Greetings North Bronx Church Family,
On Tuesday, December 21, I shared with you concerning the recent developments that were of serious concern for the health and safety our Church and wider community. We noted that on Monday, December20, we learned that someone who was at church on Sabbath, December 18, tested positive for COVID-19.
We sought your patience and support by asking you to get tested and notify those who you know were at Church on the day and date mentioned, and as a community you cooperated.
Over the last forty eight (48) hours, several individuals followed our recommendation and have tested positive for COVID-19, and/are experiencing symptoms. I also regret to inform you that I, Pastor Clavour Tucker, have tested positive for COVID-19.
It is the conviction of the leadership of the Church as well as the health professionals that on this matter, it is our responsibility to consider the health and safety of the Church as priority.
Therefore, it is out of the abundance of caution and study that we have decided to put in effect out COVID-19 closure policy, which means the following:
- The building will be closed for in person worship on Sabbath, December 25, 2021.
- Only individuals who are program participants are allowed to enter the building.
- We will remain closed for in person worship until further notice.
What’s Next?
- While we continue to ask and encourage you to get tested, and vaccinated, we realize that there are significant challenges for individuals to get the required testing done, and due to few testing sites and unrealistic wait times. To assist with that, we have asked and have been selected by the Office of the Mayor to be a testing site. We will have more details on this in the next twenty four hours.
- We will provide final information regarding in person worship services and what to expect upon our return.
- We are currently reevaluating and increasing our health and safety protocols and procedures which will be in effect when in person worship services are returned.
- Let us remember to lift in prayer those affected as well as the many families seeking to give care.
- We ask that you become familiar with our website where we will maintain communication, inspiring content and timely updates for you. You may find our community at northbronxsda.org and to reach us at any time, please feel free to email us at clerk@northbronxsda.org or secretary@northbronxsda.org.
I want to take this time to underscore a few things. One, let us resist the urge to blame, judge or be angry with each other. These are indeed difficult times, and the decisions we make are not personal but with you in mind and with a sensitive conscience. Two, though the protocols and procedures that are in place at the North Bronx SDA Church are some of the most robust and in all cases are extreme than required, COVID-19 is a real monster, one that continues to find new ways to affect out lives, and this variant is beyond anything that as a nation we have dealt with.
I understand that this is not what we had hoped for, and this is certainly not the best time, but let me remind us
“that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
Let me also remind us,
“that we know all things work together for good of those who love the Lord, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Therefore, this will not break us, this will not divide us, but we will continue to trust in the unfailing hand of God who has proven His unwavering faithfulness.
We will get through this.
Sincerely,
Pastor Clavour R. Tucker
Elder Benjamin Powell (First Elder)
Elder Stan Lewin (Risk Management)
Sis Andrea Williams (Health Ministry)
