To the Family of Hope!
This is one of the most challenging moments of time we have experienced as a church family under my leadership. As the corona virus (COVID-19) has been declared a pandemic around the world, we have watched, wondered and worried about what this means for us. We have watched major events postponed and canceled, including the Houston Live Stock Show and Rodeo locally and the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments across the country . At the time of this writing in the United States 1900 people have been infected and 41 people have died, not to mention the thousands who have been adversely affected by this disease worldwide. These numbers are growing every day, and the question now is what can we do to contain this disease. In addition, as people of faith who are part of a spiritual family, we must discern how to best encourage and express our faith during this challenging time.
After spending much time in prayer, spending considerable time talking to our staff and church leaders, along with hearing the words of our Mayor and public health officials, we have decided we will have corporate worship this Sunday, March 15, 2020, at 8 & 10 AM, with guidelines in place.
First, we’re encouraging anyone who has symptoms, is part of an identified high risk group or just feels more comfortable staying home, to join us in worship via streaming. The high risk groups include seniors, those who are suffering with respiratory illnesses, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. The Center for Disease Control has reported that the older you are the more susceptible you are to being infected with the virus, so if in doubt we encourage you to err on the side of caution, stay home and stream. You can access the streaming portal on our Church Website, through our I AM Hope Mobile App and on Facebook.
Second, all non-essential church activities are suspended for a week beginning 3/14/2020. If you have any questions about any ministry event or activity, call your team ministry leader.
Third, in all of our campus activities we will practice social distancing and social spacing while interacting with each other. We will not shake hands or hug one another, but instead practice a “Fist Bump Faith” as we greet each other.
Fourth, if you are a member and in need of physical assistance (food, water) please call our Director of Membership, Rev. Bell, for assistance. His number is 832-217-3251.
Fifth, if you have any questions about what to do to limit your exposure to COVID-19 please go to www.cdc.gov for answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Finally, if you believe you have symptoms you are encouraged to self-quarantine and, if necessary, call your primary care physician. If you have symptoms and do not have insurance or a primary care physician, you are encouraged to call 832-393-4220.
We want to do our part to be responsible during this time while remaining calm. Because this situation is fluid and ever evolving, we will make follow-up determinations each week.
At times like these we need to pray for each other and those in the world today. We will continue to pray and seek wisdom from God as we ask Him to lead and guide us during these trying times. We will keep the faith, stay strong and trust God to bring us through these challenging times. He’s done it before. He will do it again.
LOVE to The Family,
Pastor D. Z. Cofield