In response to today’s mandates from Governor Inslee regarding gatherings of large groups (250+ people), and to give time for the SHBC Leadership Team to prepare a more thoroughly developed plan, the Elders of SHBC have decided to suspend gathering for this Sunday’s services (March 15) which include: Coffee Hour, Bible Classes and Worship Services.

However, this Sunday morning we will stream our Worship Service live at 10 a.m. via the church’s Facebook page. There will be music, prayer and a message from Pastor John. If you can’t see the livestream at 10 a.m. Sunday the video will be available for viewing afterwards. If you’re wondering how to give, you can still do so 3 ways: online, mail or drop-off during business hours. 

The Elders recognize this is a difficult decision at this time. They will be meeting again in the next few days to develop a plan that will allow us to meet as a church body in the weeks to come while still abiding by the spirit of the decisions handed down today by the Governor.

At this time, ministries that meet during the week may continue at the discretion of the ministry leader. Rigorous cleaning and disinfection will continue to happen as it does every week thanks to our diligent custodial staff. Ministries that do meet will be asked to complete their own thorough disinfection of surfaces that have been used to ensure our building remains a safe place to meet in smaller groups. 

Currently the office also plans to remain open during its normal hours Mon-Thurs 9-4pm, Friday 9-Noon. 

Please continue to pray for our Elders as they wrestle with difficult decisions in the days ahead. Pray that God will protect us all from fear, and that He will give us wisdom to act prudently. 

As an encouragement please read Psalm 91 in its entirety:

My Refuge and My Fortress

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

    will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,

    my God, in whom I trust.”

3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler

    and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his pinions,

    and under his wings you will find refuge;

    his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

5 You will not fear the terror of the night,

    nor the arrow that flies by day,

6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,

    nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side,

    ten thousand at your right hand,

    but it will not come near you.

8 You will only look with your eyes

    and see the recompense of the wicked.

9 Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—

    the Most High, who is my refuge—

10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you,

    no plague come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you

    to guard you in all your ways.

12 On their hands they will bear you up,

    lest you strike your foot against a stone.

13 You will tread on the lion and the adder;

    the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.

14 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;

    I will protect him, because he knows my name.

15 When he calls to me, I will answer him;

    I will be with him in trouble;

    I will rescue him and honor him.

16 With long life I will satisfy him

    and show him my salvation.”