Beloved Church Family,

     What a window of opportunity we have for the gospel. With heightened fear of “getting the virus,” one thing is certain and that is that people are being reminded big time about their mortality! Peter instructs Christians to “Set aside Christ as Lord in your hearts and be prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). Let us make the most of this opportunity to tell people the gospel. I used this virus to hand a gospel tract to my neighbor Ray earlier today. I encourage you to “redeem the time” as well.

     That said, in cooperation with medical professionals and governor Newsome, several exercises in “loving your neighbor” are highly recommended. Let us seek to be both wise and careful with people, “seeking good for ourselves and for all” (1 Thes 5:15). Some ways to care for others is to avoid handshakes (a hard one for me) and keeping a 6-foot social distance is recommended. Washing your hands frequently is recommended (with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds). If you have any symptoms of a virus please remain home. Also, if you are elderly and/or have secondary medical issues you are most vulnerable to the virus. For that reason you should not feel the least bit guilty for remaining at home during worship services. Audio and video of the sermon will be available real soon.

 Sunday evening meals will be cancelled through March (15^th, 22^nd, and 29^th). Our Creation speaker has cancelled for the 15^th evening service.  At this point plan to host worship services Sunday as normally scheduled.

 One way to serve your church and guests this Sunday is to arrive at 8:30 AM to help our usher team with disinfecting. We must make certain that all hand rails, doorknobs, and ledges receive a through sanitization.  The church has several cannisters of wipes on hand, any donation of these sanitizing wipes would be welcomed.

 “Trust in the Lord forever, for our God is an everlasting Rock” (Isaiah 26:4).

 Praying for you,

 Pastor Will