Notes Regarding the New Coronavirus and Times Like These
Hey Everyone - A few notes regarding the current situation with the new Coronavirus:
As you, I have been watching the news stories of the week pile up with the cascading events caused by the spread of the Novel Coronavirus. It's been a new experience to see the effects on our society and the reactions of people. Thank God we live in a country and in a time in which we have the medical community we do and the excellent advice they give. Please know that regarding our church:
We are monitoring the advice of public health officials for churches and other gatherings of people, and are implementing the appropriate protocols.
We expect our usual Sunday Services, Prayer Gatherings, and (this month) Wednesday night choir practices to continue, unless we email you differently. Any changes will also will be on our FB Page.
We trust each of our church family to be proactive in applying the advice from Alberta Health, balancing the fact that the risk of infection in AB is still low with wisdom and cooperation with directives.
Also: If you are self-isolating please let us know! We would love to find a way to minister to you right where you are and be a help with anything you may need.
When it comes to following Jesus in times like these, there are spiritual principles that are worth thinking through and applying. I believe they will strengthen us and see us through. Consider:
Fear is far more contagious than any virus. Be aware of what's happening in society with fear and panic seeming to run wild, and determine that no matter what happens you will not give place to it in your life. Choose to walk in faith and peace. In times like these, as believers, let's remind ourselves that fear is a spirit and we can stand against it in Jesus' Name, refusing it access into our homes and lives. We know that God is our healer and our provider and we have NOTHING to worry about. In fact, worry is not an option for a Christ-follower! The remedy for fear is to know God's love deeper. See number two below.
What you focus on grows. In times like these it's easy to over-focus on the latest news and developments, and perhaps other sources of information and rumor. Remember however, that we need God's Word and God's Promises to be strong on the inside of our hearts. Media stories draw us in, and we see ourselves in the future they point to. However God's "news" is different, based on a higher truth, and He desires us to have His picture of our future deep in our hearts. Why not allow these new concerns and questions we're all facing, and any disruption to regular living, to initiate a deeper relationship between you and God? Spend extra time with God and in His Word. Let disruption drive you to the Word, not to more news updates! Start with Psalm 91. All you need is there, in the "secret place of the most high".
Look for opportunities! In any crisis or major change (even unwanted!) is opportunity. Examples: As you apply the principles above you will begin to stand out, creating opportunities to share the faith that's in you. Be ready to do so! Also, remember that fear / panic are inherently selfish and inward focused. Instead, let's be on the look out for how we can operate in the opposite spirit to step out and serve others. Is there someone elderly under self-isolation you can shop for, or phone-visit with? Is there someone you can bring a meal to? Or A WALK YOU CAN SHOVEL?! Be quick to speak faith and to give and serve.
Church, let's walk together thru whatever the days and weeks ahead hold - Refusing to let fear dominate our thinking, spending extra focus on relationship with Jesus, and looking for ways speak faith, and to give and serve! Finally, I've been encouraged by this 15 minute message by Joseph Prince regarding the spread of this new virus. It's well worth a listen. And if you want to hear my message from last Sunday on "Fear Not" it's here. These resources will get you pointed in the right direction.
See you around,
Rowan