Church Family,

With reports about the spread of the coronavirus (or COVID-19), I want you to know that the health of our community is of utmost concern to me and the leadership of North Point. Our prayers are with those who have been affected by this outbreak directly, as well as those indirectly impacted through loved ones, heightened anxiety,  or economic loss. 

Here are some of the ways that we are responding: 

We are continually keeping the church clean - We are doing all that we can to stay current with  public health guidelines , follow best practices for hygiene, and exercise an abundance of caution and care in responding to this situation. Here is what we are doing to keep our church building clean and disinfected:

· Bathrooms (toilets, sinks, counters, floors) are cleaned and sanitized

· Doorknobs and door handles are wiped down with disinfectant cleaner

· Drinking fountain sanitized

· Toys and tables in our children's rooms are wiped down and sanitized

· All dishes are washed in a sanitizing dishwasher

· Tabletops and counters are wiped down with disinfectant 

We will worship together on Sunday   - As of today, March 7, there are no confirmed cases in Kitsap County and Kitsap Public Health officials do not recommend congregations cancel worship services. Our oldest scriptures include guidelines for washing hands and keeping illnesses contained so that people are able to safely gather for worship and community. God's people have always been committed to the physical well-being of all and to worshiping God in all circumstances.   

We will take precautions during our services - Receiving and sharing the love of Christ is central to our faith and our worship. But there are many ways we can do this without shaking hands. We will also take precautions as it relates to receiving the offering. If you would like to give online instead of in person, here is a link to do that: https://www.northpointpoulsbo.org/give/

Please take personal precautions - If you are feeling ill or have recently experienced symptoms of an infectious disease, we ask that you stay home from public events and/or keep a safe distance from others to limit contagion. Even if you believe you are not sick, but are coughing or sneezing, be mindful of the anxiety this may cause in others around you.

Please let us know how we can support you - If you decide to stay home from worship or other events due to illness, please find ways to stay in touch - through small groups, ministry teams, social media, emails or phone calls. We don't want to create situations where those who are ill also feel lonely, isolated or outcast. We want to pray for you and provide other forms of assistance and care as needed. Also know that our sermons are posted to our website each week.

Prayerfully Respond - The COVID-19 epidemic is real, and we need to take it seriously. At the same time, we are also best served by a faithful, compassionate response. Let's be prayerful for those nations, communities, families and individuals most affected by this outbreak, and for the medical personnel and government officials seeking to respond. Let us resist fear and panic. Let us be generous in supporting organizations that provide assistance and support public health in our area and around the world.  

Above all, let us remember and rejoice that, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. (Psalm 46:1-3).

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Tom Dabasinskas