Dear faith-family of Riverside,
I’m confident that all are well aware of the recent exponential rise of COVID-19 in our state and local community over the past few weeks—not only giving rising concern for the health and safety of those we know and love—but also concern over the threat this time poses to our health-care system. Most importantly, the health and ability of our healthcare workers on the front lines during this difficult time to administer care amidst weariness from long shifts, extreme stress, and the trials of their own health and well-being.
It is on account of this that I write to all of you today, on behalf of myself and the elders, to inform you of the decision to suspend all in-person gatherings, including in-person worship, at Riverside effective immediately.
Leadership sincerely wishes we were not in the situation to have to make this decision. But we are. And this makes the decision necessary for the sake of our members and our community. For now, Riverside will return to online worship which will be made available for Sunday mornings.
Lastly, though this initial decision has been made there are still questions and details that need to be processed to discern a plan for moving forward. Leadership is in the midst of that process now and the plan will be communicated to our faith-family as soon as possible.
If you know of anyone who may not receive this communication by email or Facebook, please extend them the courtesy of a phone call to let them know.
In Christ,
Pastor Ben
Pandemic, Responsibility, and Hope
All in-person gatherings, including in-person worship, at Riverside are suspended, effective immediately. Pastor Ben takes us through “Pandemic, Responsibility, and Hope” as we face continued and life-changing restrictions.
A podcast version is also available on Apple Podcasts and Stitcher.