Dear Church,
I want to let you know that our leadership is also closely monitoring the latest developments in this rapidly changing environment as it pertains to the Coronavirus. We want to be proactive in handling of this matter specifically concerning our weekend worship gathering and groups meeting throughout the week. We want to ensure you the safety and health of our church community is a priority for us.
With that said, as the people of God we cannot and should not submit to fear, but rather FAITH. 2 Timothy 1;7 says, “...for God gave us a spirit NOT of fear but of power and love and self-control.” We are trusting God as we seek counsel to walk in the ways of wisdom during this season surrounding the Coronavirus. Here are some steps we will be taking beginning to this weekend to ensure everyone from our regular attendees to our new guest that we are taking steps to provide a safe and secure worship environment. We will be doing the following:
For some, this virus brings heightened anxiety. The reality is people are skeptical, unsure, worried and afraid. This is an opportunity to show the heart of Christ to those around us and to be a city on the hill for the glory of God. Let’s react with the attitude of Christ and be the hands and feet of God to those around us and be steady in our actions for the glory of God.
Let’s earnestly pray for all those throughout the world who have been impacted by the Coronavirus. We hope and pray that our communities will not face such a crisis in the coming days, weeks or months of which we have seen in other parts of the world; but I believe it is very important our church begin to think through how we continue to worship and minister in times such as these. We will continue to monitor the impacts of the Coronavirus to our nation and state. Should we need to make addition modifications, we will communicate such updates in a timely manner.
Remember church, we serve a God who is not surprised by what happens in the world. He sits on the throne of the universe, as well He should sit on the throne of your heart and mind. Let us exhibit clam and be a people of self-control. Again, I echo the words of 2 Timothy 1:7, “...for God gave us a spirit NOT of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
Because He lives,
Paul
Lead Pastor,
Island Church E.I.
I want to let you know that our leadership is also closely monitoring the latest developments in this rapidly changing environment as it pertains to the Coronavirus. We want to be proactive in handling of this matter specifically concerning our weekend worship gathering and groups meeting throughout the week. We want to ensure you the safety and health of our church community is a priority for us.
With that said, as the people of God we cannot and should not submit to fear, but rather FAITH. 2 Timothy 1;7 says, “...for God gave us a spirit NOT of fear but of power and love and self-control.” We are trusting God as we seek counsel to walk in the ways of wisdom during this season surrounding the Coronavirus. Here are some steps we will be taking beginning to this weekend to ensure everyone from our regular attendees to our new guest that we are taking steps to provide a safe and secure worship environment. We will be doing the following:
- Adding hand sanitation stations throughout our meeting location.
- Deep cleaning our tables and surfaces that will be used during our worship gathering.
- Making sure all our Island Kids are receiving hand sanitizer going into their teaching area and when leaving service.
- JUST for this season, we will discontinue greeting with direct hugs and handshakes until we get through this. Fist/elbow bumps, toe taps and hallelujah hugs are welcome (details to come).
- We will only be serving coffee, water and pre-packaged snacks until, again we get on the other side of this.
For some, this virus brings heightened anxiety. The reality is people are skeptical, unsure, worried and afraid. This is an opportunity to show the heart of Christ to those around us and to be a city on the hill for the glory of God. Let’s react with the attitude of Christ and be the hands and feet of God to those around us and be steady in our actions for the glory of God.
Let’s earnestly pray for all those throughout the world who have been impacted by the Coronavirus. We hope and pray that our communities will not face such a crisis in the coming days, weeks or months of which we have seen in other parts of the world; but I believe it is very important our church begin to think through how we continue to worship and minister in times such as these. We will continue to monitor the impacts of the Coronavirus to our nation and state. Should we need to make addition modifications, we will communicate such updates in a timely manner.
Remember church, we serve a God who is not surprised by what happens in the world. He sits on the throne of the universe, as well He should sit on the throne of your heart and mind. Let us exhibit clam and be a people of self-control. Again, I echo the words of 2 Timothy 1:7, “...for God gave us a spirit NOT of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
Because He lives,
Paul
Lead Pastor,
Island Church E.I.