On Sunday, January 10 Scott Valley Berean Church will have its corporate worship service at the church building in Etna.  The elder board at the church came to this prayerful and labored decision at its regular monthly board meeting on January 4.  How can we do this safely in the midst of the COVID pandemic?  There will be two worship services each Sunday morning.  At the 8:30am worship service masks are required.  No one will be allowed in the building who refuses to wear a mask.  At the 10:00am worship service masks are recommended.  We will practice social distancing and janitorial staff will sanitize impacted areas between the first and second services.  Why are we gathering for church in the building?  Gathering together is essential to who we are as the church and followers of Jesus Christ.  Worshiping God is foundational.  In these turbulent times worshiping Jesus Christ is the healthiest, most life-giving and necessary thing we can do. Humans are social creatures.  The adverse affects of isolating government closures though well intended are visible in rising divorce, depression, suicide and loneliness.  Gathering together as the church in a safe manner counteracts the negative impacts of COVID closures and restrictions.  The Scott Valley Berean Church has been respectful and cooperative these past many months of all government mandates.  We are encouraged by recent court rulings that deem it unlawful to close churches.  We are aware of safety concerns and have protocols in place to mitigate those concerns and be as safe as possible.  We believe gathered worship is essential to who we are as followers of Jesus Christ.  Biblical examples and commands are stated in Acts 2 and Hebrews 2.  We would ask those who are sick or have been exposed to someone who is sick to stay at home.  If you are concerned about exposure our on-line worship service will be available on Sunday.  Look on the Scott Valley Berean Church web-site for more information.  The elders ask for your prayers during these turbulent times as we guide and shepherd the church.  If you have questions or concerns call the church office and someone will get back to you.  467-3715

Pastor Drew Travis