Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church sent the following information to its congregation regarding upcoming events:
"Dear LMPC Family,
"I write to you with a further update on our response to the rapid changes that are taking place across the country due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We want to act from a biblical desire to love our neighbors and to protect the most vulnerable in our church and community. Just over a quarter of our congregation is over the age of 60, and many others are at higher risk of getting sick due to compromised immune systems. In that light, we have made the following decisions:
"We will maintain a commitment to worship, with two services held this Sunday. There will be a 9:30 a.m. service in the fellowship hall and an 11:00 a.m. service in the sanctuary.
"There will be no Sunday School or nursery on Sunday morning.
"The George Long Preaching Series has been postponed to a later date.
"There will be no Sunday evening service.
"All other activities at the church will be suspended until further notice. This includes Wednesday night activities, all youth activities, Bible studies, small groups, and choir practice.
"We encourage you to choose what is best for you and your family—to stay at home and worship there, or come to the church for one of the two services. Our doors will be open for those who wish to come here. There is true freedom and grace during this time for those who need to stay home. We are encouraging all to be prudent, careful and wise about their decisions based on their health situation and conscience.
"If you decide to attend worship on Sunday, please be aware that we will not be doing our regular coffee service, and as noted in our previous communication, all water fountains are turned off, the offering plates will remain in the back of both locations, and the greeting time at the start of each service has been suspended.
"If you choose to worship at home, please note that by Sunday afternoon we will post a video recording of our full sanctuary service online at lmpc.org. We are looking into the possibility of livestreaming one or more services in future weeks. An email will be sent out tomorrow morning with guidance on Doing Church Remotely.
"Please be in prayer for our church, our mountain community, our city and our world. Our Father owns it all. May we hide in the shadow of his wings and may he protect each member of his dear flock. May he be glorified in every decision we make and in every merciful deed we deliver.
"Prayerfully, Brian Salter"