CoronaVirus Response

Dear Grace Family,

There is no doubt the Corona virus is impacting the world of late in a very rapid manner. It is normal to be concerned as we hear of people affected by this virus. We want to ensure you, we are encouraged that the Lord is still sovereign over all! Because we trust in the LORD, we will not be shaken! We will rest and trust in the LORD:

“For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.”
Psalm 62:1-2

Yet, with the wisdom He has given us we want to do our part to hinder the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We want to be Biblically wise, therefore we have taken a few steps. Here is our plan for now based on the information we have:

1. Trust & Act. Scripture is clear that we are to trust the Lord with all of our heart, but we also couple that with action. Sometimes it is prayer and other times it is prayer and action. We are taking action in the following ways:

• Hand Washing: The CDC recommends washing hands for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public places.
• Hand Sanitizer: On Sunday, we will have several stations of hand sanitizer for your use. To kill viruses, it needs to be 60% alcohol or higher according to the CDC.
• Sickness: If you are sick please stay home. We often want to push through when are sick, but now is not the time to take such a chance coming around others while sick.
• Church Greeting: Our Sunday morning greeting, during our worship service, will be conducted with a smile and an “elbow bump” rather than a handshake.
• Offering: We will not pass the plates this Sunday. The plates will be in the back when you exit for your convenience.
• No coffee or donuts: With everyone touching the same services around the coffee and donuts we think it is best to pass on this for the near future.
• Church Services: For now we are going to continue to meet based upon what we know.
• We are LIVE each Sunday: If you are at risk due to health or age you can watch us online  here, or type this into your address bar: www.gracebaptist-church.com/live

2) Love your neighbor. During such a time as this many people are scared. Jesus said in Matthew 5, “You are
the light of the world.” You are a reflection of Christ. How can you reflect Christ during a time such as this?

• Trust the Lord instead of being anxious concerning the effects of Coronavirus. Be a light to the community of your faith during this time. Let them see how the Lord calms your fears. Rest in Him.
• Then, check on your family, friends and neighbors. Show the love of Christ with concern by reaching out. If they have a need you can meet, do it! What a blessing you will be to them by showing the love of Christ.
• Taking this pandemic seriously is a way of saying that we want to do what we can to help slow the spread of this pandemic, and that is a way of doing good to others (Gal. 6:10).

During times like this our hope is in Christ! We press on no matter the circumstances to live out our faith loving our neighbor as ourselves. Join us in the above action and especially join us as we pray to the Lord in whom we trust!
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In Christ, 
Grace leadership