1C I The Sanctuary UPDATE #2: COVID-19 (coronavirus)
Greetings in the Name of Jesus…Who was, is and always will be our Provider and Protector!
As many of you are aware, COVID-19 has affected the rhythm of our lives. Churches, Schools, Businesses, Sports…in fact, any group more than 10 are not to meet together until further notice.
As we desire to be part of the solution, we are complying with the request by our government. We are officially suspending all non-essential gatherings. You are asked to check with your group leader to discuss ministry plans as we navigate through these unprecedented waters.
This also means that our weekly worship gatherings have been changed to be online only.
We will conduct a single worship service that will be streamed online at 10:30 am each Sunday. It will also be stored on our website, so you can access the video at your convenience. (Website http://www.1cchurch.com/messages OR Facebook http://www.facebook.com/1CChurch)
Three critical elements of our mission and ministry for all of us to keep in mind and in prayer:
We are always in God’s loving hands, and there is no better place to be! He has and will bless us! We are also called to love our neighbor enough to take these temporary steps to help preserve life and health for the most vulnerable around us. The vast majority of us will be just fine, and nothing will happen to us. But God’s expectation of us is to look to the interests of others before our own (Philippians 2:1-5).
“Pray without ceasing!” Please keep all our leaders in prayer, as these difficult decisions include all sorts of trap doors. Do not let Satan tempt you to look down on anyone, nor to lead you to think you do not need Christ, His means of grace, or His Church. When we come back together again in the weeks ahead, we will let loose with the greatest celebration of joy His Church on Earth can muster!
In His Grip!
Pastor Jim Thelen
As many of you are aware, COVID-19 has affected the rhythm of our lives. Churches, Schools, Businesses, Sports…in fact, any group more than 10 are not to meet together until further notice.
As we desire to be part of the solution, we are complying with the request by our government. We are officially suspending all non-essential gatherings. You are asked to check with your group leader to discuss ministry plans as we navigate through these unprecedented waters.
This also means that our weekly worship gatherings have been changed to be online only.
We will conduct a single worship service that will be streamed online at 10:30 am each Sunday. It will also be stored on our website, so you can access the video at your convenience. (Website http://www.1cchurch.com/messages OR Facebook http://www.facebook.com/1CChurch)
Three critical elements of our mission and ministry for all of us to keep in mind and in prayer:
- We need each other! Please consider reaching out to fellow members of 1C. Pray with them, talk with them, spend time with them, in whatever way is safe. Most importantly, remind them of God’s love and Presence at all times and in all circumstances.
- We need to love our neighbors! This is a prime opportunity for us to show our community what faith and love in action looks and sounds like. We will be exploring ways to help those who need it as safely as possible, and to be a positive witness to the love and care of Jesus Christ.
- We need to continue to support mission and ministry at 1C and beyond! Please check out www.1cchurch.com to give your offerings to Christ online. This may be an ideal time to set up your regular offerings through online vehicles (this is what my family does, giving “regularly” “directly” from our bank account).
We are always in God’s loving hands, and there is no better place to be! He has and will bless us! We are also called to love our neighbor enough to take these temporary steps to help preserve life and health for the most vulnerable around us. The vast majority of us will be just fine, and nothing will happen to us. But God’s expectation of us is to look to the interests of others before our own (Philippians 2:1-5).
“Pray without ceasing!” Please keep all our leaders in prayer, as these difficult decisions include all sorts of trap doors. Do not let Satan tempt you to look down on anyone, nor to lead you to think you do not need Christ, His means of grace, or His Church. When we come back together again in the weeks ahead, we will let loose with the greatest celebration of joy His Church on Earth can muster!
In His Grip!
Pastor Jim Thelen
