12/30/2021 COVID–19 Response UpdateSuspending Indoor Worship & Events
We have been monitoring closely the surge in COVID-19 cases in our area due to the Omicron variant. Asbury continues to follow the guidance of the Arkansas Conference of the UMC (see
https://arumc.org/covid19/dashboard/) and the Centers for Disease control. This morning’s update for Pulaski County shows 78.3 cases per 100,000 with a 8.8% positive test rate. Anything over 75 cases per 100K indicates a severe outbreak that makes indoor gatherings highly risky. A positive test rate over 3% indicates low testing, which may mean that there are many more cases than are known. Together these numbers strongly suggest a dangerous level of COVID-19 infection around us.
From the beginning of the pandemic, Asbury has sought to “do no harm,” as Wesley advised. In light of the current level of COVID-19 spread in our area, here are the latest updates to Asbury’s COVID-19 procedures:
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We strongly encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated.
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Asbury is suspending all indoor gatherings and worship services. We will continue to provide an online worship service each week. Weather permitting, we will offer outdoor worship opportunities as well. Classes and groups may meet outdoors or in online forums like Zoom.
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ACCDC may continue to meet, following their guidelines.
Asbury’s pastors and church staff are working to adapt ministries for all ages to these new protocols. Please check for email and Facebook updates from Asbury on the latest guidance. The situation is dynamic and fluid, and we will monitor and adjust on a week-to-week basis. Thank you for your continued patience and positive response as we all work together to keep our Asbury family safe while worshiping God and caring for one another!
Clark Cogbill, Lay Leader
Ginny Kurrus, Chair of Trustees
Rev. Dr. Hammett Evans, Senior Pastor
