Health and Safety Update
Dear Convergence Members and Guests,
With the heightened awareness and public concerns regarding the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), as well as ongoing seasonal flu virus and common cold, we want to assure you that public health and safety concerns are of top priority to us at Convergence.
While we are definitely walking in wisdom and being diligent, we also walk in victory and are not ruled by fear. We will continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus, legislating Heaven to Earth and calling down healing, restoration and a swift end to this virus and all other forms of sickness on our Earth! Here are a few encouraging videos from people we trust and respect to help bring Heaven's perspective to this situation:
With Heaven's perspective being our baseline, we want to share with you some important things we prayerfully decided on that we will be doing to help people stay healthy, as well as some tips for you guys!
As of this morning, Governor Newsom ordered a ban on public gatherings over 250 people. We wanted to let you know that this directive will not directly impact us, as our meetings tend to average 230 or under in our main sanctuary. However, as this specific virus is more likely to impact people with compromised immune systems from existing conditions and the elderly population, we are encouraging those people to join us online. In order to decrease the possible spreading of the virus to those at higher risk, we also encourage those who care for the elderly and those with young children to join us online as well.
We are monitoring, and will continue to monitor guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). At this time, we plan to move forward with scheduled Sunday services at Convergence until instructed otherwise.
While we realize no public environment is 100% safe, our custodial staff and church staff are taking every precaution and safety measure possible in regard to proper cleaning standards and sanitation.
What we are doing:
For the time being, purely as a precaution, we are closing our Convergence Kids wing. We invite those with young kids to join us online.
Once we open the children's wing again, as always, the children's classrooms and toys will be disinfected after each service by the Convergence Kids staff and volunteers.
Throughout our facility, we are very intentional about providing clean, sanitary, and safe environments for people to come together and worship God. We have enhanced our already thorough cleaning procedures. This includes a comprehensive regular cleaning of all restrooms and various touch points (doorknobs, handles, water faucets, handrails, etc.).
We have provided sanitizing stations throughout the building for your convenience and protection.
We are shifting certain portions of our Sunday Morning operations, for the time being (i.e. the Welcome Team will not be shaking people's hands and we will have clearly designated and monitored offering drop-off buckets set up in specific locations during offering time, etc.).
What you can do:
If you have young kids, a compromised immune system, or are elderly or care for the elderly, we suggest joining us online at https://convergencehop.org/sermons.
We are asking for children who are in attendance to stay with their parents at all times.
If you or someone in your home are presenting with symptoms of illness, has a fever or a compromised immune system, we ask that you to stay home and watch our services online at https://convergencehop.org/sermons.
Wash hands with soap for 20 seconds after using the restroom, sneezing, coughing, etc, and before eating (long enough to sing "Jesus loves me this I know").
Use hand sanitizer if you can't wash your hands.
Please no handshakes or hugs (an anointed hand-wave and smile is always welcome!).
Sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue.
Walk both in wisdom and in faith! Here are a few articles with practical tips and perspective to help you and your family stay informed and healthy:
COVID-19, Prevention and Treatment from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html?
COVID-19, a Doctor's Perspective: https://stream.org/a-doctor-explains-what-you-need-to-know-about-coronavirus/
Thank you guys for being an amazing community of believers who will continue to pray Heaven down on this land!
We will update you with any changes to the above plan as they are made!
Many blessings,
Pastor Greg Simas and Convergence Staff
Updated March 12, 2020