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Church Family and Friends,  

Greetings to you all with the love of Jesus Christ. My family and I pray that each of you are reminded daily that you are loved and securely held in the arms of Christ. No matter what we face, God is good, God is sovereign, and His perfect will will be done, always. He is faithful!  

I know that we all long to see each other in person, and even more so, to assemble together in-person at our weekly worship experiences and other church activities and events. Previously, the plan to relaunch our in-person experiences was scheduled for June 28, 2020. However, upon much prayer, counsel, and common sense, Proximity Church WILL NOT be resuming as scheduled. Instead, we will be monitoring COVID-19 infection rates in San Joaquin County and make decisions as the spread of the virus slows in our area.  

At this time, there is no anticipated date to resume in-person services.  

Sunday LIVE online services are now at 10:30 AM 

To help you understand why these decisions are made. Here is some data obtained from the San Joaquin Department of Public Health Services:  

When we first made the decision to resume in-person services, the number of new cases the week ending May 9, 2020 was 44. That was the lowest number of cases per week since March 23, 2020. At that time, data showed that the spread of COVID-19 in San Joaquin County was declining and that the peak seemed to be the week ending April 18, 2020, at 147 cases for that week.  

However, since we made the decision the week of May 9, 2020, to resume in-person services, the number of new COVID-19 weekly cases has dramatically increased:  

Week ending 5/16/2020 – 74 new cases in San Joaquin County

Week ending 5/23/2020 – 90 new cases in San Joaquin County

Week ending 5/30/2020 – 150 new cases in San Joaquin County

Week ending 6/6/2020 – 243 new cases in San Joaquin County

Week ending 6/13/2020 – 519 new cases in San Joaquin County

Week ending 6/20/2020 – 662 new cases in San Joaquin County  

In fact, in March, there were a total of 108 new cases, in April there were 396 new cases,  in May there were 423 new cases, and in June there are already 1424 new cases.  

The data shows that in May there was a decline, but once restrictions were lifted, and many gatherings resumed, the number of new COVID-19 cases has drastically increased. This is alarming and we believe that it would not be in the best interest of the health and safety of our church members to meet in-person at this time.  

Please continue to pray for divine intervention, for the protection and safety of all, and for our church leaders as we continue to pray and seek the Lord’s wisdom through this season.  

Please remain patient and know that God is meeting us as we continue to worship together via the internet. Be safe, be wise, follow government and CDC recommendations by avoiding gatherings as much as possible. Studies are showing that most new cases have been a result of home gatherings.  

If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please call or text me at 209-351-1818. I am also available to pray with any of you over the phone, or in person in special circumstances. My family and I love you and are praying for you all. We appreciate you all for your friendship and continued support of the ministry of the Jesus Christ.  

With love on behalf of the Proximity Church Pastors and Leaders,  

Pastor Ben and Rosa Asio

 

Reference Information: http://www.sjcphs.org/coronavirus.aspx