Sunday Assembly
We are all excited about the latest update from our Governor stating that the restriction for meeting together as a church has been lifted effective Friday, 05/22/2020. We have decided with that easement of the restrictions that we WILL meet together on Sundays from 10:00-11:30 for assembly only. We will also meet on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM. At this time will not join together for potluck lunch on Sundays or classes at either service. 

Live Streaming
The service will be streamed live as we used to do, and we invite all who do not attend the assembly at the building to join in on the broadcast HERE, or directly through our YouTube channel HERE.

Attend or Not Per Your Situation
We are resuming services at our building as an option not an expectation. We DO NOT want you to perceive this as an expectation or pressure to attend in person. Do what you deem is best for you and your family. Whatever choice you make about attending in person or online we fully support you. As long as this crisis continues, whether inside the building or scattered in homes, we remain a church family.

Separated Seating and Monitor Viewing Areas
We want to be very sensitive to the strong emotional responses, differing opinions and sometimes contradictory recommendations that may exist. We understand that there are those who are more susceptible to this virus and the risks that come with it. Therefore, we are taking precautions for those who want to attend but feel the need for social distancing. Seating in the right-hand side (as you enter) of the auditorium and the fellowship room area will be reserved for those who wish to practice social distancing. The seating will be separated at 10-foot distances for singing considerations. Please leave these areas open for those who need this space.

Lord’s Supper
To avoid passing any trays or baskets person-to-person we will be using the prepackaged individual communion cups. You may pick one up as in the foyer as you enter. If you stay home and need Lord Supper items, please call and we will bring them to you.

Contribution
Baskets, or similar receptacles, for contribution will be placed in the auditorium near the doors. You may continue to use mail-in, electronic transfer, or PayPal also.

Masks
We are not requiring anyone to wear a mask; however, we are also not discouraging this practice. We want to be respectful of one another and the mutual desire to stay safe. Masks are mostly to protect others. It may be wise to bring a mask to wear if you want to fellowship another who is more at risk.

Entrances & Exits
We may all enter and exit through the main doors in the front of the building. For those who wish more separation, the exterior doors in the fellowship room will be reserved as entrances/exits for those areas. (So, we ask that those area not be occupied except for this purpose.)

Do Not Touch Without Permission
Let us be considerate of those who desire to be together yet want to keep themselves or their family safe from this harmful virus by observing the recommendations of distancing. Please assume all wish to avoid physical contact until you have confirmation otherwise but a smile and a friendly wave are always appreciated.

Hand Cleaning
We encourage everyone to remember to wash your hands thoroughly and regularly. We will provide hand sanitizer in many areas of the building for your use.

DO NOT ATTEND:

• if you are experiencing any symptoms of fever, cough or any symptoms relating to COVID-19 (see the guidance below),
• or you’ve been in contact with anyone with an active case of COVID-19,
• or are in a quarantine status
• or are in high risk categories and wish to wait until these Alaska policies have been tested (see guidance below).

With Christ’s Love,
Your Elders

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. - Romans 12:10

Valley Church of Christ Fellowship in a Time of Pandemic

The Elders of the Valley Church of Christ wish to encourage healthy church fellowship within Christ’s body while also encouraging safety and health for everyone, members and visitors alike. They are especially concerned about protecting vulnerable individuals who may be at higher risk of complications due to COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has recommended that people who are at higher risk for complications from COVID-19 should continue to self-isolate. The Elders support church members with any of these high-risk conditions continue to avoid gathering with people outside of their family. The Elders also support anyone who has a high-risk individual in their home also continue to self-isolate to avoid carrying COVID-19 home.

Information on how to protect yourself and others during the pandemic can be found at the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

Based on what we know now, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 includes people:

• 65 years and older
• Living in a nursing home or long-term care facility
• People of all ages with underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, including people:
  • with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
  • with serious heart conditions
  • who are immunocompromised
    • immunocompromised conditions include: cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications
  • who exhibit severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 40 or higher)
  • with diabetes
  • with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis
  • with liver disease

For those who are healthy, and who wish to resume fellowshipping in person, the Elders ask that the following health precautions be followed:

• Wash your hands thoroughly before coming to the fellowship.
• Wash or cleanse your hands often during the fellowship, particularly before touching others or your own face.
• Maintain reasonable social distancing. While loving hugs and warm handshakes are natural and expected, it is best to restrict such person-to-person contact for the time being.
• Respect the social limits of others. While you personally may have no problem with hugging or touching others, the other person may wish to avoid physical contact due to health concerns. Please ask before you touch someone.
• Please respect their wishes, regardless of how you personally view the level of risk.
• Do not touch children without permission, particularly babies.
• If you are feeling in the slightest bit ill, if you have a cough, fever, or shortness of breath please stay home. Continue to self-isolate. Seek advice from a medical professional about when you can assume contact with other individuals without putting them at risk.
• If you have been exposed to anyone who has any COVID-19 symptoms, including cough, fever or shortness of breath, continue to self-isolate. Seek advice from a medical professional about when you can assume contact with other individuals without putting them at risk.
• Masks are recommended. While masks are not mandated, they are a way to protect others around you.

If you have questions about the potential risks associated with COVID-19 exposure, transmission amongst individuals in a group, or measures you can take to protect yourself and others, contact Dr. Daniel Moseley of the Valley Church of Christ.