Houston Megachurch Cancels Services after Covid-19 Outbreak at Church-Sponsored Camp
A Houston-area megachurch has canceled worship services and other gatherings for the second week in a row following a COVID-19 outbreak at a church-sponsored summer camp.
Of the 130 Clear Creek Community Church members who have self-reported testing positive for the virus, 10 were fully vaccinated, according to Galveston County Health District data.
“We are surprised and saddened by this turn of events. Our hearts break for those infected with the virus. Please pray for a speedy and complete recovery for all of those affected,” the League City, Texas church said in a statement.
More than 450 adults and youths in grades six to 12 attended the camp in late June. The health district said it was notified of the first COVID-19 case tied to the camp on June 27.
The Delta variant of the virus was found in at least three samples, and 10 of the cases involved children younger than 12.
Clear Creek Senior Pastor Bruce Wesley said in a post on the church’s website that the outbreak happened in two waves — the first at the camp and the second when people brought the virus home to their families.
Wesley said the church was advised by the Health District to close for a second Sunday and that he believes “that’s the wisest choice to quell further transmission of the virus.” He invited church members to worship online while the church is closed.
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“I realize that another week of canceling services and other gatherings is difficult and disappointing. But this is the wisest and most loving thing to do for our community and our church family,” he said. “Please join me in praying for full recovery for all who are ill and pray for a stop to any further transmission of the virus.”
Clear Creek said it would continue to cooperate with the Health District to make decisions in the best interest of the community.
“From the beginning of the pandemic, we have sought to love our neighbors by practicing strict safety protocols,” the church said.
