As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we want to provide more details on why our church building has not yet reopened.
The Board of Directors has frequent discussions on this topic, beyond our monthly board meetings. Pastor Jerrell attends regular online meetings and webinars led by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH), Department of Mental Health, and our church insurance company. We continue to review all recommendations, including those from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), on guidelines for reopening, potential insurance liabilities, supplies to purchase, and how to maintain the health and safety of our congregation.
The LACDPH guidelines state that places of worship continue to facilitate remote services and other related activities, especially when a congregation has members more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection, with age or co-morbidities.
We will continue to monitor the situation, but as of June 11th, COVID-related hospitalizations in California rose by approximately 10%. Based on what we know—which includes current rates of infection and COVID-related hospitalizations—it would be irresponsible to put our congregation at risk, especially when the expert guidelines promote online services.
We will continue to pray and plan for the day our doors reopen. New safety equipment and signage has been purchased, installation scheduled, and guidelines carefully reviewed so that our staff and ushers can safely and efficiently manage attendees when we reopen.
There are literally pages of LACDPH protocols we will have to follow upon reopening. Here are just a few:
It’s also important to note that, should a case of COVID-19 be traced back to a CCOV church service, everyone in attendance would be required to self-quarantine, unable to leave home for two weeks.
COVID-19 is most easily spread as an aerosol, such as when people are talking or singing. Analysis of its transmission shows that being indoors with a group, in a fixed location, is a high-risk activity. Risk increases over an extended period of time. This is why a grocery store visit is lower risk than sitting in a movie theater, even if distanced and wearing a mask. It’s also why places of worship were in a later opening phase and why the LACDPH guidelines state online services continue.
It’s been suggested that we hold Sunday services in our church parking lot. The Board is discussing this idea and will decide if it's a reasonable option once service and safety logistics are reviewed, and we learn how many would feel comfortable attending. Indoors or outdoors, it will take ushers and other church volunteers to help manage these new protocols. We need to ensure that everyone involved is comfortable attending.
LACDPH protocols strongly recommend that staff carry out their work duties from home but rest assured Pastor Jerrell is still available. Whether at the church building or home, Pastor and Ken have maintained their regular weekly schedule. You may contact the church office at (818) 985-8977 if you’d like to speak with them or schedule an appointment. We also encourage you to stay connected to Pastor Jerrell and our CCOV church community by joining our Facebook Live Sunday Service, Wednesday Night Zoom Bible Study, and Friday Night Zoom Discussion Group.
We hope this detailed information highlights the importance of opening as organized and thoughtfully as possible in order to maintain the health and safety of our congregation and Pastor.
We appreciate your continued patience as we all look forward to the day our church doors can safely reopen.
- Christ Chapel of the Valley Board of Directors
As the COVID-19 pandemic affects our communities, we are proactively taking steps to support the needs of our congregation. Beginning immediately, all Christ Chapel of the Valley's gatherings will be suspended until further notice. This includes:
We will continue offering Sunday morning services online via Facebook Live. See below for more information.
We've compiled a list of important information about COVID-19 which you may find helpful.
We will be offering Sunday morning service at 10:00am on Facebook Live. You can watch Pastor Jerrell's message LIVE by clicking the link below.
A recording will be available on our Facebook page following the service. You can also listen to past Sunday messages on our Sermons page.
Although gathering together in person is not possible right now, our church ministry will continue to serve you. We understand this is a challenging time, overwhelming to many. We are here to pray with you, encourage and help you in any way we can.
Pastor Jerrell and our office staff is available by phone and email should you need to speak to one of us.
Our church operating expenses continue through this challenging time. We humbly ask you continue your donations by USPS or online via PayPal. You can also set up an auto payment ("BillPay") through your online banking system to avoid any fees.
Thank you. We appreciate your support.