I know a lot of people are probably overwhelmed with the reports of the current pandemic and the response of our government. As Christians our faith and our hope are indeed in God. He is our rock and our refuge, and we need not be afraid. In all things, we trust God to keep us safe, and we continue to pray for God’s protection over us and those we love. But out of love for the vulnerable and respect for the needs of the greater society, we do not want to dismiss the very real concerns that are before us. God has given us brains and common sense and has also provided folks with specific expertise to help us respond to this global issue.
Fellowship CRC will hold our normal Sunday school at 9:15 a.m. and our regular worship service at 10:30 a.m. this Sunday. As always, we ask that if you are not feeling well, have flu-like symptoms, or may be contagious, please stay home. Consider listening to Sunday’s sermon online which will be available on the church’s website, fellowshipcrc.net. Also consider having family worship at home or in small groups. And as always, please use your own best judgment given your age, health risks, or level of comfort when deciding whether or not to attend public events like our worship service.
We will not shake hands as part of the mutual greeting time during the service, and ushers are encouraged not to shake hands either. Instead of handshakes and hugs, we suggest waves, peace signs, and fist or elbow bumps at this time. Hand sanitizer is available throughout the church and in the classrooms. Cookies will not be served after the service this Sunday.
In times of crisis, the church has a unique opportunity to shine the love of Jesus Christ and proclaim what we confess in question and answer one of the Heidelberg Catechism: “What is your only comfort in life and in death? That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death—to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.” By the grace of God, the church is equipped with wisdom, with love of neighbor, and with a stubborn resistance to fear. I am looking forward to worshipping our great and awesome Triune God with you again soon!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Ken