March 13, 2020:

Hello CrossView Church!

What a few days it’s been as we continue to monitor the situation surrounding COVID-19 (coronavirus) in our area. What a way to introduce myself to you all! 

As you know the restrictions for meeting together in the State of Washington and for Snohomish County are becoming more limited in an attempt to slow down the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). Following Governor Jay Inslee’s press release yesterday, I had the opportunity to meet with our Conference Superintendent Michael Forney and around 30 other PNWC pastors on a video conference to discuss our response to this situation. 

Your health and safety are our highest priority as well as the health and safety of the most vulnerable among us. In light of the current health crisis, the PNWC has recommended that all church gatherings in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties be suspended at least through the end of the month. CrossView Church will follow this recommendation. 

This includes Sunday services, Bible studies, small groups, worship practice, and any other gatherings at the church.  

These decisions have been made after reviewing the best available health information from both state and local health officials, after much prayer, consultation with our Board, and conversation with our Denominational leadership. We want to do our very best to slow the spread of this virus.

What does this mean for CrossView in the next few weeks and beyond:

It means that we have an incredible opportunity to prove that the church goes beyond our four walls! Let me be clear, JESUS is still King. And though we may have to temporarily close our building , the Church is alive and well. You and I are the body of Christ and His Spirit is within each of us who call on his name. 

Church may look a little different in the days and weeks to come, but we have a tremendous opportunity to show our hurting neighbors and community the love of Jesus.

We will be sending email updates in the days ahead with details of how we will stay connected, continue to care for one another, pray for one another, disciple one another, and how to take advantage of opportunities to reach out to those around us.

Online Services:

This will start with an attempt at moving church “online.” We will do our best to effectively use FaceBook Live and additional video content on our website to host teaching videos, online chat conversations, short devotional materials, and other resources. Dust off those FaceBook accounts and/or visit our website at mycrossivew.com each Sunday at our regular service times of 9:00am and 10:30am. This Sunday will be a short introduction video! 

Connection is Key:

We will also be organizing around some tried and true methods of care and connection for one another — phone tree anyone?!! Here are four things we need to do well in the coming weeks: 

1) Stay in frequent connection with each other.

2) Increase our practical care for each other (ask someone what can I do for you?).

3) Increase Prayer (for one another, for the sick, for our world).

4) Continue our process of discipleship even though we can’t meet face to face.

Consider Giving Online: 

We are so grateful for the incredible generosity of people here at CrossView. If you give regularly, but usually do so in person we ask that you consider giving online through our website at mycrossview.com or through text by texting the amount you want to give to 84321. You can always mail your gift to 604 Avenue C E Snohomish Wa 98290. We thank you for your continued generosity as we explore new ways of ministry in the weeks to come. We can do this! 

Final Encouragement: 

As Pastor Holly wrote in our previous update: 

“The Bible reminds us that, “the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7) As followers of Jesus, we are called and equipped to face this new challenge without fear and to care for one another with love and compassion. 

Even in this time of necessary “social distancing”, let’s be creative and Spirit-led as we look for ways to show our community the love and mercy of Jesus.

Remember, “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).”

Blessings,

Pastor Kyle