We wanted to bring each of you up to date from the various meetings we have been having all week.
As most of you probably know by now, Governor Abbot extended his Executive Order (pertaining to the Covid-19 situation) until the 30th of April, and that was quickly followed up with a “Stay Home Stay Safe” order by Wood County Judge Lucy Hebron covering the same timeframe…The order specifically states
“All individuals living in Wood County, Texas, are ordered to stay in their place of residence.” “All public gatherings of any number of people occurring outside a household or living unit are prohibited…”
This is quickly followed up with a number of exemptions to that rule…some of which we believe apply to us, some which do not.
There are provisions in place that allow us to have up to 10 people gathered together in order to “livestream” a worship service to the rest of the church family…there are provisions in place that allow us “to care for elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons”… In addition to this, further communication from Judge Hebron has confirmed for us that she is doing all that she can to interpret this order in a way that still allows us the right to exercise our religious beliefs and take care of our people…and still accomplish the good that it intended to bring to our community.
We intend to fully support her in this effort...