High Desert United Reformed Church

April 13, 2022

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

The Consistory has decided to cease posting the online worship guide each week. We began posting the guide over two years ago when the COVID pandemic began, since we were not able to meet together as a church for a time.

Even after the state allowed in-person worship again, we continued to provide the guide for those concerned about the continued threat of COVID.

Since the State of California has relaxed mask mandates and has indicated that COVID cases have been in decline, we believe that it is best to encourage everyone to return to in-person worship. Pastor Tom will post the live sermon each week to the URC Learning website for those who cannot make it to the worship service.

As a reminder, worshipping at home is not a replacement for worshipping together on Sunday mornings. The author of Hebrews teaches that we are not to neglect meeting together, “as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Heb. 10:25).

This command, together with the fourth commandment (Ex. 20:8-11), tells us that meeting together for worship on Sunday is imperative. In-person worship on Sundays includes the means of grace through which we grow in our faith: the preaching of the Word (2 Tim. 4:2) and the administration of the sacraments (Matt. 28:19, Acts 2:42, 1 Cor. 11:17-34). And we need to see each other so that we can be aware of each other’s needs.

The Consistory remains committed to each and every one of you. Please let us know how we can serve you. We look forward to seeing you this Sunday!

—The Consistory of High Desert URC