In-Person Worship Suspended Due to Rise in COVID19 Cases

Update: August 5, 2020

Friends,

The Board of Deacons determined today that the rise in COVID-19 diagnoses around the state coupled with yesterday’s increase of five on the Big Island call for renewal of our cautious approach to worship. Although neither the state nor the county have ordered a reduction in gathering sizes, we choose to anticipate the need before it arrives.

Accordingly, our worship experience this coming Sunday will happen only through the a live stream on the Internet. We have not yet posted the service information to the church website. That will happen tomorrow or Friday. As we have for the last four months, we will provide the links as the weekend draws closer.

I am quite sad that we have to give up being together once more. Even with the cleaning and distance requirements, it warmed my heart to gather. My heart goes cold, however, at the prospect of spreading this disease among our congregation. If COVID-19 takes hold on the Big Island, it will have to do so without our help.

I should also mention that the Rev. Dr. Jonathan Roach will lead worship – we anticipate that these services will both be online only – on August 23 and August 30. I will be taking a two week vacation. I won’t be journeying far, of course, but I will use the time to rest up and be prepared for whatever the next few months bring.

Blessings to you all,

Pastor Eric