Suspension of In-Person Worship

November 12, 2020

Pastor John Willingham addresses the decision to return to Livestream only

Friends,

It’s with disappointment that I inform you we are suspending in-person worship and are returning to livestream only starting November 15. Members of the Re-opening Task Force and I have met twice this week and after considering the latest data have all agreed this is the best course of action. As you have probably seen in the news, the numbers related to the COVID-19 virus are moving exponentially in the wrong direction. Last week, for instance, Bucks County had the highest number of cases since the pandemic began and the positivity rate (percentage of tests that turn out to be positive) is now at 6.2. The concern comes when it passes 5. All indications are that the rate will only grow. 

In addition to suspending in-person worship, we are encouraging all committees and groups that can meet by Zoom to do so again. The bell and string groups will still rehearse inside the church while continuing to wear masks and model appropriate social distancing. Most of our staff will continue to work remotely as well.        

Please know that this decision is NOT due to a positive test for anyone present for worship last Sunday, but rather the result of our task force’s careful attention to a rapidly changing landscape in our community and region. While certainly my hope was that we could continue having in-person worship, the ongoing resolve of our team to focus first on the health and well-being of all who enter our building remains paramount. Thus, we return to livestream only for the foreseeable future.

Please let me know if you have any questions. In the meanwhile and beyond, know of my gratitude for your understanding and patience as we continue to navigate this unsettled chapter of life. As always, I encourage your prayers for those who are seeking to keep us safe and provide essential services, those who continue to develop treatments and a vaccine, and those who have been affected by this disease. 

Faithfully yours,

John Willingham