I know you may be sick and tired (well, hopefully just tired) of hearing about it all month long, but let’s talk about the “elephant in the living room”…or world, in this case: the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). 

National, state and local leaders are urging caution and, in some cases, requiring major changes in how we gather in groups and do life publicly for a while. As of this writing, mandates limit the size of gatherings in our state to no more than 250 and all schools have been closed for six weeks. (Time to fast and pray for parents!)

Because we take your health and safety seriously, here is what we have decided regarding continuing gatherings, ministries and services at Mosaic.

1.) Let’s not live out of fear!  “Fear not” is one of the most oft-repeated commands in Scripture.  As Jesus-followers, we don’t live in or lead out of fear.  Fear-based decisions are rarely good ones.  There are many unfounded fears about this disease.  So DON”T be caught up in other people’s fear or panic.  DO learn to lean into God in prayer and “cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). 

2.)  Let’s be wise.  When faced with potential danger, it’s wise to be cautious (which is different from fear).  For example, we are doing additional daily and weekly cleaning and disinfecting here at the Mosaic Center in an attempt to minimize the potential for spreading this and other illnesses.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommends we ALL practice the following precautions:

• Wash your hands thoroughly and often. 
• Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Please stay home if you are sick or have any symptoms of a communicable illness (cough, fever, body aches).
• When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.

3.)  Stay informed.  Make sure you are getting true and accurate information from reliable sources such as the CDC. Don’t believe everything you read or hear on social media.  This infection is most dangerous for the elderly or those with underlying health conditions (heart disease, diabetes, cancer, respiratory problems, etc.).  If you fall into those categories, take extra precautions.  The vast majority of those who contract this disease experience mild symptoms and recover normally.

Currently in Spokane, the risk of exposure to this virus is very low and there are no confirmed cases in our county, though officials believe it will eventually spread to our area. 

As a result of all this, here are the procedures we are implementing at Mosaic going forward:

• We will continue to care for each other as best we know how.  Knowing that many of our Mosaic family live alone, we want to be sure that you communicate with us if you have a need.  That can be anything from added counsel about your personal situation or help if you are actively ill and need food or other assistance.  Please don’t hesitate to call the church office (509-747-3007) and access any of the pastors on the menu.  We will call you back as soon as possible.
• We will CONTINUE TO HAVE WORSHIP SERVICES, SMALL GROUPS & OTHER EVENTS until otherwise notified.  We will educate you on additional precautions we can all take when we gather together. 
• I know we’ll have to tie Pastor Bob to a post to observe this next one but… we ask you to practice healthy “social distancing” (avoid handshakes & hugs) while engaging in meaningful spiritual fellowship (listening to their concerns, showing love in non-touch ways like a warm smile or heart-felt prayer).
• We will live-stream our service on Sunday.  If you go to our Facebook page, Mosaic Fellowship Spokane, and press the “Like” button, you can then go to “videos” and farther down the page you will see “All Videos” with each Sunday’s video.  This will be live the first service and pre-recorded thereafter. 

This weekend we’ll be able to answer your questions, give some biblical perspective to all this and supply more instructions and direction for how we move forward.  As God’s people we will undoubtedly have many additional opportunities to minister to others and enter into spiritually important and significant conversations about Jesus and the Gospel. 

May God bless us all with compassion, wisdom and the love of Jesus Christ as we pray that this disease is quickly contained.  If you are sick and need prayer or assistance, please email or call us at 509-747-3007 or  

Meanwhile, let’s live wisely and fearlessly in Jesus!

Pastor John—for the pastoral staff