Grace Family,
We wanted to give you an update on where we stand with the Coronavirus and how it will affect our ministries here at Grace. Initially, we informed the congregation that we would be having services tomorrow, March 15th. However, as events have progressed since our initial email, the elders and staff have decided to postpone all Sunday services, AWANA, youth group, GEMS, etc until further notice. Canceling services is always a difficult decision and it was not reached without much prayer and discussion.
We realize that there are varying convictions and beliefs concerning whether or not a church should suspend its services. Some will not understand our decision and we respect that. In all things, we are called to love and serve one another and to strive for the unity of the faith.
We don’t know how many weeks this decision will affect our corporate gathering, but we will be in contact once things change. As we move forward, remember that as God’s children, we should never be motivated by fear. We trust in a Sovereign God. But there’s a crucial difference between fear and prudence. We feel that love for our neighbors compels us to join our nation’s extraordinary efforts to minimize contact between people in order to slow the spread of this virus. Please understand that we are not cancelling our services because we are afraid to get sick or even afraid to die. We believe Paul’s words that “To live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). We are cancelling our services because we believe it is imperative for us to be a part of our society’s response to this virus, in hopes that it will reduce the risk of it spreading further.
Please don’t be afraid or fearful. Read God’s Word. Remember God’s promises. Help those who are needy. Reach out to the elderly and single parents and see if they need help. And trust in God. He is sovereign over all, and He loves you dearly.
In addition, since giving is an important part of our worship and ongoing ministry, we are encouraging you to drop off your offering at the church office, Monday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m.– 4:30p.m, or, you can mail checks to the church or use the new church app to give.
We are live streaming our services. Please use the links above to join us on Sundays. We also recommend that you worship with your family on Sunday morning. Read the Bible, sing, and pray.
Thank you for your help and understanding in these matters. These are not easy decisions, but we think they are the best way for us to love our neighbor in a critical time. Be prudent and wise, but not afraid; there’s a profound difference between the two.
I’m reminded of the hope-giving words from the Heidelberg Catechism. Question 1 reads:
- What is your only comfort in life and in death?
- That I am not my own, but belong— body and soul, in life and in death— to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.
On behalf of the elders and staff of Grace,
Pastor Benji
9am & 10:30am
Evening Service @ 6pm