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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTo that end, every social organization has some responsibility to act in the best interest of others. So far, we are not considering cancelling any event or worship service. I consider that a kind of \u201clast option.\u201d For now, we encourage the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use Your Discretion. If you\u2019re nervous about going out, don\u2019t feel obligated to come to worship or any other church activity. If you\u2019re worshiping under compulsion and all you can focus on is everything BUT worship, it would be better to stay at home. If you don\u2019t want to miss the message but feel more comfortable staying home, you can listen here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wash Your Hands. We\u2019re clear on this by now, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We are suspending communion. In recent days, you may have heard me say that I\u2019ve never heard of anyone getting sick from the Lord\u2019s Supper. I still believe that. However, there are people who are really anxious about this pandemic. And though I had hoped to celebrate communion every service during Lent, and while I still believe that no one would get sick from the sacrament, I do not wish for any worshiper to have the physical intimacy of the Lord\u2019s Table be a hindrance to their worship. When the threat of Coronavirus has diminished, we will resume a regular observance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Observe Social Distancing. Social distancing is exactly like it sounds. If you are not staying home, avoid physical contact with others. People who know more than I on this matter recommend a six-foot distance between people. That\u2019s hard to maintain, especially when we are \u201cfamily,\u201d like church. At a minimum, don\u2019t hug or shake hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are sick, stay home. Any of us who has compromised immunity for any reason has a significantly higher risk of contracting coronavirus, the flu, and other illnesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Continue to Trust the Lord. <\/strong>God is bigger than this pandemic. And while the immediate threat is very real and very frightening, we must continue to trust in the God who has saved us. I offer these comforting words from Psalm 46:1-5<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n God is our refuge and strength, <\/em><\/strong> Of course, if it seems prudent to cancel services, or if government leaders mandate such an action, we will abide by such wisdom. But until such a time, as long as I am able, I will be present to lead worship on Sunday mornings at 10:30. If anything should change, we will notify the congregation as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Blessings,<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pastor John<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" While we are suspending communion, Worship is still scheduled on Sunday mornings at 10:30. If anything should change, we will notify the congregation as quickly as possible. Continue reading
an ever-present help in trouble. <\/em><\/strong>
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way <\/em><\/strong>
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, <\/em><\/strong>
though its waters roar and foam <\/em><\/strong>
and the mountains quake with their surging.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, <\/em><\/strong>
the holy place where the Most High dwells. <\/em><\/strong>
God is within her, she will not fall; <\/em><\/strong>
God will help her at break of day.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n