In light of the
outbreak of the COVID-19 infection around the world and the recent spread into
LA County and the San Gabriel Valley, I, Pastor Matt Barnes, am going to oversee the execution the actions
listedbelow:
We
will make every effort to protect, provide for, and help those who are most
vulnerable, specifically the elderly, those with underlying medical conditions,
and those with limitedresources.
In response to the
"Gathering Guidelines" provided by the California Department of Public
Health and endorsed by California's governor, we will be canceling our in-person, gathered
worship services for the foreseeable future.
Also,
in response to the "Gathering Guidelines," we will be canceling our normal, meetings for Bible study, Sunday school,
small groups, and the like which meet on campus for the foreseeable future.
Other
gatherings on campus will be evaluated on a case-by-casebasis.
Proactively,
we will be exploring options to maintain the creation and distribution of
helpful spiritual content through virtual gathered worship, online devotionals, mass
mailers, online small groups, and thelike.
Proactively, we will
be working closely with Northrup School, AUSD, Catalyst SGV, the City of
Alhambra, and others to find ways to be of
service to our community
through activities such
as providing groceries for those in need, helping people
access healthcare where possible, and thelike.
Proactively, we will
find ways to stay in close contact with members and attenders of our church who
have been advised to stay home, such as those who are ill, the elderly, and thelike.
Proactively, we will encourage the people of FBCA who are
able and healthy to reach out to their immediate neighbors to see if there is a
way that we can be of service, while also coordinating with the church office
if there are unwieldy financial requirements involved in serving their
neighbors.
Lastly,
we will communicate the need for our members and attenders to continue to
contribute to the financial well-being of FBCA since our personnel and
administrative needs will continue through this outbreak and we may incur new
expenses as we attempt to be and share the good news of Jesus with the people
ofAlhambra.
While I know that these measures
may feel unnecessary or even extreme, the goal behind them is twofold - 1) To
participate in the care and protection of the most vulnerable among us; and 2)
To be and share the good news of Jesus among the peopleofAlhambra andbeyond. Lastly, when we are able to host a worshipful and hospitable in-person service, we will do so. Until then, please continue to worship with us online!
Pastor Matt Barnes
"I lift up my eyes to the mountains-where does my
help come from? My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker
of heaven and earth." (Psalm 121.1-2)