COVID POLICY AS OF AUGUST 19, 2021

Effective August 23, 2021

Everyone (5 years and older) is required to wear masks at all gatherings within the AHRC facility, regardless of vaccination status. One person at a time, who is addressing the congregation, is permitted to remove his mask while leading worship/preaching/teaching. When not addressing the congregation, he is to return to mask wearing with all others in attendance.

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the consistory (Elders) of AHRC have strived to be obedient to the Covid-19 restrictions, such as the wearing of facial coverings and social distancing. We have understood our obedience to these restrictions by our governing authorities as biblically required in such scriptures as Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:12-17, and Titus 3:1-2. It has always been our desire to honor our governing authorities and keep those who worship with us as safe as possible. 

On August 18, 2021, Gov. Jay Inslee announced that the existing Washington statewide mask mandate will be expanded to once again include vaccinated individuals in indoor settings effective Monday, August 23, 2021.

In keeping with the expanded statewide mask mandate, the consistory of AHRC has updated its Covid-19 policy to require everyone, (5 years and older) to wear masks at all gatherings within the AHRC facility, regardless of vaccination status. One person at a time, who is addressing the congregation, is permitted to remove his mask while leading worship/preaching/teaching. When not addressing the congregation, he is to return to mask wearing with all others in attendance. This will take effect for AHRC on Monday, August 23, 2021. 

It is our hope and prayer that this update to our masking policy will not contribute to any division, strife, partiality, pride, or presumption within the hearts and minds of those attending AHRC. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus Christ and strive for unity in truth and love for one another. It is of vital importance for us to be “of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” [Philippians 2:2b-3]. Let us stand “firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel” [Philippians 1:27b]. Let us walk in a manner worthy of our calling in Christ, “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” [Ephesians 4:2-3]. “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding” [Romans 14:19].