Important COVID-19 Update
GCC Family,
These are truly remarkable times. Never in my lifetime do I remember so many public events being canceled. We’ve been inundated with varying perspectives and positions regarding COVID-19. My own personal position has shifted dramatically over the past few days as more information has come to light.
Thus, out of a deep love and concern for you and love for our neighbors we have made the difficult decision to not gather as a church this Sunday, March 15th. While it is certainly no substitute, nor long-term solution, to gathering together as the church, we plan to send out helpful content prior to Sunday morning for you to use in prayer and study either privately or with your family.
Also, for the time being, all other church activities such as Sunday evening activities, weekly Bible studies, youth group, etc. will not be meeting. We are exploring other ways for these groups to meet via phone or video calls to continue encouraging and exhorting one another in the weeks ahead.
We will continue to evaluate the rapidly-changing environment of COVID-19 in Indiana and will prayerfully consider plans early next week for future Sunday gatherings. Our church needs to lead the way in or community in doing whatever we can do to help slow the spread of this virus.
To be clear, this is not a response that is driven by fear or panic but out of love for those who are in high risk situations and a desire to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).
Brothers & Sisters, this is a prime opportunity for us as Christians to shine as bright lights in the midst of a very dark situation. Point your coworkers, neighbors, friends, and family to the unquenchable joy and hope that is found only in Jesus! Consider creative ways to use the technology God has given us to encourage others with Scripture, check in on the welfare of friends and neighbors, and care for those who may be in vulnerable/needy positions.
- Pray for local, state, and national leaders to be wise in the roles God has placed them to help mitigate the impact of this virus.
- Pray that we, as Christians, would model good citizenship by living out what it means to love our neighbors and be wise in our conduct as we follow the guidance given to us.
- Pray for the elders/pastors of GCC as we consider how to address pastoral care and other benevolence needs that may arise among our body during this season.
Yesterday morning I began our weekly staff prayer time with the words of King David in Psalm 24:1-2:
"The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers."
We have an anchor in life - his name is Jesus! Now is the time to make our hope in Christ known and live in light of this glorious truth!
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Matt
These are truly remarkable times. Never in my lifetime do I remember so many public events being canceled. We’ve been inundated with varying perspectives and positions regarding COVID-19. My own personal position has shifted dramatically over the past few days as more information has come to light.
Thus, out of a deep love and concern for you and love for our neighbors we have made the difficult decision to not gather as a church this Sunday, March 15th. While it is certainly no substitute, nor long-term solution, to gathering together as the church, we plan to send out helpful content prior to Sunday morning for you to use in prayer and study either privately or with your family.
Also, for the time being, all other church activities such as Sunday evening activities, weekly Bible studies, youth group, etc. will not be meeting. We are exploring other ways for these groups to meet via phone or video calls to continue encouraging and exhorting one another in the weeks ahead.
We will continue to evaluate the rapidly-changing environment of COVID-19 in Indiana and will prayerfully consider plans early next week for future Sunday gatherings. Our church needs to lead the way in or community in doing whatever we can do to help slow the spread of this virus.
To be clear, this is not a response that is driven by fear or panic but out of love for those who are in high risk situations and a desire to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).
Brothers & Sisters, this is a prime opportunity for us as Christians to shine as bright lights in the midst of a very dark situation. Point your coworkers, neighbors, friends, and family to the unquenchable joy and hope that is found only in Jesus! Consider creative ways to use the technology God has given us to encourage others with Scripture, check in on the welfare of friends and neighbors, and care for those who may be in vulnerable/needy positions.
- Pray for local, state, and national leaders to be wise in the roles God has placed them to help mitigate the impact of this virus.
- Pray that we, as Christians, would model good citizenship by living out what it means to love our neighbors and be wise in our conduct as we follow the guidance given to us.
- Pray for the elders/pastors of GCC as we consider how to address pastoral care and other benevolence needs that may arise among our body during this season.
Yesterday morning I began our weekly staff prayer time with the words of King David in Psalm 24:1-2:
"The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers."
We have an anchor in life - his name is Jesus! Now is the time to make our hope in Christ known and live in light of this glorious truth!
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Matt
Posted in COVID-19