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RETHINK AND DIAL BACK
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NOVEMBER 11, 2020
BOARD OF ELDERS Dear Valley Family, As you are likely aware, the spread of COVID-19 in Lakeville and Dakota County has risen to levels we have not seen before during the pandemic. Hospitals are either at, or are close to, maximum capacity especially in critical and intensive care units due to COVID-19 patient load. Out of an abundance of caution and concern for our church community, the Board of Elders has made the decision to suspend in-person gatherings beginning tomorrow, Thursday, November 12. All worship, groups, classes, and activities will be offered only via online channels through December. It is our hope that a return to in-person activities in January is possible, but we will closely monitor trends and follow what is happening in our local area before we make a decision to do so. Predictions from public health officials are that we will continue to see COVID-19 at high levels of community spread through the holiday season. While the State of Minnesota is unlikely to impose further restrictions upon places of worship, we are compelled to do our part in preventing community spread of COVID-19. As we communicated last week, we believe this is congruent with Jesus’ teaching to “love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31) During the “Stay at Home” order last spring, we engaged via online channels, rethought how to regather, and created new avenues and opportunities for everyone to “be the church” amid a socially distanced world. We think that this shift back to online-only will be better. We will have a refined production for online worship, and we are focusing resources to improve that experience. Advent is weeks away, and our season of anticipation and celebration of the birth of our Lord will be special – and not simply online. More on that to come! We are obviously frustrated, but we believe this decision is necessary. On the other hand, we are encouraged by the level of engagement we have seen by our church throughout the pandemic. Please continue to have grace, understanding, and love for one another. Pray for those on the ‘front lines’ – we have several in our church family (nurses, doctors, healthcare professionals, EMTs). Pray for our educators as well as they pivot yet again to educate our students in new ways. Pray for healing and health. God is with us, and you will not doubt it as He sees us through it all. Through His will, and by the Spirit, we will remain His Church! THE VALLEY CHRISTIAN CHURCH BOARD OF ELDERS Kris Pierson, Chairman Michael Warnken, Vice Chairman Steve Twiss, Secretary Dewey Roth, Elder Micah McLellan, Elder Apprentice Dave Burkum, Lead Pastor Brad Dewing, Transition Pastor CLICK LINK BELOW TO VIEW OR PRINT PDF:
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CURRENT SUNDAY WORSHIP PLAN
THROUGH DECEMBER 31: Online Only Sunday Morning Worship - 10:15am & On-Demand GO TO OUR MEDIA PAGE NEXT STEPS: Our Board of Elders will review the public health guidance and statistics in mid-December and make decision as to whether or not we can restart on-campus worship again in January. CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE: Plans are in the works for a SPECIAL DRIVE-IN CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE that will feature ice candle luminaries. Plan now to participate in what we hope will be a very special time for everyone. With your involvement, we'll turn this pandemic challenge into a special and beautiful Christmas experience to remember! VALLEY'S NEXT STEPS DIAL
MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
DAILY COVID-19 UPDATE INFORMATION Updated daily at 11 a.m., with data current as of 4 p.m. the previous day. Data is for cases that were tested and returned positive. All data is preliminary and may change as cases are investigated. Confirmed and probable cases are reported separately in the following areas:
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