Decision to cancel worship

Our Senior Pr. Steve Knudson made the decision in consultation with pastors, staff, and our church council to cancel all of our worship services at 7:30 Sunday, March 15 based on the direction of our governor, urging leaders of large communities of gathered adults over 60 years old, in which she specifically included churches.  You can her statement pertaining to churches below.  Pr. Steve met with our church council and staff at 5 p.m. Friday and we decided to hold worship unless the governor asked churches in Iowa to close.  So we held worship 5 p.m. Saturday. Governor Reynolds released her statement following our 5 p.m. worship.  We believe her call to action met our church council’s threshold not to meet.  This is difficult decision that Pr. Steve notes ideally we would have had more time to discuss and implement.

We are committed to continue to "care for the flock" during this time and are working on ways to livestream worship in the coming weeks in addition to our weekly sermon video we upload on Sunday afternoon and our live radio broadcast at 8:30 a.m. on KMRY on 93.1 FM and 1450 AM.  
 
This is a challenging time to spiritually lead during a pandemic and we appreciate all your support and helping us get the word out to others.  I have drawn much comfort this week from the Apostle Paul who assures us in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  I pray for God’s peace for you and your family.
 
In Christ,
-Pr. Craig
 
Statement from the Governor:
 
Here is the latest from the Iowa Department of Public Health about COVID19.  Posted 3.14.20
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DES MOINES - The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been notified of one additional positive case of an Iowan with COVID-19, for a total of 18 positive cases. The individual is an older adult age 61-80, and a resident of Dallas County.  Additionally, IDPH has determined, based on the new COVID-19 case and the announcement this evening of community spread in Omaha, Neb., there is now community spread in our state.
 
Community spread occurs when individuals have been infected with the virus in an area and cannot specifically identify the source of the infection, or do not know how or where they became infected.  Due to the detection of community spread, there are new recommendations for individuals with underlying conditions, and all Iowans should be prepared for cancellations and disruptions in routine activities. Mitigation measures should be implemented immediately to have the most significant impact on slowing the spread of the virus.

Leaders of institutions and organizers of events should begin to act on their contingency plans related to large gatherings, including church services. Iowans should not hold or attend large gatherings of more than 250 people, and consider making adjustments for smaller gatherings with high risk groups.