2 Pillars,
It’s been a busy couple of days for news related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic, President Trump made a primetime address to the nation, the NBA suspended its season, the NCAA announced March Madness will be played in empty arenas, the Nebraska School Activities Association announced that fan attendance at the 2020 Boys State Basketball Championships will be limited, and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln very recently announced that classes will be taught online for the remainder of the Spring semester.
In light of these and other developments over the past days and weeks, it is important that we consider the potential impact of COVID-19 on our church body, its members, and its gatherings along with the surrounding community that we call home.
Here are several updates and related thoughts to keep in mind in the days and weeks ahead:
This issue is on our radar and a topic of ongoing discussion for us as elders. We'll continue to monitor news updates as well as the responses of other churches and organizations in our city (e.g. Lincoln Public Schools) and region.
We plan to gather for worship this Sunday, March 15, at our normal times. We hope to see you at 8:30 and 10:15am.
We will continue to partake in the Lord's Supper together. We will, however, be making adjustments to how we serve the bread, which we will explain on Sunday morning.
Small group gatherings (e.g. Gospel Communities, women's Bible study) are encouraged to continue to meeting. However, everyone should use discretion and wisdom regarding attendance and/or cancellation.
Remember the God we serve. He is abundant in power and his wisdom and knowledge are beyond measure (Ps 147:5). He is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble (Nahum 1:7). There is none like Him (Ps 113:5–6). He is sovereign over all things (Ps 135:5–7). And He loves His people and calls us His children (1 John 3:1–3).
Respond in faith, not fear. Mark Oden, writing for The Gospel Coalition:
[P]erhaps this crisis is challenging us to react in a different way—with faith and not fear. Faith not in the stars or in some unknown deity. Rather, faith in Jesus Christ, the good shepherd who is also the resurrection and the life. ... Surely only Jesus is in control of this situation; surely only he can guide us through this storm. He calls us to trust and believe, to have faith and not fear.
We face our trials, and even our fears, as those who have the promise of eternal hope in Christ. Seek refuge in Him.
Take appropriate steps to protect yourself. Responding in faith, not fear, doesn't mean that we shouldn't be careful. Wash your hands thoroughly and often. Use hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your face unnecessarily. And so on…
Take appropriate steps to protect others. One of the most significant ways that you can do this is by staying home if you're sick. In the event that you're scheduled to serve in some way on a Sunday morning, reach out to one of the elders or another leader and we'll make sure to get you covered.
Care well for one another. This is a biblical imperative for us as the Body of Christ. Not even COVID-19 absolves us from our responsibility to/for one another. Further, the manner in which love and care for one another in the midst of this outbreak will say something to the world around us about the Savior we worship (John 13:35). May they see our good deeds and our love for one another and glorify God on the day of visitation (1 Peter 2:12).
Stay tuned to Realm for future updates. I expect this will be the first update of several. Please make sure that you and others in your Gospel Communities are on Realm and that your notification settings (in the "2 Pillars Church" group, in particular) are set to notify you when updates are posted.
Of course, please feel free to reach out to the elders, via Realm or email, if you have additional questions or concerns:
Ben - ben ( at ) 2pillarschurch ( dot ) com
Craig - craig ( at ) 2pillarschurch ( dot ) com
Todd - todd ( at ) 2pillarschurch ( dot ) com
Adam - adam ( at ) 2pillarschurch ( dot ) com
We love you and are praying for you. Grace and peace be with you all.
–Pastor Adam