Updates on the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

You’ve likely seen the recent local news surrounding the coronavirus and I wanted to write to you and share a few ways that we should respond as a faith community to this current moment.

Because we believe that our city is our responsibility, our team places a high priority on taking precautions and acting with wisdom in moments like these. We want to do our due diligence so we can make sure we keep those around us safe.

Here are a few of the ways we can all make this a priority during our service this Sunday:

Before, during, and after service on Sundays, we are asking that you please do not shake hands or hug.
Due to a national and local shortage of hand sanitizer, we’ll be focusing our supply in New Heights Kids and our main lobby. Please do your part to contribute to a safe environment by washing your hands with soap for a minimum of 20-seconds.
In New Heights Kids, we will continue to ensure that your children’s hands are clean before every snack time and after every bathroom use. Tables and toys are consistently cleaned prior to our gathering and disinfected between services to create a safe and clean environment for every family.
During service, we will forgo our normal meet and greet time, as well as receive the offering at the close of service at the door.

Individually, I encourage you to follow the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Please stay home when you are sick. If you are unable to attend church because you are sick, please go to newheightsaz.com to check out the message.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Follow the full list of CDC recommendations.

Finally, as faithful followers of Jesus, we are not led by fear or anxiety. Let’s keep a mindset of servants, seeking to serve those around us — especially the weak and sick, just like Jesus modeled for us. What a great opportunity for us to show that we are here in this city to pray and serve as a model of the Kingdom of God.

Love you all — see you Sunday!

Bill and Lori Kirkpatrick