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Happy Friday, Church Family! I’m sorry for the lengthy silence this week. When the decision was made to go online-only last Sunday, I was initially very discouraged. It seemed as if we were taking a step backwards by going virtual after finally seeing some momentum at our in-person services. However, when I was informed that some of our worship team woke up on Sunday feeling feverish—along with already knowing that some within our church family had tested positive—I felt that going online was a necessary (although unwanted) decision.

On Monday, I was very grateful that the Lord had backed us into that decision—for Pastor Mike, Pastor Micah, and myself all tested positive for COVID-19 at different times on Monday. And throughout the week, we have heard of other families (whose privacy we will protect) that have also tested positive. Thankfully, at the moment I am writing this, I am not aware of any major effects—aside from the congestion, sore throats, and body aches caused by the virus.

Because of the number of families affected, we have made the decision to move our service online for Sunday, December 13. (And our Sunday night high school youth group will not be meeting either.) The pastors and deacons have been praying over and will soon discuss our plans as we prepare for the remainder of the year. Please pray together with us for wisdom and boldness during this time.

I was listening to a recent interview given by Francis Chan regarding the state of the Church during the pandemic. I loved what he said about two issues. First, he reminded those listening that Christ has already promised to build His Church—and that the church will endure—quoting Jesus in Matthew 16:18, “…I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” What a foundational promise we have! That Jesus is both the founder, builder, and protector of the Church!

Second, Chan reminded us that God does not need large crowds to be worshipped rightly—in fact, in Malachi 1, God dismissed and rejected the false worship of His people. God is not moved by the number of people gathered in a building. God is moved by a heart that wholly loves and trusts in Him. As Isaiah 26:3 states, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” May our hearts truly trust and rest in Jesus today!

Please let us know how we can be praying for you and your today! God bless you!