COVID-19

Our response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Hello NextStep Family,

We’d like to take a few minutes to update you on what’s happening at NextStep as we navigate the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in this part of the world in which we live. After you’ve read through this email please take a moment to reply (either directly to this email or on our Facebook page) so we know this information has reached everyone.

First of all, in times of uncertainty and crisis, we rest in the knowledge of a firm foundation. Our faith is in God and God’s provision. We are not to live in fear, but through prayer we can find God’s peace and strength. It is not our goal to create fear and hype, but we also want to be wise and prepared; and we so deeply love those who are very vulnerable to this pandemic. In light of the announcements from Governor Inslee and King County Public Health this week, we are suspending our Sunday worship services and Wednesday night youth meetings for the remainder of March at least.
 
This coming Sunday, March 15th, at 10am there will be a YouTube Premiere of Pastor Dan’s message. We will send out a link to the premiere so you can join in and we can all watch together. The video will then be posted on our website in case you are unable to make the premiere viewing or if you’d like to watch again. If you need help of any type, or if you just want to talk about this crisis we’re facing, please give your NextStep pastors or any of your brothers or sisters in Christ a call. We are here for each other. 

Even though we are not gathering in-person for church, you still have the opportunity to worship God through giving to Him, and make a difference in the lives of others, by giving your tithes and offerings. The best way to do this at this time is by mailing your check to our P.O. Box (we cannot receive mail at our physical address):

P.O. Box 7119

Covington, WA 98042

We are working on some more interactive features for the coming weeks that will allow us to not miss out on the amazing fellowship time we typically enjoy on Sunday mornings. We will also be providing some fun, online-based, things for our kidZone and NS Youth ministries so be watching for those!

Lastly, we want to remind you that, while our world has changed, the power of God has not changed. The truth of God’s word has not changed. The hope of Jesus has not changed. Our mission as a church, to lean in and love the people in our world, has not changed. So, let us not give in to fear. Rather, let’s fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

-Your NextStep Pastors and Board of Elders

When we start meeting again….

HERE’S HOW WE’RE KEEPING THINGS CLEAN AT CHURCH:

• We will disinfect highly touched surfaces before service such as doorknobs and handles.
• We will, sadly, not be having our Welcome Table snacks in an effort to minimize germ sharing. Be sure to bring your own coffee! 😊
• Offering baskets will be located at the back of the sanctuary and we will suspend passing the offering baskets during service.
• As we understand it, and we are not medical experts, the virus lives for many days on surfaces, but is only significantly contagious for a few hours. We believe that our facilities are safe for use at this time since it is used on a limited basis and we are being extra vigilant in our cleaning and disinfecting.
• EXTRA SUPPLIES: We will have extra supplies on hand as we are able to find them (many are unavailable right now in our area), including hand sanitizer, tissues, and facemasks (only to be used in the event that someone becomes sick while at church). Please note that as of yesterday stores were still out of most of these items; if you have an extra bottle of hand sanitizer please bring it with you and set it out for use (to take home after service).
• We will be providing a link to the church service so you can watch from home at a later date. Should this continue we may acquire adequate hardware to live stream.

HERE’S HOW WE ARE ASKING YOU TO HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS:

• Stay home when you or a family member are sick, except to get medical care.
• Cover  your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Wash your hands often, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• We will have a “no handshake” policy on Sundays. Please try and remember this as it can be difficult; forgo shaking hands at church for a wave or a friendly smile.
• Try to keep your distance by not leaning in or getting into the personal space of others
• If you or someone you know test positive for COVID-19, please let us know so we can find a way to help, pray for everyone involved, and take any necessary precautions.

HERE’S HOW WE ARE GOING TO COMMUNICATE IMPORTANT UPDATES:

• We will keep all of our plans and preparations here on this page. Please check back as often as you like.
• When we make major updates we will send out notifications through our email list.