As we discussed on Sunday we knew that this day would come, but we did not know how quickly it would. Even though we are not able to meet all together in the same place, we are still the church. And as the church we are to continue to spread the message of salvation and hope that is found in God. It will just look a little different…

This Sunday there will be online teaching from both myself and Marcus. We will also link to the Coulee Life Kids take home papers, so that parents can continue to engage with their children. Everything will be on a more universal platform (Youtube, or Vimeo) knowing that not everyone is on Facebook.

There are discussions on what ministry looks like in the coming days, weeks, and months. It is unknown how long our current reality will last, but we need to take hold of the opportunities that God lays before us to minister to those that are hurting, afraid, and in need. Our Easter Egg Hunt and our Easter Celebration will likely be different. More information will be sent out later this week as decisions are made.

The church will continue to have facility costs, payroll, and ministries locally and around the world that are dependent upon consistent financial support. We ask that you prayerfully continue giving your tithes and offerings to help sustain the mission of the church. This can be done in several ways…

• Online: https://www.couleelife.church/give
• Mail: N5761 County Road SN, Onalaska, WI 54650
• In Person: The office should be open during the week in the afternoons

Isolation is not good for anyone, so if you begin to feel lonely, or need to talk with someone, please reach out. There are people in our congregation that are willing to talk and pray with you. If you have other needs (financial, physical, etc.) please message me and we will do what we can to help meet those needs. There are ideas in the works to be able to pair needs with volunteers.

I am praying for you, that God will speak to you during this time of uncertainty. Be open to what God is telling you and take hold of every opportunity that you have to share his love and peace.

Philippians 4:4-9
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

We can take comfort in the fact that God is in control, but we should not be arrogant by assuming we will be unaffected by the current pandemic. Covid-19 (Coronavirus) has not yet reached our local area, however it is our responsibility to minimize the spread by taking necessary precautions in order to protect those who are most at risk.

At this time, our Sunday morning worship gathering, nursery, preschool, and elementary, will continue as normally scheduled, pending further notice.

We are closely monitoring all information and guidance from officials with the La Crosse County Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We will prayerfully determine on a day-to-day basis whether further steps are needed and update accordingly.

Take Precautions  
For Sunday mornings, we caution you to practice the standard, flu-season safety precautions that we are already familiar with, including:

• Cough etiquette and hygiene
• Thorough and regular hand washing and sanitizing (particularly after touching your face)
• Social distancing (limiting physical contact with others)

Risk-Related Guidance for Sunday Morning Participation   
Based on guidance from the CDC, we recommend caution on attending our Sunday morning worship gathering, nursery, preschool, and elementary if you are in any of these at-risk categories:

1. Older adults (especially with compromised immune systems)
2. People who have serious chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease
3. Immunosuppressed individuals (people with recent or upcoming surgeries; people on autoimmune treatments, including steroids; people with impaired heart, kidney, or liver function; or people going through cancer treatment)
4. Direct caregivers of at-risk individuals (non-medical personnel)

Additionally, we request you do not attend our Sunday morning worship gathering, nursery, preschool, and elementary if you meet any of the following conditions:

1. Have had flu-like symptoms (cough, fever, shortness of breath, vomiting) in the past 14 days
2. Have traveled recently to areas that have been highly affected by the coronavirus in the past 14 days
3. Have been in close contact with someone with flu-like symptoms in the past 14 days

Elevated Sanitization Protocol
We have increased our cleaning and sanitation procedures. The following precautions are in place for the foreseeable future:

• We will make all efforts to supply hand sanitizer at the Welcome Center, in restrooms, and in the nursery, preschool, and elementary rooms, pending very limited supply availability
• Communion will be delivered in contained cups and packaged crackers
• All doorknobs, trash cans, and non-porous surfaces will be sanitized frequently with CDC-approved cleaning products

We will continue to monitor the developing situation and update you all when there are changes. May God’s peace and His presence be with you as we continue to help individuals and families in the Coulee Region experience full life in Christ.