The Weekly Epistle 11/18/20

It has been brought to the attention of the leadership, that a person who had no symptoms at the time, attended a church service on November 8^th (two Sundays ago) and subsequently became symptomatic and tested positive later that week.  While the CDC and the NH Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) do not consider this an exposure, upon being notified and in an abundance of caution, we acted swiftly to ensure the correct public health procedures were followed.  That person and their family have been in quarantine since that time and will not attend services until it is appropriate under CDC guidelines (14 days since the last potential contact/exposure).  The leadership will continue to monitor this situation, as well as any others that we become aware of going forward and will respond accordingly based on CDC and DHHS guidelines and protocols. 
 
The church continues to follow proper cleaning and sanitizing procedures throughout the entire building between Sundays, consistent with public health guidelines.  We will continue to be diligent and are committed to take all necessary steps as dictated by current circumstances to help keep our church family healthy and safe. 
 
As a reminder, if you or anyone in your family are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as a fever of 100.4⁰ F or higher, cough, shortness of breath, aches or changes in taste or smell, please do not attend services or any other church functions unless and until you have been tested (and then all applicable procedures followed) or until 7 days have passed since the symptoms first appeared and 3 days have passed since the symptoms have disappeared.
 
Don’t forget about the ministry update meeting Thursday night (11/19) @ 7:00 in the sanctuary.  All are welcomed!  This is an opportunity for the leadership to share with members and non-members about the capital campaign, presentation of new members, exciting plans going forward, etc.  Hope to see you there.  We are requiring that masks be worn to and from your seats and there will be an area designated for those who choose to wear masks throughout the meeting.  If you can’t attend, here is the link to join us by way of Zoom: Please contact the office for the link

Church, I also remind you of what I have said previously.  If there was ever an urgent cry for unity and love it is in these days.  What we have in common by virtue of being in Christ is far greater than all our differences combined.  And there are differences.  There are strong feelings politically.  There are opinions on what we should be doing and not doing around this pandemic.  But don’t let them divide us!  The Evil One is trying to get an advantage over the church for whom Christ died!  As we will see this week in 1 John, people come first.  We are to show God’s love in tangible ways at EBC.  
 
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  There is one body and one Spirit- just as you were called to one hope when you were called- one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:3-6).
 
Serving you in the love of Christ, Pastor Brian