Services Cancelled for Tomorrow
Big Coronavirus News, Part 2
We do not want to be alarmist...but do not want to risk getting anyone sick!
With that in mind, we have decided to cancel tomorrow's worship services.
We plan to offer a brief online worship connection for tomorrow (and, perhaps, for a few days next week) to help us keep our focus upward and maintain our connections with one another.
Be looking for a s'more email tomorrow with a link to the worship service.
We know that the coronavirus epidemic is now hitting close to home for many of you...you are trying to figure out how to care for long children while still working; you're worried about spring break trips; you're worried about you kids education and activities (and your own sanity); you're worried about your older family members getting really sick; you're trying to wrap your head around moving (wait, that's just me!)...We want you to know that your church family is here for you...and we encourage you to be there for one another. Please call the church or a good neighbor is you're feeling the stress of our imposed "social distancing."
Beth just forwarded an article to me reminding us of the Apollo 13 mission. After an oxygen tank failure on Apollo 13, some gasped, "This could be the worst disaster NASA has ever experienced." Lead Flight Director, Gene Kranz, quickly responded, "I believe this is going to be our finest hour."
Church, let's care for one another locally and globally in such a way that this becomes our finest hour!
Reach out to your elderly or sick neighbors. Offer to buy them groceries (once the shelves get restocked). Call them so they have someone to talk to. Send cards. Offer to provide childcare for a working family near you. Make time to have quality time with your own family. Donate to the food pantry (maybe you don't really need ALL of the toilet paper you got at SAM's!) and come help us fill some baskets. Continue meeting in small groups for prayer and Bible study (just wash your hands). Support local businesses as much as possible as they begin to feel an economic pinch. Think creatively but safely!
As things continue to change around us, we will react accordingly. Decisions regarding small group gatherings and next weekend's worship services will continue to happen.
We do hope to keep our food pantry open this week, but would like to "pre-assemble" bags/baskets for our guests. If you would be available to help in the pantry on Tuesday or Thursday, please contact the church office.
Finally, we wrote last week to offer a picture of our financial realities at Prospect ("behind but not desperate"). You, as a congregation, responded with an amazing offering last weekend! THANK YOU! Now I have to remind you that while we cannot gather in person, the bills (for custodial care, staff salaries, building utilities, etc.) won't take a break. So your continued financial support will, of course, be greatly appreciated!
That's all for now, church. I look forward to worshipping with you online. And I REALLY look forward to being with all of you in person...when the time is right!
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Pastor Steve