Yesterday, the mayor and city officials requested that gatherings over 250 should be canceled in our city. While most of our members are at a low risk for developing complications from COVID-19 (the coronavirus), that is not true for all of us, including those who work in the building we gather in on Sunday. Additionally, some in our church work in the medical field, some of us have compromised immune systems, and some live with or belong to higher-risk age brackets. So, we have to consider how best to love one another in a time like this and use God’s wisdom for how to proceed forward as a church.
So, out of an abundance of care and concern for one another and our neighbors, our city, and from the request of our governing officials, we have decided to cancel our Sunday services for, at minimum, tomorrow March 15 and likely March 22. We did not come to this conclusion lightly. Gathering corporately is something we place a high value on, but in light of our current health climate, we believe it is wise to do so.
In the coming days and weeks we will be closely monitoring advisements from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and local government authorities. We will update all of you weekly as we move forward, and join all of you in praying that this will be brought under control sooner rather than later. Our goal is to be ahead of the game in what appears to be an evolving situation, with the hope of keeping our partners, attendees, staff, and families as safe as possible. We wholly rely on the Lord to provide and care for us, while remaining good stewards of the wisdom and knowledge He has given us through our medical and health professionals.
We assure you, we are not making this decision out of fear, but in faith. I believe that God has a unique plan for us as a church, and while we aren’t exactly sure what the day to day will look like, we know that throughout history Jesus’ Church shines brightest when the world around it was fearful or hurting. We will be the Church at this moment. Here are a few ways to make that happen:
Be with friends and family while joining Pastor Al for a prerecorded sermon entitled, “Christ and the Coronavirus” from Proverbs 16.
While not a replacement for a congregational worship gathering, resources have been made available for individuals, families, and groups to use to aid in worship. You can download by clicking HERE or using the button below.
Stay connected with us, get updates and content online throughout the week by following on our Blog, Facebook, and Instagram.
Continue to be a blessing and be generous. Throughout the week, we encourage you to think of ways your can serve your neighbors, love our city, and pray for the nations impacted by Coronavirus. Continue to give to the work God is doing at The Well HERE.
Pray for us as we plan and seek Jesus on how to navigate this unique time.
Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
- 2 John 1:12
- Pastor Al