EBC Family,

Our family attended a wedding this past weekend for Andrea’s sister. When we got home last night, another family member contacted us to let us know that they received a positive result from their COVID test (unbeknownst to them when they attended the wedding). While he and the rest of his family remain asymptomatic, our families were in rather close proximity for the majority of the weekend. I want to state plainly that since being around this person I have not been in contact with anyone other than my immediate family. 

That being said, there are a couple of adjustments to our EBC schedule that we are going to have to make. Out of an abundance of caution, we will be going to an all-online service for at least the next few weeks. After giving an appropriate amount of time for incubation, I will get tested for COVID. We will continue online only services until I produce a negative test. This is not an ideal situation, and I’m terribly sorry for this inconvenience. Speaking with the staff and others involved in the arrangement of Sunday services, we’ve concluded that this is the most effective way to both continue to worship the Lord, while at the same time not putting everyone else in unnecessary risk. This measure is also consistent with the steps other churches have taken when the pastor has contracted COVID. Although I have not tested positive for COVID-19, this seems to be the simplest and most prudent step at the moment.

My hope is that this will only last for 2-3 weeks and we can resume meeting thereafter. I am truly sorry for this setback, I love you all, and I look forward to meeting in person again very soon.

With Love,

Michael