As of Sunday, March 13, 2022, Pine Valley Christian Church is moving to a Mask Optional position. We are also stating we are a Mask Affirming church which means that anyone may decide that wearing a mask is the right decision for them. Wearing – or not wearing – a mask will both be accepted; neither is meant to be a sign of being more righteous or godly than the other.
Currently, the local levels of COVID-19 are at a low point and we are thankful for this trend. However, we urge everyone to resume mask and distance expectations if conditions worsen. We’ve heard that those who study epidemics anticipate another surge within the next 6-12 months. For now, we celebrate and embrace the low levels of COVID-19 impacts in our community.
Christians care for the most vulnerable even, and especially when the world as a whole does not. That being said, we know how difficult it is to maintain COVID-safer disciplines when schools, business, athletic teams, and some other churches are operating without them. CDC guidance advising that most of the nation can relax its standards is cold comfort when trying to protect vulnerable members of the community from COVID risks. We also recognize the difficulty of balancing many different perspectives and needs within faith communities.
Although we have reduced mitigations (i.e., mask optional), there may come a time when they may need to return, out of care for the community and as part of the church’s established practice.
Thank you for your love and patience as we continue to wade through the tricky world of COVID-19.
The COVID-19 Task Group