January 12, 2022 Weekly Update

As many of you are aware, the newest COVID-19 variant named “Omicron” is causing a major surge in new COVID infections across the U.S. and around the world. We are beginning to feel the effects of this surge in Montana in our homes, schools, businesses, and community. Our state and county infection rates tend to lag behind other parts of the country because we are more rural and less populated. However, we are now seeing a dramatic increase in infections in Flathead County.

As you can see in the above chart from the New York Times COVID Tracker, our new Montana daily average has topped the peak of the Delta surge in late summer/early fall. COVID infections are up 520% in the last two weeks, with more expected over the coming weeks. The Omicron variant is noted to be more contagious than previous variants. Therefore it seems to spread much more easily than before.

What does this mean for us as a church? Our ReLaunch Team met last week and agreed we need to continue our health and safety protocol practices, including masking during worship.

Also, we encourage you to:

–       Get your vaccine and booster shot if you have not already done so. Vaccines are shown to save lives.

–       If you feel unwell, do not come to church, worship, or other activities

–       Reevaluate your personal risk level in light of this current COVID surge

–       Monitor your well-being and reach out to your church or friends/family if you need support

This pandemic continues to affect all of us in new and troubling ways. But the good news is that we are not alone. We have each other, and we have God’s gracious and compassionate Spirit in us and in our midst.

Blessings,

Pastor Jared