Thursday, March 12, 2020

Dear Members of Bella Vista Baptist Church and the Bella Vista Community:

As we continue to monitor the spread of the Coronavirus, or COVID-19, I want to update you regarding our plans at Bella Vista Baptist Church.

First, as of today all weekend activities, including worship, Sunday School, and meetings, are planned to meet as scheduled.

Second, the presence and impact of COVID-19 is varying from region to region. Circumstances can change and change quickly. We will continue to follow updates and consider recommendations from local, state, and federal officials regarding our response to the spread of the virus. If circumstances in our area do change, we will adjust as necessary. Adjustments could include changes in scheduling, dismissal of certain group activities, or, if necessary, cancellation of all gatherings and activities.

Scheduling updates will be posted on the church website and the church’s Facebook page.

Third, as in flu season, we are asking everyone in our community to practice good hygiene habits including washing of hands, not touching one’s face with unwashed hands, and covering one’s mouth when sneezing or coughing. If you are not well, we ask that you please remain at home. And when we are together, it is perfectly acceptable to greet one another with just a smile and a warm hello.

Further, if you are older and/or have an underlying health condition that makes you more susceptible to viruses, I urge you to take all necessary precautions including avoiding crowds.

Finally, I encourage all of us to maintain a Biblical perspective and act with Biblical wisdom as the virus spreads. As people of God, we are not a people of fear but of power and love and self-control (1 Timothy 1:7). We trust in the sovereign God, His unfailing love, and His attentiveness to our prayers.

Further, this is a time for churches like Bella Vista Baptist to demonstrate gospel hope and confidence in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

For the Gospel,
Brent Summerhill
Senior Pastor