COVID-19 Update

A letter from Pastor Joe

Dear TFBC family,
This has been a long year that has tested all of our patience. Not one of us chose this crisis of COVID-19 but we have all had to adjust to it.

I am so grateful for so many who have been patient and faithful. You have watched our online services, attended our outdoor in-person services, and you have continued to give so that we can meet the needs of neighbors and the ongoing work of the church. Your faithfulness has cheered me up through many discouraging and painful times.

I know you are wondering about when we will begin to have indoor services again. As I told you at the start, we are committed to listening to the advice of our church doctors and other medical advisors. All decisions have been made based on prayerful consideration of the information we receive and the counsel of those we know and trust.

The good news is that the trends in our county are improving! We are not there yet, but we are getting closer.

Here is the link to recent trends: Lewis County Covid Database

We, as a church, will continue to meet in-person at the THS stadium until conditions indicate that indoor services can safely resume. Our online services will continue as well.

Many of you have expressed concerns about going indoors too soon. I want to assure you that we will do our best to keep everyone healthy. A large number of you have shared that you “want things to be normal“ when we go back inside for services. As much as I want things to be as close to normal as possible, we have to consider those who are most vulnerable.

Because of the risk factors to vulnerable people, and unless things improve much more quickly than predicted, when we do meet indoors masks will still be required. In fact, masks will be even more important since the risk of being infected indoors is many times higher than it is outdoors.

We are watching, praying, and planning each week. We are getting close and I am hopeful that, if the trends keep moving in a good direction, we can meet indoors again sooner rather than later.

Thank you for being patient, flexible, and loving. Please pray for me and all of our staff as we seek to serve God by serving you.

This verse has guided our leadership throughout this year:

Romans 13:10 Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

I want to fulfill the law of love towards you.

Blessings,
Joe