Peace Haven Statement Concerning COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
UPDATE JUNE 24th, 2020
In consideration of the current mask mandate, PHBC will continue to practice social distancing as we gather for worship at 11:00 each Sunday morning. We do encourage anyone who wishes to wear a mask to do so, but we also realize that there are medical reasons that exempt individuals from wearing a mask. Since we have adequate space to practice social distancing, masks are not required, but they are still encouraged for anyone who would like to continue to use extra caution.
UPDATE MAY 21st, 2020
After further examination of the guidelines and recommendations set forth by the NC Department of Health and Human Services, the elder team has decided to resume gathering for worship next Sunday, May 31st at 11:00. (No Sunday School)
As we begin to gather together again, we still consider the health and safety of our church family and our community a priority. We understand during this time of transition, that there are members of our church family who are at greater risk and better protected at home. If you or someone in your family is at greater risk, we encourage you to stay at home for your protection. As we begin to gather together again, we encourage each person in our church family to use their own discretion and return when they feel it is appropriate. We will still be streaming our service live online via Facebook, and you can also watch on Vimeo or Youtube.
In an effort to continue to emphasize the health and safety of our church family, we will be cleaning the church building before we return, and we invite you to continue practicing safeguards that help protect yourself and others from exposure. As we return, we will be placing our Sunday School classes on hold temporarily as those are held in smaller spaces, and we will also be ready to stream the worship service to the Family Life Center if needed in order to create more space for social distancing.
ORIGINAL POST
As the CDC updates its recommendations on how individuals, businesses, and organizations should respond to COVID-19, the leadership of PHBC has concluded that it is in the best interest of our community to follow these recommendations and postpone all services until May 31st. This decision was influenced by a number of considerations.
First, we believe that God is the Sovereign of the universe and that his sovereign law provides the foundation for science and reason (Ps 111:2; Col 1:17). This means that God has given humanity the means to study, observe, and react to what viruses are and how they spread; therefore we accept what virologists and epidemiologists suggest as the best practices to help mitigate and contain this pandemic.
Secondly, with this information in hand, the elders of PHBC have the responsibility to care for and be an example to a local body of believers (1 Pet 5:1-4). At this time, by following the recommendations of the CDC that call for social distancing while simultaneously seeking to meet physical needs in our community, we believe we are being obedient and consistent in following our Lord’s instructions to love our neighbor as ourself (Mark 12:31).
Thirdly, the leadership of PHBC acknowledges that the CDC recommendations and prohibitions are not motivated by anti-religious beliefs, but rather concerns for public health and safety. This means that it is in our best interests and in accordance with Scripture to submit to our governing authorities as they have been instituted by God (Romans 13:1-3).
Finally, as a body of believers, it is during times like these that we trust in the sovereignty of a good and faithful God who invites us to call upon him as Father (Matt 10:29-32). We invite you to join us as we pray not only for our community and this nation but for all those around the world whose lives have been affected by this pandemic thus far. As believers, we do not wish to ignore what is occurring around us, nor do we need to be consumed with anxiety. We serve a God who knows all and who reigns over all things.
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (2 Tim 1:7)
We are not free to ignore the situation at hand, nor are we free from taking responsible precautions that protect our community, but we are free from fear because we have a living hope.
As the next month unfolds, we do invite you to join us online as we post pre-recorded services on Sundays. We also ask that our church family be intentional in checking on each other and alerting our leadership to any needs that develop within our community. We will continue post updates over these next two weeks as we proceed in our evaluation of the situation at hand.
- The Elders of PHBC
In consideration of the current mask mandate, PHBC will continue to practice social distancing as we gather for worship at 11:00 each Sunday morning. We do encourage anyone who wishes to wear a mask to do so, but we also realize that there are medical reasons that exempt individuals from wearing a mask. Since we have adequate space to practice social distancing, masks are not required, but they are still encouraged for anyone who would like to continue to use extra caution.
UPDATE MAY 21st, 2020
After further examination of the guidelines and recommendations set forth by the NC Department of Health and Human Services, the elder team has decided to resume gathering for worship next Sunday, May 31st at 11:00. (No Sunday School)
As we begin to gather together again, we still consider the health and safety of our church family and our community a priority. We understand during this time of transition, that there are members of our church family who are at greater risk and better protected at home. If you or someone in your family is at greater risk, we encourage you to stay at home for your protection. As we begin to gather together again, we encourage each person in our church family to use their own discretion and return when they feel it is appropriate. We will still be streaming our service live online via Facebook, and you can also watch on Vimeo or Youtube.
In an effort to continue to emphasize the health and safety of our church family, we will be cleaning the church building before we return, and we invite you to continue practicing safeguards that help protect yourself and others from exposure. As we return, we will be placing our Sunday School classes on hold temporarily as those are held in smaller spaces, and we will also be ready to stream the worship service to the Family Life Center if needed in order to create more space for social distancing.
ORIGINAL POST
As the CDC updates its recommendations on how individuals, businesses, and organizations should respond to COVID-19, the leadership of PHBC has concluded that it is in the best interest of our community to follow these recommendations and postpone all services until May 31st. This decision was influenced by a number of considerations.
First, we believe that God is the Sovereign of the universe and that his sovereign law provides the foundation for science and reason (Ps 111:2; Col 1:17). This means that God has given humanity the means to study, observe, and react to what viruses are and how they spread; therefore we accept what virologists and epidemiologists suggest as the best practices to help mitigate and contain this pandemic.
Secondly, with this information in hand, the elders of PHBC have the responsibility to care for and be an example to a local body of believers (1 Pet 5:1-4). At this time, by following the recommendations of the CDC that call for social distancing while simultaneously seeking to meet physical needs in our community, we believe we are being obedient and consistent in following our Lord’s instructions to love our neighbor as ourself (Mark 12:31).
Thirdly, the leadership of PHBC acknowledges that the CDC recommendations and prohibitions are not motivated by anti-religious beliefs, but rather concerns for public health and safety. This means that it is in our best interests and in accordance with Scripture to submit to our governing authorities as they have been instituted by God (Romans 13:1-3).
Finally, as a body of believers, it is during times like these that we trust in the sovereignty of a good and faithful God who invites us to call upon him as Father (Matt 10:29-32). We invite you to join us as we pray not only for our community and this nation but for all those around the world whose lives have been affected by this pandemic thus far. As believers, we do not wish to ignore what is occurring around us, nor do we need to be consumed with anxiety. We serve a God who knows all and who reigns over all things.
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (2 Tim 1:7)
We are not free to ignore the situation at hand, nor are we free from taking responsible precautions that protect our community, but we are free from fear because we have a living hope.
As the next month unfolds, we do invite you to join us online as we post pre-recorded services on Sundays. We also ask that our church family be intentional in checking on each other and alerting our leadership to any needs that develop within our community. We will continue post updates over these next two weeks as we proceed in our evaluation of the situation at hand.
- The Elders of PHBC
