Dear Friends in Christ:

Where do I begin?  That’s my thought as I begin to write this message.  These times are something I’ve never experienced in my lifetime.  Being at home on a Friday seems pretty routine on the surface; the gardener is mowing the lawn, the second load of laundry is in the washer and our dog Rudie is sleeping next to my desk.  Yet we all know things aren’t routine and ordinary.

What remains the same is God is with each and every one of us and for that I am thankful.  We may be facing fear and uncertainty, but God is with us offering us comfort and support.  Know that the church is here to support you throughout this crisis.  Keep each other and our church in prayer.

OFFICE HOURS:  The office and all church facilities are closed.  Staff and volunteers will be in the office for a short time to complete essential work.  I am checking the answering machine for messages.  Emails will be checked daily.

VISITATIONS:  All Health Care Facilities are not allowing guests to enter.  Phone calls or cards/letters are the best way to keep in touch.  Even as a pastor, I am not allowed to make visitations.  Check in on that person you haven’t talked to, send a card of encouragement to one another.

STAY AT HOME ORDER:  Yesterday Governor Newsom announced a Stay At Home order.  All non-essential business and organizations should not meet in person.  The mayor of Los Angeles gave this the tagline ‘Safer at Home.’  You are safer at home utilizing your phone as a way to reach out.  Grocery stores are open and I encourage our older members to take advantage of the senior shopping hours and home delivery of groceries.

WORSHIP:  My heart is heavy with this decision, but one that must be implemented.  We will not meet for worship in the sanctuary through March and April.  Yes, this has been extended to include April.  I hope I’m wrong and we can gather sooner, but for now prepare for no sanctuary worship until May.  Worship will continue!  Easter will be celebrated!  I am exploring new ways of worship.  Watch for details!

FINANCIAL STABILITY OF THE CHURCH:  The Administrative Assistant, Bobbie Christie, and I have met frequently to prepare and plan for the financial implications during this period.  Resources are always tight at the church and this situation complicates things even more.  Please continue to mail your gifts and offerings to the church.  This will allow us to pay for the expenses which will be accruing even though the facility is closed. I greatly appreciate those who have done so this week.

COMMUNICATIONS:  As you know we are in the middle of setting up new membership software.  Connie Morrow, Barb Toth and I have been inputting names, addresses and emails from the forms many filled out, from old directories, email lists and scraps of paper where information has been jotted.  My hope is to have new lists operational today!  Be on the lookout for test emails.

ZOOM:  No, I haven’t lost my mind.  Zoom is the new way we will communicate online.  Thanks to Cal-Pac Communications we are able to participate online for meetings and worship during the weeks ahead.  Twenty-five licenses were available and fortunately with a quick application yesterday afternoon, we were one of five churches in the South District chosen to receive this program at a reduced cost.  For those that have internet access this is a way for us to gather.  It may be possible to use these collaboration tools for Sunday school and bible study. Watch for details soon.

Please know that your well-being is laid on my mind and heart and is contained in my prayers.  As I told my daughter this morning, if there was something more I could do to make this better I would.  I care deeply for each and every one of you not only as your pastor, but as a friend.  I know that you have the same feelings and thoughts for your families, friends, and members of the congregation. I look forward to calling each and every one of you in the days and weeks ahead.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Val