NorthlakeChurch
2614 Ocean Beach Hwy., Longview, WA 98632 • 360.423.3805
• www.northlake-church.org
PASTORAL LETTER TO THE NORTHLAKE FAMILY, 10th edition
My Dear Northlake Family, September 13, 2021
Navigating the COVID landscape is difficult with the recent spike of infections in our local area. As far as we can tell, Northlake has had about two or three dozen test positive for COVID; most have already quarantined and are recovering; only a few were sick enough to be hospitalized; some were vaccinated and some were not and ALL are on the mend and improving now. Praise the Lord!
There continues to be a lot of angst in the PNW regarding vaccines and mandates. Because of all this controversy, endeavoring to maintain unity in the Body of Christ is a challenge, to say the least. No matter which side of the discussion you land on, please work hard to love, honor and respect one another as we navigate these difficult times together.
The severity of COVID infections seems to be intensifying, hospitals are full and many people are starting to push back on being forced to make very difficult decisions about taking the vaccine that will have severe personal consequences for them and for our community. What I am saying is this, there has never been a more important time for the Church to be a praying people than right now. Please continue to pray for God's protection and leadership over his people, our community and nation!
Again... If you are having "cold/flu" symptoms, do yourself and everyone else a favor and PLEASE STAY HOME. Get lots of rest, eat well, drink lots of fluids and watch the Sunday service on Northlake’s YouTube channel.
SUNDAYS
We are meeting Sunday mornings in the building:
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If you have tested positive for COVID, please inform one of our pastors or elders. The information is very important to us as we manage our congregation's response to the changing pandemic dynamics. The names of those testing positive will be kept within leadership discussions and not be made public.
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If you are among the vulnerable (elderly, immune-compromised, have underlying conditions, pregnant, etc.) please consider staying home Sunday’s and join us online.
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You are welcome and encouraged to attend our worship gatherings each Sunday. Masks will be made available for those who wish to protect themselves.
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We are continuing to provide breakfast between services, from 9:35am-10:05am to allow for relationship building. Of course, you may remove face covering as you eat!
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We are all in this together. Your decisions definitely have an impact on those around you. BE SAFE and think about the safety of others.
As you already know, Washington’s current mandate requires that we wear face coverings while inside a public building. Therefore, we request that those in attendance wear face coverings while meeting in-person. While many of us have strong opinions on this issue, the issue of face coverings is similar to the “disputable matters” of Paul’s day. Thankfully, the guidance he provided in Romans 14 is timeless and provides practical guidance for our day as well as his.
It’s noteworthy that Paul does not take sides or tell his audience what they should believe. Instead, the Bible admonishes us to not pass judgment on one another (vv. 3-4, 10, 13), to walk in love (v. 15), to pursue peace and mutual edification (v. 19), to act in faith and a clear conscience (vv. 22-23), and to keep in mind that they will one day give an account of their actions to God (vv. 10 & 12). Perhaps most importantly, the Bible tells us to keep our beliefs about such things between yourself and God (v. 22), implying that they should not keep trying to change the minds of their brothers and sisters who disagree. As we gather in-person this Fall, it is my prayer that we who have been shown such “unexpected grace” from our King would learn to extend this same grace to each another.
We believe this applies to vaccine mandates as well and respect personal convictions. Please consult your medical care provider and make a prayerful decision for what course of action to take.
RISK STATEMENT
Transmission prevention measures are being implemented at the church in a variety of ways—we have installed air purifiers that are in constant use in our main worship facility—they are highly-rated to help eliminate bacteria and viruses.
Please understand, even with significant effort to prevent transmission, it is impossible for us to guarantee that our facilities are absolutely virus free. When attending our worship services, or any large gathering, you are doing so at your own risk. Northlake Church is not responsible for any exposure to COVID-19. At this time, if you are considered to be at-risk, we suggest you participate in Northlake’s ministries through the online worship services, phone, or any other variety of digital communication options.