December 12, 2020 UPDATE: We are nine months into this global pandemic and we are still learning to pivot and adjust to new situations. Currently, our state seems to be in the midst of the second wave of Coronavirus cases that experts predicted would hit us in February 2021. We pray that this is the second wave, but prepare as if it is still yet to come.
Here at Temple Rogers, we have continued to be vigilant in the health and safety guidelines established in the spring and summer. God has blessed us with only a few confirmed cases within our church family, none of which have been fatal to this point. Our hearts go out to those churches who are mourning the loss of loved ones and fellow church members.
According to my research, Northwest Arkansas (Washington & Benton Counties) has a seven-day-average of 300+ new cases for over a week now. From what I understand, health department officials are attributing this rise to the gatherings that took place during the Thanksgiving weekend, and they are expecting an even more significant rise following the Christmas/New Year holiday.
With this in mind, I believe that a proactive approach would be our wisest plan of attack. For this reason, we will be pivoting to virtual worship services on December 27 and January 3. To quote one of our deacons, Rick Johnson, “I would rather voluntarily pivot to online services rather than being forced to due to a spread. Plus I don’t want anyone to get sick!”
If we postpone in-person services/community groups until the week of January 10, it will give sufficient time for people to determine if their holiday activities have exposed them to COVID-19 or not; thereby lessening the chance of spread within our church family.
It is our prayer that you will not view this as a “vacation from church” but as an opportunity for your family to worship together at home. I have really enjoyed having so many here these past few weeks. I pray that you all will be safe and healthy this holiday season; and that we will be able to gather together on January 10 ready for all that God has in store for us in 2021!