Important Covid-19 update from the Good News Bible Church Elders

April 29, 2020

Dear Friends-

As Governor Reynolds has started to reduce restrictions and re-open businesses in 77 Iowa Counties, she has also removed restrictions on church gatherings statewide. Churches are now able to make their own determination concerning when and how to restart their worship services and ministries; in accordance with the Governor’s directives and recommendations from the Iowa Department of Public Health. The Good News Board of Elders met via Zoom last night and we are working to re-open modified “in person” worship services and ministry opportunities in a safe and secure manner. It is our desire to get this accomplished within the next few weeks.

Governor Reynolds has repeatedly stressed that persons age 65 and older, and those with at-risk health conditions, continue to stay at home and not attend gatherings (including churches) where they could be exposed to viral infection. We support her recommendation and want to assure all of you that we will do our best to include each of you in our worship and ministry activities, whether you are physically present or choose to remain at home. We are also taking into consideration that the infection rate in Johnson County has not yet demonstrated a 14 day continuous decline and therefore remains a ‘warm spot’ with an increased potential for contamination and viral infection. Although the church gathering restrictions have been lifted, the church elders have chosen to delay resuming in-person worship services for a few weeks until we can get several things in place that will provide for a safer and enhanced worship experience for us all.

To that end, we will be modifying the seating at the church to comply with social distancing requirements and enhancing our technological ability to provide live streaming video for those who cannot attend in person. We will also be formulating additional safety guidelines and procedures and we will provide that information to you as we get closer to implementation. Our focus will be on providing a safe and secure setting for all who attend our worship services.

The Board of Elders will continue to meet at least weekly and will monitor development of the pandemic and the progress we will be making on the technical enhancements and the social distancing modifications. It is our hope to re-open the church and allow for worship and fellowship on May 17, or as soon thereafter as we can safely do so. Please be patient and recognize that a final determination to resume these activities will be based upon many factors. We will continue to keep you informed by email, the church website, or you may call the church office at 319-354-3331. Most importantly, we ask that you please be in prayer; asking God for His leading and protection in this matter and that He would be glorified through it.

In Christ,

Good News Bible Church Board of Elders