Church Family,
We’re sending love to all of you this week as our city and world are facing so many challenges and questions regarding COVID-19. I want you to know that our church staff and leadership are praying for you and are endeavoring to serve our church family and our city in wisdom and love. This is certainly a time to return moment by moment to our confidence in God and God’s Word and character. More on that in a moment.
This is a unique challenge in that our actual coming together is what is called into question. While we are committed to not being dominated by fear, we believe it is an act of love to try to take appropriate steps to mitigate the spread of this virus. In this rapidly evolving situation, we are listening carefully to the advice of our health services organizations and the Mayor’s Office for guidance on how to modify our weekly gathering rhythm as a church.
In light of the steps being recommended by officials this afternoon, we will not be meeting at Middle School 51 this Sunday, March 15. We are, however, preparing to offer ways for you to connect with God and one another (responsibly) during this challenging time.
Here are some additional resources and notes about our plans:
We have a page that we are regularly updating with information about COVID-19 and steps that can be taken to mitigate its effects. Please continue to check our website for updates on our response as a community.
We are planning to send out regular encouragement and direction during this time. We will send alternative worship, teaching, and prayer options that you can practice in homes for any week we are not gathering together at MS 51.
We will provide more information over the next day or two about ways to gather together for worship in homes on Sunday morning. If you would like to open your home as a place to gather for worship and prayer, let us know and we will follow-up with you. Check our website and social pages for updates. Our heart is for you to stay safe and healthy, to minimize risks to our more vulnerable populations, and also to combat the threat of isolation during this challenging time.
We want to encourage you to take some time today to slowly pray through Psalm 23, Psalm 34, and Psalm 25, particularly if you are feeling anxious about anything related to this struggle. These are time tested anxiety-fighting Psalms and they can help us to pray in a difficult moment.
Please do not hesitate to let us know if you need prayer or help. If you know of ways we can serve as a church family we are eager to do so. Please let our staff and leaders know.
I have such deep love and gratitude for you all. This is not the first tough moment we have walked through together and I have so often seen your courage and faith shining out in these difficult times. May we trust and be like Jesus in these days.
Sincerely,
Caleb
