A Note From Your Pastor Regarding COVID-19

Dear Church Family,

I wanted to write you a note as your pastor in this time that the world is shook by the COVID-19 or Corona Virus. I know it’s on our minds and I wanted to share with you what’s been on my heart and prayers for you. Firstly, I — like many of you — have a concern about the health and well being of those around the world, in our country, city and the potential of this virus affecting people within our circles. I respect the advice of the medical professionals, experts and government officials and want to do all I can to ensure that we as a church are following the wisdom of these people as best we can.

I am also concerned about the escalating fear surrounding us, which is leading many to discrimination, hoarding, and selfishness. In the midst of this I wanted to encourage you with three things:

We as leaders of CCCF are praying and meeting to discuss the best way to care for you. We will be listening to the ongoing advice of professionals and following their lead, and are also concerned for those vulnerable amongst us. We are also meeting to decide the appropriate responses in the right time. In this time we are still meeting for worship on Sundays, meeting in our small groups and ministries. You may notice some small changes such as: how we greet each other on Sunday, and more opportunity to wash our hands, etc. If the decision needs to be made to stop meeting, you will hear it from us.

Concern and taking the right precautions is healthy, fear and anxiety are not. Fear can lead us to only think about the safety of ourselves, and that would make me so sad to see us lose our hearts because of fear. On a practical note, anxiety can weaken the immune system, and we don’t want that either! Rather, In this time I want you to know that we don’t need to be afraid. Our Christian heritage has shown us that our faith shines through when the community around us is afraid. Christians for centuries have rejected fear for the sake of love and have been the ones to bring peace to anxious hearts. I picture our words becoming an ointment of peace for hearts that need rest. If the virus were to grow into our communities we will still not give into fear, and seek to love those around us as best we can by providing care, meals, and prayer. Take a moment to let the love of God fill your heart and let it melt the fear away.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

Although this virus has the potential to change the way we meet (we’ll have to wait and see), it cannot and will not change our mission as a church. We exist to make disciples of Jesus, to seek His Kingdom, to live out his love for the world wherever we find ourselves. I believe that God’s calling on us won’t be hindered by anything, but in His grace it will continue to be fanned into flame.

Before you go, I want you to know that if you feel vulnerable to the virus and don’t feel comfortable meeting in large groups, I completely respect your decision. I will be looking into ways that those that can’t make it in person can join us online.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

I am looking forward to getting together on Sunday to worship, pray and share a fantastic sermon from the Psalms. This Sunday we’re talking about what to do with addiction. Until then, my prayers and love are with you all.

God bless,

Justin