Chelten Family,
In yesterday’s midweek update, Pastor Jin shared the news that, despite his best efforts to be cautious, he has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.
If you have not viewed this video with important information about the implications for our church ministries, please take a few minutes to do so. Below is a summary of the news and Chelten’s plans in response.
Jin began to experience symptoms on Wednesday morning, October 21, during a Chelten staff meeting and went home immediately at the end of the day. He canceled all other in-person meetings and appointments for that week and did not attend that Sunday’s worship service. As an act of precaution, Jin was tested on Sunday, October 25 and received word of a positive test Wednesday morning, October 28 at 9:00 am.
We are thankful that Jin’s symptoms continue to be mild and he is in relatively good health. As a church family, let’s continue to pray for and support Jin as he recovers. This news also has important ramifications for our Chelten staff and church family.
In order to love and care for our ministry staff, our church family and our surrounding communities, the Chelten leadership team has put together the following plan in response.
- Temporarily close the church building and campus and re-open on Monday, November 9.
- Redirect all on-campus ministries from meeting in person to meeting virtually online with the following exceptions:
- Chelten Child Development Center was untouched by this exposure and will remain open, providing care for well over 100 children from our local community.
- Seeds of Hope, our community food pantry, will also remain open during this time thanks to the incredible team of volunteers already in place and faithfully serving.
- Sunday morning worship services on November 1 and November 8 will be available on Chelten’s YouTube channel with no in-person worship services.
- More specific information about individual ministries will be communicated directly from ministry leaders.
- Chelten staff will work remotely and be available as normal.
This is yet another opportunity to trust the Lord in the midst of confusing and frustrating circumstances. The Lord is in control and has promised to use and redeem every single experience in the lives of his children for our ultimate good, to be made more like Jesus Christ. Praise God for this truth! This is also another opportunity for us to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Eph 4:3).
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. Please let us know how we can care for you during this time.
With love and care,
Pastors Bill, Jin & Shep
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10