Dear PCJH Family & Friends,

I know that many of you have questions about the coronavirus and how the Presbyterian Church of Jackson Hole is working to respond to this global health concern.  I want to assure you that the health and safety of our community is very important to us. As a church we must be responsible community members and follow best practices through the guidance of our public health officials to protect those most vulnerable.

I believe it is just a matter of time before there are confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Teton County. When that time comes we will rely on guidance from our local Teton County Health Department and we will keep you informed.  In the meantime, we will continue to ensure our facility is regularly cleaned and sanitized properly and we will continue to have hand sanitizer dispensers visible, filled, as well as hand soap in the bathrooms.

Our next scheduled Sunday for celebrating the Lord’s Supper is Sunday, April 5.  We are working on a solution that will help ensure germs are not passed through the practice of this sacrament.  We will keep you updated.

While the possibility of transmission is becoming an inherent risk in Jackson Hole, I want to remind everyone of the things each of us can do, to help keep one another healthy:

• If you are sick, especially if you have a fever, no matter the reason, please stay home.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or do the elbow cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands often – with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (sing Jesus Loves Me or Happy Birthday).  Use the hand sanitizers located around the church.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth – especially with unwashed hands.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily.  You may want to carry around your own Clorox wipes.
• Greet one another with a big smile but instead of a hug or handshake, consider a slight bow with hands in the “praying” position, an elbow bump, or simply a verbal greeting.
• If you are staying home, join us for the live-streaming of our 10:15am worship service.  Information is available at pcjh.org

For more information about coronavirus see www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Looking ahead, we will continue to monitor the coronavirus outbreak and respond accordingly.  We will keep our website updated with the most current information. We will also send emails to ministry distribution lists and the weekly Peak of the Week email with any program implications.  If you have questions, please email office@pcjh.org.  

This all being said, I want to encourage you all not to live in fear, but live by faith in our faithful God who is much bigger than any virus.  Pray for our world, our nation, our leaders, caregivers, and our local community. Look for opportunities to share the love and faithfulness of God with family, friends, or co-workers who are fearful.  We have a God who is sovereign, who knows us, loves us, and cares deeply for us. May we also love our neighbors well during this time. This is an opportunity for us to be salt and light in our world!

When fear or anxiety creep up, whether in regards to the coronavirus or the pressures of life, remember Philippians 4:6-8, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”

I look forward to seeing you and giving you a warm smile and/or elbow bump soon!

In His Grip,
Ben