We wanted to let you know that a person wearing a mask at our 9:45 service on Sunday, July 5, has tested positive for COVID-19. The person sought testing on Tuesday because they received word they had been potentially exposed to the virus by a close contact; the test results came back positive yesterday (Thursday) afternoon. 

This person has already notified those they sat with or near, along with anyone they had extended conversations with, during the 9:45 service and are working with area health departments for full contact tracing. [The Springfield-Greene County health department defines a close contact as anyone who is within 6 feet of a COVID-positive individual for more than 15 minutes.] 

We are choosing to let our entire church family know out of a desire for transparency and with respect for the choices you are currently making regarding your health and your family’s health.

We are grateful this person chose to wear a mask while attending church. We will continue to take precautions during our Sunday services, like sanitizing high traffic areas between services, using prepackaged communion and encouraging physical distancing in our seating. We ask that you help us care for one another by practicing good hand hygiene, maintaining physical distancing, staying home if you are feeling ill, and wearing a mask to in-person services, especially during transition times or when within 6 feet of others. 

Please join us in praying for the health of this individual and those they came in contact with.