As I mentioned in yesterday’s email this is a fluid situation and things would change. Yesterday’s email went out before the county’s declaration of emergency prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people.
We know this is an uncertain and frustrating time for all. After much prayer and earnest discussion by the session and your pastors, while in consultation with the local medical community, city leaders, and denomination recommendations, we have heartbreakingly decided to follow the lead of other churches by suspending all gatherings within the walls of our church buildings.
While this is hard and painful, we need to remember that the church is not a building; the church is not an activity that happens on Sundays at 11:00. WE are the church! While we may not be able to gather in person, this means that we now have an opportunity to use our energy, imagination, intelligence, and love to find ways to remain together in spirit and prayer at all times. We are still Christ’s ambassadors, our Lord’s hands and feet.
This congregation is very resilient and strong! No matter what adversity has come our way, we have faced it head on. As with all tragedies, God has not left us, nor abandoned us. As we slow our lives down, we need to be looking for the blessings that are arising and will arise from this experience. God can use everything for God’s purposes – but we have to search for the part we need to play in bringing about these glimpses of the kingdom. Rejoice in the LORD always, again I say rejoice.
We have decided for now to have church online only. Laurie and I will film and publish a sermon on Facebook live at 11 AM on Sunday. Later in the afternoon I will publish it to YouTube. Below is a link to the church's YouTube channel. You can click on the link and subscribe to my videos. I will email out the link each week.
Yours in Christ,
Jim and Laurie
Yours in Christ,
Jim and Laurie
