First of all, let me remind you that our God is sovereignly ruling and reigning over whatsoever comes to pass. He is ruling over all of history in order to bring about his appointed will (Genesis 50:20, Isaiah 46:8-11; Ephesians 1:10-11; Romans 8:28). C.S. Lewis wrote: “History is a story written by the finger of God.” So, God is in control!
The Center For Disease Control together with our State Government have recommended that there should not be gatherings of more than 50 people for a period of time. As a church we want to comply with those recommendations but still provide opportunity for Sunday Worship. God’s word urges us, let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Heb. 10:24-25 ESV).
In order to accomplish this we are adding a second morning worship service at 9:00 AM. We will be capping attendance at 50 at each service. If numbers should indicate greater need, we will add a third service. We will continue to hold the evening service at 5:00 PM. In order to reach these numbers we are recommending that families whose names begin with A-L attend the 9:00 Service and families whose names begin with M-Z attend the 10:30 Service.
Beginning this Sunday, March 22, we will have two morning worship services. The first at 9:00 AM the second at 10:30 AM. We will continue to have the 5:00 PM service.
If any of the services have an overflow of more than 50 people, those coming after the first 50 will be invited to an overflow service in the conference room, and whichever pastor is not preaching in the main service will lead a worship service in the conference room.
Beginning today, Tuesday, March 17, 2020, all other church gatherings: Monday Officer’s Breakfast, Women’s Bible Study, Tuesday Men’s Study, Wednesday Fellowship Dinner, FAN, Seacrest U, Choir, Adult Sunday School and Children’s Sunday School, the Easter Egg Hunt, the Easter Cantata, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday Services are canceled until April 4th. At that time we will make any future decisions based on what is taking place.
For those who have decided to self-quarantine, or who may be ill, we will have on the church website, www.seacrestchurch.com words to several familiar hymns and an audio sermon. We encourage you to make use of these as worship aids in your own home.
Pastor Jay and I, together with the elders, are available for pastoral visitation and we encourage all those in the congregation who desire a visit, to call the church or one of the pastors. We will also be calling the members and friends of the church throughout the week to keep communication fresh and seek to encourage God’s people.
Family of God, I would remind you that this is a time for you to shine as men and women of faith. I encourage you to share the gospel with abandon during these days. Don’t forget God’s Word calls for us to not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me– practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Phil. 4:6-9 ESV) Live faithfully! In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matt. 5:16 ESV)
May the Lord be pleased to bring this crisis to a close quickly, to open the hearts of unbelievers to seek his face, to open the lips of believers to share the good news, to protect the congregation of His people from this disease, and to give to the leadership of the Church, wisdom in handling these matters.
Your Servant in Christ Jesus.
Pastor Randy Patterson
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