Good morning High Places,
It seems like a good opportunity, with the possibility of potential snow this weekend, to remind us of how we communicate changes in our main meeting schedule as needs arise. Typically, there are not too many instances which require us to postpone our service, but when we do, these decisions are normally made the morning of and an email will go out to everyone by 9:00 AM. You can also check our Facebook page for updates if you have an account there.
Generally, our policy has been to meet with snow on the ground or even the roads provided they aren't overly slippery. We strongly encourage any who are uncomfortable driving in those conditions to stay home and to never take unnecessary risks. We will make every attempt to stream what we are doing live, which can be viewed from our website -- www.highplaceschurch.org/livestream
Again, this is doubtful to ever be a major issue for us here, especially these days as our winters have become increasingly warmer. But just in case, it seemed good to remind us.
With the omicron variant blowing up and spreading everywhere, I want to encourage everyone to be careful and for those particularly worried about the virus, we certainly understand if you feel the need to watch from home. These are frustrating times for all of us and I pray that we get beyond them sooner rather than later. Over the past months, our policy has been that when the hospitals become overburdened, especially our local hospital at Methodist Medical, then we would take measures to either go all virtual, or spread out in the large auditorium.
I keep up pretty well with some staff at Methodist, and so far, this massive uptick in cases has not led to the same level of severity in the hospital as previous variants. This is due in part to omicron being less severe, as well as the demonstrated efficacy of the vaccines. The vaccines have been especially helpful in cases of compromised immunity (example: my asthma) and have reduced hospitalization and death for those with potential comorbid conditions. Provided these factors stay in place, we will not adjust our main meetings.
We do encourage everyone to spread out in the auditorium, practice good hand washing, mask if you are comfortable doing so during this outbreak, and by all means -- stay home if you feel sick! Even if it feels like a simple cold, or a mild headache, if you aren't feeling well, please watch us virtually.
In the meantime, this Sunday we will talk a little about last year with some very brief highlights, as well as review our 10-Year Vision plan briefly with updates. We will tie these to a few passages from Isaiah 46, and from Psalm 42, if you would like to read ahead.
Sunday, January 29th is our "January Jams" concert benefiting the Anderson County Family Justice Center. An event page has been created and is up on Facebook, on our Historic Grove Theater page. Please like and share if you are so inclined. I hope to have a sign-up sheet in the lobby this week for any who are looking for places to plug in and serve.
Again, thank you all for the prayers, soups, texts, and encouragements during my covid quarantine. I happy to be back 100%, and happy to have covid behind me personally, at least for the near future.
Take care out there, and know that this time will pass, and that however it is you navigate the current outbreak, our hearts are with you and we are here for you if you need us.
Much love,
David