Closing Down due to Coronavirus

Dear Church,
It sounds oddly redundant to say that we live in interesting times, because we are in the middle of them. We know what they look like. I know we have worries and anxiety because of the situation we find ourselves in due to the Coronavirus. Through all of this, remember to take a deep breath every once in a while, and say a short prayer to ask God for support as we go through this. From John 14:1, Jesus says, “Don’t be troubled. Trust in God. Trust also in me.”

Because of the recommendations coming from the CDC, our Bishop, and the needs of our church members. We are canceling all meetings, Bible studies, and gatherings until further notice. We are also suspending our Sunday morning worship services until at least Easter. We will re-evaluate our situation as we go. From what we are being told, we may stay closed for a longer period of time.

However, we will have a worship service every Sunday between now and when we resume in person services. We will have an online service that will be posted to our website, Facebook, and sent out through email. It will include music, prayers, scripture readings, and a message. For those who don’t have internet, we will send through the mail, a weekly devotion that will include most of those pieces.

In addition to sending this letter out by email and posting it to Facebook and our website, everyone is getting a hard copy of this letter sent to their homes. Included in it are two self-addressed stamped envelopes. While we may not be worshiping together, our offerings are still an important part of who we are, and the church still needs your offerings. On our website and in the worship service information, there will be other options on how you can give during this time, if you use online banking.

Throughout all of this, we will still be working as a church. There will be opportunities to help in the community and each other. We are putting together a phone tree so that we can stay in contact and help one another. I’m looking at options for online Bible studies, and other opportunities for us to grow in faith, and as a church. If you need help, contact the church and we’ll see what we can do.

This is a very difficult time, but we have a big God that goes with us through it. He has given gifts to many so they can care for others, find solutions, and help us reach out and support one another. As needed, I’ll send out more letters, and watch your email and Facebook for more information.

Peace,
Pastor John