With the heightened awareness and deep public concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19, I want to let you know that we are carefully monitoring the situation, CDC updates, as well as city and state responses and recommendations.
Here is where Grace Church is at, as of March 13th:
1) Services and Programs
We will be joining together for worship at our regularly scheduled services, with all Sunday morning ministries available. If you are concerned for your health or possibly spreading a contagion, we encourage you to stay home until this season passes.
Following the lead of our local school district, we are suspending all extracurricular (non-Sunday worship) activities for the remainder of March. This includes Student Ministry, AWANA, Women of Grace, 50+ Luncheon, Choir and other meetings with medium to large-sized groups attending. We intend to start them back up as soon as possible.
Normal board meetings and smaller group gatherings are still scheduled, the pastoral staff is still available, and the church offices will remain open. Henry Blendermann’s memorial service is still happening at 11:00 on Saturday, March 14th. Also at this time directory photos are still being taken at your scheduled time starting next week.
2) FEAR NOT.
As I have said from the pulpit many times, a major goal in ministry for me is to help Christians not be afraid. So much of the situation globally is one of panic right now, and we as Christians are not called to panic. In fact, one of God’s favorite phrases to use when He interacts with people in scripture is, “Fear not.” I was reminded today of Jesus’ words in John 16 regarding His departure and the scattering of His disciples: “I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.”
3) BE SMART.
While we are committed to moving forward without fear, we are also committed to moving forward with wisdom and compassion. To that end, around the building, we have added practical measures of cleanliness and care. We are committed to being as proactive as possible to create safe and clean environments for us to worship in. All common areas are being extra cleaned and disinfected, especially our Children Ministry and Youth Ministry spaces. Hand sanitizer is available throughout the building. We will not be passing any plates, so please remember to put your offerings in the offering towers at the back of the sanctuary. Our next communion is scheduled for April 5th. We are working on solutions for that.
4) If you choose to attend on Sundays, here’s some of what you can do:
- Greet one another with a smile and a hello; no handshakes or holy kisses.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds—about how long it takes to sing the ABCs or the chorus of How Great Thou Art.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Don’t steal the church’s toilet paper. 🙂
- Limit contact with those who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth (or anyone else’s).
- Be understanding and supportive when others need to stay home.
5) If you choose to stay home, here’s some of what you can do:
- We will be live-streaming the 10:00 AM service beginning this week. You can join us online for that and subscribe at the NEW Grace Church YouTube Channel.
- Reach out to members of your small group, the pastors, or anyone you might know in the church via email or phone calls/texts to stay as connected as you can. Don’t be out of sight and out of mind.
6) BE PATIENT.
This season is in God’s control, and He will work it out. I am confident it will pass, and we will find a healthy rhythm and routine as a church soon. Until then, stay patient and gracious. Don’t be afraid to reach out if you need help or to reach out and give help. We are the body of Christ; He takes care of us, and we take care of each other.
7) PRAY.
I want to especially encourage you to pray for the parts of the world that have been hit particularly hard by this virus, and that God would lead researchers to find a treatment for it as soon as possible. Many families have suffered great hardship and even loss because of this virus. This is a real opportunity to be ready to serve our neighbor in love, care, and compassion.
Much grace to you all,
Pastor Jeff
