Dear ELMO Family,

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

As I said in my previous email, this is a changing situation we are continuously monitoring. In accordance with the most recent California Department of Public Health’s recommendation, and after speaking with some medical experts, the Elders and I have decided that the best course of action to take is to not meet together as usual on Sunday morning through the end of March. This includes Adult and Children’s education, the morning worship gathering and all scheduled activities. While we do not have more than 250 people gathering at ELMO, we do not have the ability to comply with the state recommended six feet of distance between people in our gatherings. We do not take this decision lightly but believe this is the wisest course of action for our congregation. This decision is not driven out of fear but out of a desire to love one another and our community.

We will re-evaluate the situation at the end of March and prayerfully decide how best to proceed for April gatherings and the Easter season. We would appreciate your help communicating this information to those not on the ELMO email list.

The Staff and I will be at ELMO on Sunday morning to greet and direct anyone who may not receive this notification. We don’t have the ability to live stream our worship gatherings, but we would like to encourage you to spend time worshiping with your family and friends in smaller groups, if possible. Also, here is a link to the most recent ECO National Gathering for some solid biblical teaching and preaching. I encourage you to continue utilizing the Biola Lenten devotional and spending time in God’s Word.

During these days, please join me in praying for those who are infected with the coronavirus in our world. Pray for those who are anxious during this unprecedented time. Pray for those on the frontlines caring for the sick to not fall ill. Pray for a cure and vaccines. Pray for protection among people who are at higher risk. Pray for open doors to boldly share the hope we have in Christ during this pandemic. Pray for leaders to have wisdom as they make difficult decisions.

I am praying for you all and am so thankful for partnership in God’s work. We recognize that the church is not a building, it is people. We are created for community and “social distancing” creates anxiety and loneliness. The Elders and I are beginning the process of brainstorming unique ways to be the Body of Christ together during these challenging days. I want to encourage you to pray, trust in God’s unfailing love and look for ways to love and serve the people around you in the name of Jesus Christ. No matter what rages around us God is still on the throne, reigning and in control.