Dear Friends: 

Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, the board and staff at Longview Nazarene have attempted to navigate how we might gather safely, following both good practice and the recommendations of our state and local governments.  This has not always been easy on us or on you.  For your patience and your flexibility, I thank you.

We are moving into a new phase of this pandemic which involves changing and loosening some of the restrictions that have been put into place locally and nationally.  We at LCN are excited as we move towards something resembling normalcy.

This week the board met to discuss how to respond on a church level to the latest news from the CDC and State officials regarding masking of individuals who have been vaccinated.  As of now, the guidance from the state is unclear as to whether or not vaccinated folks need to be sitting in specific vaccinated sections or whether the state is asking us to verify vaccination status if we decide to lift masking guidelines.

Given lack of clarity on both national and local levels, we have decided to leave our masking policy in place for all attendees so we can take the requisite time to make a well-informed decision to move forward. Our intention is to make a firm decision on masking no later than June 15th (which is our next board meeting) if not sooner.  

For some this is moving too fast.  For others this is moving too slow.  We appreciate your grace and understanding as we try to make the best decisions with the information we have.  

Remember, in all of this, to let love lead.  There are A LOT of different opinions on what is best and most beneficial and even what is the most faithful way forward.  Please feel free to contact me (Pastor Mike) if you have questions, concerns or even wish to state your disagreement.  

Thank you again for your patience and your grace during this process and this last year.

Grace and Peace

Pastor Mike Yost and the board of Longview Church of the Nazarene