Latest Coronavirus Update - Dr. David Swanson
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name and you belong to me. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned….for I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. You are precious and honored in my sight…and I love you.” Isaiah 43:1-4
As the spread of the COVID-19 virus and related decisions continue to unfold around us in rapid succession, let us remember God’s words to His people from the prophet Isaiah. We rest in the truth of God’s redemptive, eternal love for us even as He sovereignly rules over the affairs of humanity. God remains enthroned above, and He’s not the least bit surprised by any of this. In fact, God always uses such hardships and disappointments to grow us even as He grows His Kingdom. In these challenges, let’s look for opportunities to allow God’s work to move in us and through us!
To that end, we have made some important and difficult decisions about the coming weeks. These decisions are based on our need to take this virus and its ramifications seriously. While our personal risk remains low, our systemic risk - the risk to our healthcare system and community - remains extraordinarily high which means we need to limit personal contacts immediately. Please note:
As of Tuesday, March 17, the church offices will be closed until the end of March. Staff will be equipped to work from home, and we will continue to pay employees for 40 hours of work even though they may not be able to log that many hours. When people call the church, they will be directed to corresponding departments for assistance. (Weddings and funerals will be suspended for the next eight weeks. Small private services will be conducted if so desired.) Worship will continue to be online only at least through the end of March.
During this season of uncertainty, potential disappointments and hardship, we want to remain focused on God’s good and loving presence.
Beginning Monday, March 23, I will host a daily devotional on Facebook Live at 9 a.m. If you can’t participate “live”, it will remain on Facebook throughout the day and will be posted to our website as well. Discussion questions will be offered at the end for further conversation.
Sunday worship will continue to be broadcast at 8:45 and 11:05 am, however, Case Thorp will now teach his class on the Biblical Story on Facebook Live at 10 am. This will begin on Sunday, March 29. In addition, Case will also offer a Wednesday night study on Facebook Live for further growth and encouragement.
For some groups (like Women’s Bible Study), we will meet virtually with the teacher or leader on screen via a Google platform. More details will follow.
We will have a designated time for congregational prayer each day from 12:00 to 12:30 pm. Wherever you are, please join with your brothers and sisters at FPCO to pray for our church and community.
Kim Allen and her SHINE team are working on ideas for families to use during the week to make this season a little easier and more meaningful for children.
Tanner Fox will provide ideas for living missionally in your neighborhoods and how we can serve well in this season while still mitigating the risks involved. Look for Tanner’s insights by the end of this week.
We are already planning for what will happen when this is over and we are reunited! Can you imagine how wonderful that is going to be? Remember, this won’t last forever and we will be in fellowship once more!
Rest assured, we plan to communicate in this fashion throughout our time apart. Please continue to watch your email and social media feeds for regular updates.
In closing, let me remind you to keep loving others well by purchasing only what you need for the week at the grocery, maintain good social distancing by staying home and out of restaurants, theaters and other gathering spots, check on those around you who may be in need, especially senior adults, and don’t get bogged down in anticipatory anxiety. Focus on today. Do today. Watch the news for a limited time. Be productive. Go for a walk. Work in the yard. Do a Bible study. Pray. Write notes to friends.
I know this is hard, but let’s keep that in perspective, too. It’s hard for all of us, so I share this prayer from Cameron Bell to close:
O God, may we who are merely inconvenienced
Remember those whose lives are at stake.
May we who have no risk factors
Remember those most vulnerable.
May we who have the luxury of working from home
Remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent.
May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close
Remember those who have no options.
May we who have to cancel our trips
Remember those that have no safe place to go.
May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market
Remember those who have no margin at all.
May we who settle in for a quarantine at home
Remember those who have no home.
As fear grips our country,
let us choose love.
During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other,
Let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors.
In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
May the peace and rest of God belong to you as you stay your hearts and minds on Him.
I love you and hold you close in prayer each day,
Dr. David D. Swanson
Senior Pastor