COVID-19 Update: March 14, 2020

COVID-19 Update: March 14, 2020

Since the Corona virus situation is ever-changing, so our response will evolve over time as well. We want to walk wisely, not in panic or fear. He who keeps us neither slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:3-4). Here’s our plan for the time being:

PRAY

● Pray for the sick, for our leaders, for our healthcare providers and for this pandemic to come to an end. Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6-7 to be anxious for nothing, but to pray and seek God’s peace.

● Pray for gospel opportunities. Pandemics and disasters reveal just how helpless we really are. What a great opportunity to share the good news of Jesus in word and deed!

WORSHIP

● Sunday worship will continue as usual at 11 am. We do this for God’s glory and our good. We exist to glorify God, even more so in the midst of difficult circumstances. And when we gather, God comforts us through His word and Spirit. We need that medicine for our souls more than anything else (Luke 4:4).

● We also want to exercise wisdom and love for others. If you believe it is wise to remain at home, please do so – especially if you have are already sick or have a weakened immune system. Audio recording of our sermons are already available on our website (www.graceclanton.com) and via podcast. We are working on a video solution.

● Hand sanitizer will be available throughout our building. To lower the risk of transmission we will not pass the offering plate. Deacons will be posted to receive gifts at the end of worship. Online and mobile giving are also available if that makes you more comfortable (www.graceclanton.com/giving/). We will also distribute the Lord’s Supper from the front on April 3. We’ll tell you more about that later.

● We will have Sunday School classes this week since children are still in school for the next few days. Wednesday night ministries are cancelled for March 18 and Spring Break is the following week, which gives us two weeks off. We will let you know of changes after that.

SERVE

Christians have a rich history when it comes to times of cultural turmoil. Going all the way back to the days of the Roman empire, Christians have been known as those who remained to love and serve their neighbors in the face of plague and disaster, even as others fled. We rest our confidence in a good and sovereign God who numbers every hair of our heads (Matthew 10:28-30). He moved towards us in our distress at great cost to himself (Mark 10:45). This means that preserving our own lives is not our highest agenda but loving those who are suffering. Let’s look for ways to prudently demonstrate the love of God through acts of kindness.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Kevin Corley

Pastor