Dear Faith family,
This afternoon, Governor Eric Holcomb announced that all non-essential gatherings where over 250 persons would assemble in the same place at the same time, including churches, should be canceled – https://calendar.in.gov/site/gov/event/gov-holcomb-announces-new-steps-to-protect-public-from-covid-19/.
Please pause and join me in praying and thanking the Lord for elected and health officials who are doing everything they can to control the spread of COVID-19. This is not the time to panic, criticize, or second-guess those the Lord has placed over us. God’s Word is quite clear on this point — Titus 3:1 – Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed.
Beginning this Sunday, we will be temporarily transitioning to a worship service on-line in place of our regular church services. The service will be practically identical to our typical services with a live worship team and one of our pastors continuing our study through the book of Romans. The service will be broadcast live at 8:00 am each Sunday and then be available to play on demand whenever is convenient to you.
This temporary change includes all of our Sunday ministries – ABFs, children’s ministry, youth group, etc. at all three of our campuses.
We are very committed to ministering to each person in our church family and community during these days. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any concern or need you might have. Our pastors and deacons would be happy to come and pray with you at your home or serve you practically in any way you desire.
Please be praying especially for our government officials and healthcare workers during these days. They are carrying heavy loads as they serve us sacrificially to keep as many people as possible healthy and safe.
We have communicated with our mayors and county commissioners that our church family stands ready to serve in any way we are needed. Please stay tuned as we identify ways we can show the love of Jesus to our friends and neighbors.
Many have already asked me how our church will continue to meet our financial obligations, especially to our missionaries, during this challenging season. In the past when we had snow emergencies or other times when church services were canceled, our members simply continued to give on-line, or through direct withdrawals from their banks, or by sending their tithes and offerings in the mail. I am quite confident that our church family will allow Christ to help them face all aspects of this test with grace and faithfulness. It is like we observed last Sunday, Galatians 2:20 – I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Please be reminded that God’s Word is filled with soul-satisfying truth to guide us through times like these. For example,
- Psalm 91:1–2 – He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!”
- Philippians 4:6–7 – Be anxious for nothing, 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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Also, consider using a Bible concordance to locate and study uses of words like “trust,” “fear,” “worry,” and “afraid” in the Word of God. Trials can draw us closer to the Lord if we allow them to.
The following books and pamphlets from our Resource Center may also be helpful to you:
- Worry by David Powlison – http://bit.ly/2W6nEzp
- Living in a Dangerous World by William P. Smith – http://bit.ly/2TUJ3Ju
- Anxiety: Knowing God’s Peace by Paul Tautges – http://bit.ly/2xphMHi
- Why Worry? By Robert D. Jones – http://bit.ly/3aMVptK
We started the year by committing ourselves to Celebrating God’s Truth. Who would have guessed we would have such a marvelous opportunity to put those words into action? Please ask the Lord to give us the strength to grow in our love for Him and others. We are very glad you are part of our church family.
In Christ,
Steve Viars
