2020 has certainly been a tough and often painful year for people all over the year with the rise of an infectious disease sweeping the planet. Mask mandates by local governments have often been met with scorn, protests, and outright hostility by many viewing the sudden change as an encroachment on individual freedoms rather than an effort to prevent spread.
Misinformation is rampant across social media and the CDC’s seemingly constant changes to what COVID does and how to prevent spread isn’t helping matters. One prominent voice among those most against mask mandates and lockdowns are church goers.
In Christianity, gatherings or “fellowship” with other Christians is considered an important practice of the faith. So when the mass shutdowns started and it became unsafe for people to gather, disgruntled believers claimed their religious gathers be deemed “essential” along with those in grocery stores or hospitals. Others declared God would protect them from the coronavirus and boldly went about their lives as normal ignoring social distancing and refusing to wear a mask.
Still others in the faith, however, recognize the importance of following social distancing and wearing a mask around others to slow the spread of the virus. Crosswinds church with locations in both Spencer and Spirit Lake, IA had this to say in an email sent to it’s members, “Since reopening, we have asked you to social distance. This remains the most effective way to avoid spreading the virus. Currently most of our church functions for adults allow enough space to maintain social distancing.”
Sarah Hibma, church secretary at Crosswinds also said, “While we do not mandate masks, we ask that if possible you wear one, even in situations where social distancing is easily maintained. This is a courtesy to others and to our governor’s request.”
Hibma continues laying out what to do if someone in the family has been exposed to COVID, “If you think you or someone in your family has been exposed, we ask that you stay home.”
Crosswinds also makes an important point as a gentle reminder of how Christians are to conduct themselves to those who have other beliefs, “Regardless of your beliefs on the efficacy of masks, some in our region will believe we do not care about them if we are unwilling to wear one in these situations. As a church committed to reaching people with Jesus, let us resolve to not put a stumbling block in the way of anyone who needs to experience the transforming power of Jesus.”
Regardless of personal beliefs or religions, it is always important to think how individual actions affect the people around them. Stay safe and continue to work to slow the spread.
Call of the Lake 
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