Dear Church Family,
In this time of uncertainty, we want to act not in panic, but in prudence. We have a responsibility before the Lord for our flock and for the community around us. It seems the move to isolate has proven to be the most effective way to battle and contain this virus. The Whatcom County Health Department website says, “We are recommending cancellation or postponement of non-essential large public gatherings. If you can avoid bringing large groups of people together (groups of 10-50 or more), we recommend postponing or cancelling events and gatherings.”
After discussion and prayer, the elders decided together this morning that it would be best to cancel our Sunday gathering this Sunday and encourage you to join us online for our service. All other church gatherings, including Sunday School and weekly Bible studies, will be postponed until further notice. We look forward to resuming and completing these when we are past this. The Women’s Retreat scheduled for next weekend is also postponed. We will be actively evaluating this unfolding situation to make informed decisions regarding how we will proceed on Sundays in the coming weeks.
Please realize that cancelling our worship service is the last thing we want to do. We need the Word of God more than ever to reassure our hearts and point us to the Lord. In light of this, we are plan to record the worship service and make it available online on Sunday morning (via our website, Facebook, and Youtube) so that your family will be able to worship from your home. Husbands and fathers we encourage you to take this opportunity to lead your families in prayer and worship together. Watch the sermon together and discuss how to apply it in your lives.
We want to also encourage you to find ways to be outward during this challenging time. Remain safe, yet show love to those in need around you. A phone call, a trip to the store, a note of encouragement can communicate our love and confidence to those who are afraid or sick. As always, our mission is to make sure that the Gospel of Jesus Christ goes out to all who are in need of a Savior. The Lord is sovereign over all things, including this virus. There may be unique opportunities for us to speak with people about the hope we have in Him and the reason we don’t need to fear.
1 Peter 3:14b–15 “Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”
If you have questions or need help, please contact us me or one of the elders. If you need someone to talk to or pray with, we are all here to encourage and shepherd you. We love you all and pray that God will deepen the roots of our faith as we together trust in Him.
Pastor Jeremy and the Elders
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4–7
