You may have heard some news yesterday:

• There are confirmed COVID-19 cases in Collin County (8) and Dallas County (15).
• RISD and DISD canceled classes indefinitely.
• The city of Dallas closed bars, gyms and dine-in restaurants for a week.
• The White House advised all Americans to avoid groups of more than 10 and urged older people to stay at home.

and:

• The CDC recommends canceling events with 50 or more people for the next eight weeks throughout the U.S.

Based on this information, the Health Response Team (HRT) and Council has determined that we have reached Stage 4 in our Emergency Response Plan:

The HRT categorizes what we have seen to determine that there is substantial community transmission (i.e., multiple cases of known community transmission, health care system overwhelmed). We will probably see a surge in numbers as Parkland Hospital just opened a drive-through testing site for the coronavirus.

We are implementing Stage 4 action plans, at least through March 30, and highly recommend adherence to the following:

• Cancel all official in-person church gatherings.

• Worship, fellowships and small groups, may continue online as able.

You view the video explanation by HRT and the HRT Emergency Response Plan by clicking here.

As always, we ask that you resist the temptation to turn inward and downward during this time of crisis. Pray for God to embolden you to be the Church and worship continually (upward) and love those around you in need (outward) as God loves you.  

Peace,
Ben