Sunday Services & the Virus

As we’re all very well aware, the whole world is in an upheaval over the Covid-19 pandemic. Gratefully, we live in an area that has yet to be directly affected by the virus. Nevertheless, because of the ease of contagion and the potentially rapid spread of this disease, we must be prudent and vigilant.

At this time, no directives or recommendations have been issued that would require us to curtail our regularly scheduled services and programs. Consequently, services for this Sunday (March 15) will be held as scheduled, with Sunday School at 9:30 a.m., morning worship at 10:30 a.m., and the afternoon service at 1:00 p.m. This week is a “Bring Your Own Lunch” Sunday, as well.

Needless to say, if you are not physically well, your immune system is compromised, or you simply are not comfortable being in a public gathering due to the potential threat, do what you believe to be best for your health and peace of mind. The morning worship service will be available for viewing at 10:30 on these venues:

Faith Baptist Church website

Facebook

YouTube

For those who do attend, we want to be thoughtful of one another with the heightened sensitivity to spreading disease, so we will refrain from our normal practice of handshaking and other forms of “touch” greetings.

We’ve been hearing much about “social distancing,” or keeping a safe distance from others in a group gathering. One suggestion, if this is a concern, would be to spread out more in the auditorium, utilizing the clusters of empty pews toward the front 😊.

As you know, the circumstances with this pandemic are changing rapidly, and we may need to change plans abruptly. The deacons and I will be meeting Monday afternoon to discuss further strategies and contingencies. We will do our best to keep the congregation informed through Remind messages, Facebook posts, email, or telephone calls. Should you have any questions, please call or email and we will respond as promptly as possible.

In closing, let’s be sure to keep our focus on our sovereign God. None of this is a surprise to Him. In fact, He has a divine purpose in this global crisis. There has been no shortage of theories of conspiracy, alleging malevolent forces behind it all. And when the dust settles, perhaps one or more of those will prove true. Nevertheless, the Lord uses even the wickedness of men to bring Him glory in the end.

For our part, then, let’s avoid the hand-wringing, panic-stricken fear of the unknown and keep our eyes on the One who knows the end of this thing from its beginning. I trust these words from Psalm 91 will give comfort, peace, and reassurance:

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.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. (Psalm 91:1–6, ESV)

Finally, let’s pray for the Lord to use this event to draw many fearful souls to the Prince of Peace. Let’s pray for the thousands of people who have been impacted physically and economically. Let’s pray for government officials to stop the opportunistic politicizing of a crisis that further polarizes an already fractured nation. Let’s pray for a speedy recovery for the ill and a swift end to this “pestilence.”

May God bless His children through the uncertain days ahead.

Pastor Bice

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