Greetings Valley Foursquare church family,
I hope and pray that this letter finds you in good health and good spirits. With the ever evolving COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation in our world, state, and region I felt it was important to not only have a plan of action for our church moving forward but also to communicate that plan.
At the time of this writing our state government has banned "large gatherings" of 250 or more people in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties. They have also implemented strong recommendations that smaller gatherings work very hard to be mindful of what they're calling, "social distancing." This recommendation includes normal health routines, such as limiting personal contact, thoroughly and frequently washing hands, and staying home when sick. Additionally, it includes actions that are less common in our society, such as; avoiding touching your face, mouth, and eyes, and maintaining safe distances from one another which they have defined as 6 feet between bodies. I believe it's important that you are informed of this because it means that the conversation about being responsible community members is more nuanced than simply staying under a number cap. With that in mind, please be aware that the following plan of action for Valley Foursquare is subject to change as we move forward and things evolve.
We will continue to meet on Sunday mornings, and our facility will continue to be open to the various groups who use it during the week, as long as it is permissible according to federal, state, and local agencies. We believe strongly that our Sunday church services, as well as the various meetings and support groups throughout the week, are far more than recreational gatherings. We believe that they are important and valuable elements of people's lives which provide vital connections and encouragement for those who attend them. Because of this belief we will continue to work diligently to provide a safe and accessible place for us to gather.
We recognize that there will be people who are either unable, or do not feel comfortable gathering together on Sunday mornings so, starting this week (Sunday the 15th) we will be live streaming service to the Valley Foursquare Facebook page which can be found at:
https://www.facebook.com/ValleyFoursquareDuvall
We will also continue to record and post the sermon podcast on our website at:
https://www.valleyfoursquare.com/online-campus
Tithes and offerings can still be given through our website:
https://www.valleyfoursquare.com/online-giving
Via our text to give option by texting: "Valley4" to (206) 859-9405 or you are welcome to mail donations to us at:
Valley Foursquare Church
P.O. Box 1680
Duvall, WA 98019
We all know members of our community who will not be able to engage with these digital forms of access. Please let me encourage you to reach out to someone if you know that it will be hard for them to attend either in person, or online. If you have access to Facebook, consider opening up your home on Sunday morning and welcome in someone who might otherwise miss out on the community that you can provide. If you are that person who would otherwise miss out, be bold! Reach out and let someone know how they can bless you and help keep you connected during this season in our community.
The author of Hebrews challenges us:
Hebrews 10:23–25 (The Message)
23 Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. 24 Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, 25 not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on..."
We may have to get creative, and stretch ourselves in ways that we aren't used to, or feel a little uncomfortable, but let's remember that the church is not a building, or pastors, but it is each and every one of us reading this letter and committing in our hearts to live out of faith and not fear. Let's believe in this season that things will look different but that does not mean that we are defeated. And let me encourage you to be inventive as you find personal ways to stay connected and involved with not only your community of faith, but a world full of people who need the peace that Jesus longs to bring them through you right now.
We are always here for you and you are welcome to reach out to us by phone, email, Facebook, or Instagram. Believe that you are cared for, you are connected to, and you are loved by an incredible God!
B'Shalom
Joseph Butcher
Lead Pastor
Valley Foursquare Church
(425) 210-7160 (Mobile)
