Friday, March 20, 2020

Worship Services Suspended

On Monday, March 16, the President of the United States, on the advice of his administration, asked Americans to avoid gathering in groups of ten or more in order to slow and contain the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in our country. Given this, in consultation with the elders and the president of our congregation, I have made the decision to suspend all worship services and church activities effective immediately.

It grieves me to make this decision, and I hoped and prayed I would not have to do so. But the American people are being asked to make painful sacrifices, and the church is no exception. Such a decision is not made out of fear, but out of love for our members, their families, friends and neighbors, the nation and the world. It is done so that we may not be unwitting carriers of disease to our neighbors.

The elders and I will be in conversation about how best we can continue our life of worship, study, prayer and service during this time of national emergency and global pandemic. 

I pray that you are making wise decisions regarding your health and safety, and that you are casting your cares on the Lord, who cares for you. Whatever happens, we are confident in God who sustains us both in time of personal and community crisis. We are mindful of St. Paul's great statement of faith, 'For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.' (Romans 8:38-39)

Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Frontz