December 9, 2020 – Your Executive Council met last night and decided to suspend in person worship due to the increasing high COVID numbers, beginning this Saturday, December 12. The campus will close for all in person gatherings beginning Monday, December 14.
Noels at Noon, Bible and book study groups, and small group activities will continue online. Look for those opportunities and invitations.
Worship will return to a recorded service available each Saturday. This weekend, we will hear Mary sing about her faith in God. She was dealing with unprecedented circumstances, but her faith was unwavering. We too are faced with new challenges, but through faith in God we will sing and lift our hearts, knowing that God is with us, now and in the days ahead.
We will experience Christmas differently this year, however, it is the same Christ we celebrate every year. Emmanuel, God with us. The Christ child born in the most unexpected place in such extraordinary circumstances. Plan to worship this Christmas Eve, from the safety of your homes, welcoming and celebrating the wonders of God made known in Jesus Christ.
APLC has a leadership team that meets on a regular basis to look at COVID numbers. This team led the way for our return to in person worship and small group activities and created the plan to safely gather. We listen to our Synod’s recommendations, city and government officials, and council for guidance. Until we return to a positivity rate below 10% and a steady decline in cases, we feel it is not safe to gather. This team will continue to study, reflect, pray, and communicate decisions regarding our safe return to in person activities and worship.
Until we are able to return to in person gatherings, know we hold each of you in prayer. Know your staff and leadership are working hard as we all adapt again. Know we will continue to keep you informed and updated. But above all, know God is with us.
You are the Abiding Presence of Christ in the world and together we are seeking God and serving others in new ways.
Be safe.
Pastor Steve