We will also be limiting our fellowship time after the service to strictly coffee, lemonade, and water.

Again, we are not intending to overreact or be caught up in fear and worry in the midst of this, but we also want to be wise and appropriately cautious. Please continue to show love, care, concern, and respect for each other as we process and progress through this time. Many of these decisions are being made by a motivation of Christian love for each other.

Lastly, none of these precautions in and of themselves will completely remove any fear, worry, or anxiety that you may be experiencing. This is where we, as followers of Christ, have a different vantage point. We are invited to place our fears, doubts, and anxious thoughts confidently in the hands of an all-powerful, all-knowing God. In times of uncertainty, His promises are certain and true! Read these words from Psalm 27, John 14, and Philippians 4:

The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1 NIV)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27 NIV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)

We are invited to trust in the provision and care of our Heavenly Father. We are called to be assured that nothing is too great for Him to handle or is beyond His ability to control. We are called to know His peace that is beyond what we can grasp or understand. And we are called to pray. Let us pray together that God would be near to those that are impacted by this virus. Let us pray that God would be near to each of us and protect us. Let us pray that God would give us His peace for ourselves and for our neighbors.

In Grace and Truth,
Pastor Ben and the Oak Hill Elders