Dear Bethel Family and Friends,
If you’ve been watching the news, you are most likely well aware that efforts to contain the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) seem to enter a new level of concern, almost daily. Government agencies are ramping up their emergency responses to prepare our communities and neighborhoods.
Bethel Church wants to keep our church family informed with regard to ministry updates should this virus make its way to North Dakota. To do this we have organized a staff team to monitor developments regarding COVID-19, as information is released by Fargo Cass Public Health, the City of Fargo, N.D. Department of Health, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Our goal is to ensure health and safety without unnecessarily disrupting the ministry environment at Bethel. Since there are currently no cases of COVID-19 in North Dakota we continue to offer our normal ministries.
CDC officials have advised that places of public worship should prepare for the possibility of the new coronavirus spreading. In the event of a localized outbreak, we will take appropriate steps based upon the advice of our health agencies in consultation with our Elder Board.
To be proactive, thorough cleaning of church facilities remain a high priority. As a general practice, the church is cleaned on a regular schedule, and bathrooms are regularly disinfected with a Clorox product specifically listed to kill COVID-19.
At this time, we encourage anyone coming to Bethel Church to take the following personal preventative measures, as encouraged by the
CDC
:
- Stay home if you or a family member is sick.
- Cover your cough.
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
- Avoid shaking hands.
If you or your loved ones must stay home due to illness, Bethel Church offers livestream of our Sunday services at 9 & 10:45 a.m. on our
website
and
Facebook page
. On our website we have
archived audio messages
and an opportunity to worship through
giving
.
Our ministry team of volunteers and staff stands ready to support our church family in a time of need. Contact us at 701.232.4476 if you find yourself wanting additional pastoral care or spiritual support.
Please pray:
- For those in our community with increased anxiety related to the news surrounding COVID-19.
- For all who are currently suffering from coronavirus and for their caregivers, families and community.
- For those who are grieving the loss of loved ones to this virus.
- That medical professionals find the proper treatment for this virus.
- That our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world would be a beacon of light and love to those who are suffering.
While we continue to monitor the situation closely, we do not feel any need for panic or alarm at this time. Psalm 91 reminds us of our loving and powerful God. We look to Him in this time of need.
Serving our good and powerful God,
Pastor Andy Veith
