By now you all are well aware of COVID-19 and the effects it has had on our nation. In response to this pandemic, our governor issued a ban on all public events that exceed an attendance of 250 to help reduce the possibility of this virus spreading rapidly.
In response to this, our leaders gathered to discuss how we, as a church, should respond to our current situation. After much deliberation and out of an abundance of caution, we feel it is in the best interest of our congregation and in the best interest of our community to cancel ALL scheduled activities for this Sunday, March 15th, as well as this Wednesday, March 18th. This was not an easy decision, but it is our desire to love our neighbors always, but especially in times of difficulty. By reducing large gatherings, we are helping to protect the health and well-being of our local gathering and also our surrounding community.
Our leaders will meet again next week to reassess the situation and will make sure to keep you up-to-date. Despite our inability to meet together in this coming week, and perhaps in weeks to come, this does not relieve us of our duties to be the church. We ask that you would take advantage of technology and continue to reach out via phone, text, or social media to pray for one another and to meet the needs of one another. If there is any way our pastor and leaders can minister to you, please do not hesitate to reach out. Our pastor and Sunday School teachers will continue to communicate with you and your families via phone and email.
We hope that in the absence of all services in the coming week that you will not neglect your spiritual disciplines. We are asking that you spend time reading God’s Word together as a family. Also, on Wednesday, March 18th, at 7 p.m., we are asking for the church to engage in prayer at home with their families. In particular, be praying for the church that God will strengthen us during this time. Pray for our country and its leaders that God will guide them as they protect us and find a cure. Pray for evangelism opportunities, that we will be able to love people in word and deed but also be able to share of the hope we have in Christ even when all seems hopeless. Pray for families as they worship together in their homes that through the reading of God’s Word they might draw closer together.
Later today, we will send out a link to a sermon that you and your family can sit down together this Sunday and listen to together. It is our desire to continue to see God’s people mature in the faith even in the midst of difficulty and limited gatherings.
We also pray that you will continue to give to the local church. Our church office will be open from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Please contact Mrs. Robyn Williams, our church secretary, at 985.446.5611 for any questions concerning your giving to the church.
Lastly, we look forward to seeing you all again soon. We have been, and will continue, praying for you and your families and our community.