Coronovirus/COVID-19

Our Church's Response

Greetings in the strong and merciful name of Jesus Christ! We are facing a significant challenge! In fact, around the world humans are facing the challenges presented by the Coronovirus or COVID-19. So we also must respond to the challenges presented by this virus.

First, our response is not based on and fed by fear, but rather it is prompted by love and wisdom.  As a pastor, along with our congregational leaders, we know that our God has not given us a spirit of fear or timidity, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Tim, 1:7).  We also know that God is love (1 John 4:8); so we also ought to love one another (John 13:34-35).  The greatest commandment is to love God with our whole being, and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40).  Therefore, we care for ourselves and our families, but love compels us to care for the well-being of our neighbors, co-workers, strangers, and even our “enemies.”  Truthfully, we are all in this together.  Our God can use these times – as God has done in times past – to expose our lives to the purity of His Word and to remind us of God’s will and purpose for our lives.

Second, consider and be ever mindful of the following:

• Use basic hygiene – wash your hands thoroughly (about 20 seconds) in hot water and soap. Wash between the fingers and don’t forget the thumb and the fingernails. If you are unable to do that use hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol content. Even after you pump gas, use grocery carts, etc,. use hand sanitizer as soon as you return to your car and, certainly, before you touch your face.
• Generally, avoid touching at all times your eyes, nose, and mouth – especially with unclean hands.
• If you must sneeze or cough, do so in a Kleenex and throw in trash.  If you don’t have this, then sneeze and cough in the cuff of your elbow
• Disinfect frequently used places in your home or apartment. We are doing just that for our church facility.
• Avoid large crowds. Those over the age of 60, especially those with serious underlying health conditions, should certainly avoid large crowds. At the present time, being a smaller congregation, we should be fine. Beware though, conditions can change rapidly. We will keep you informed.
• If you feel or are sick, please stay home and take care of yourself. Do not spread germs around. This is an act of love.
• As we greet, do not shake hands or hug. Instead, let’s practice elbow bump, waving, or patting the heart as a gesture of deep affection.
• Stay updated on the most current information about COVID-19 from the most trusted sources: Center for Disease Control (CDC), local and state health departments, news stations that bring experts together to keep us informed, etc.
• Just be wise and vigilant. Let’s look out for one another as well as yourself.

Finally, please know that I love you all and that I pray each day for you and your families. God is faithful and we will get through this by the grace and mercy of our God. In the meantime, enjoy life, pray always, and give thanks to God in all things (Philippians 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18).

Rev. Dr. James W. Lewis, Pastor