Update for today on plans for the next two weeks.
Having met with the Deacons last evening, it's been decided that we not meet as a congregation for the next two weeks. Plans currently are to Livestream services on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings during this period.
NOTE--Because groups are less than 10 and scattered throughout the facility, Sunday afternoon D-GROUPS will have the option to continue meeting during this period until completion with oversight of their group facilitator. Facetime is an option for some in those groups to stay connected.
Scheduled committee meetings will meet as planned during this period as well.
All other gatherings/assemblies are cancelled until further notice.
Plans are to reevaluate the circumstances on Sunday morning March 29 and update as necessary.
The Southern Baptist Convention has asked us to pray regarding this global pandemic:
1. Ask God, in His mercy, to stop this pandemic and save lives--not only in our communities but around the world, particularly in places that are unequipped medically to deal with the virus. (Isaiah 59:1-2)
2. Pray for President Donald Trump and other government leaders--international, federal, state, and local--to have the wisdom to direct us in the best courses of action for prevention and care.
(Romans 13:1-4)
3. Scripture says--teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts. Pray that the Lord will give us wisdom in this moment of fear as the foundations of what we know are shaken, that others would realize how fragile life is and how real eternity is, and they would see their need to turn to God. (Psalm 90:12)
4. Ask God to protect our missionaries and their families around the globe, using this global crisis to advance His Good News to the whole world. (Mark 16:15)
I encourage you today to be pro-active in focusing more on ministry than meeting. Do not be taken 'ill' by the sickness of fear which has incapacitated more than this virus will. Be vigilant in prayer.
Consider contacting an elderly person by phone and spending some time with them in conversation.
Consider checking with your next-door neighbor to see if you can assist them in anyway.
Consider taking a walk with your family on days that permit through your neighborhood and pray for the families that live there. The fresh air will do you good and the exercise won't hurt either.
If you live in the county, consider driving into town and select a few blocks to walk and pray for your fellow citizens.
People are responding to the needs of others in a positive way during these events that have put our normal living patterns on hold, at least for a few weeks. Let's not put our lives on hold. Opportunities abound within the boundaries of safety to impact our community. Be ready to respond as God provides the situation! I'm confident we'll be used for good in the lives of others and for His glory in so doing.
Blessings from God through our Lord Jesus Christ!
Pstr K
Psalm 63:1-5