Hello dear saints of Redeemer Church. I want to update you on what we the elders have decided for us regarding the Corona Virus.
There is a ton of information regarding the Corona Virus (COVID-19) swirling around out there. I know for some it can be scary and for others, it can be frustrating. It is always best to go to the source of information to make the best decisions (Proverbs 25:2). This is what I, along with the elders of Redeemer, have been doing out of our care for you dear saints. That being said, today the Santa Clara County Health Officer issued an official order, effective March 14, 2020, prohibiting public or private gatherings of more than 100 people. The County Health Officer has also banned gatherings of 35 to 100 people unless certain strict conditions are met.
We as a church are under the ultimate authority of Christ and his commands at all times, no matter what the government says (Ephesians 1:22). At the same time, God has given us the government to maintain safety and peace on this earth (Romans 13:1). So we trust their professional wisdom when they tell us to not meet together for a time. Their directions to us in this situation are not to be received as persecution but care.
Therefore, the elders of Redeemer Church have decided to submit to our governing authorities and follow their protection by not meeting together for Sunday service. We will have a live stream available, and more information on that will be coming out shortly. This also means that our upcoming Redeemed Manhood and Redeemed Womanhood meetings, as well as our Community Groups, will not be meeting in person for the next few weeks. This decision from the county and from our elders is in place through the end of March.
We as Christians need to not live in fear because we have faith that our God is good and kind even in the middle of this situation (Jeremiah 29:11). At the same time, our faith in the goodness and sovereignty of God does not allow us to be careless or blind to our responsibility to look after the well-being of our fellow man. We who are healthy right now have a responsibility to those high-risk people around us and in our congregation, to do what we can to keep them healthy. This is an opportunity to prefer one another and consider each other as more important than yourself (Philippians 2:3, 4).
We need to pray. God is in control of this (Isaiah 45:7). He has brought the Corona Virus to us and he knows what he is doing. We should trust his loving plan for our lives as we move forward. Please pray for those in authority who are making decisions that affect us all (1 Timothy 2:1, 2). Pray for those who are sick and may enter eternity very soon (James 4:14). Pray for your elders of Redeemer, that we make decisions that honor God AND care for people (Hebrews 13:18). If you have any questions or concerns, we are open to your calls, texts, and emails. Let us know if you get sick so that we can extend our Christian love to you during this time (James 5:14).
Some practical direction to you just to help you and everyone stay healthy:
- If you have coronavirus related symptoms (fever, respiratory problems, a cough) see a doctor.
- If you have symptoms or are sick at all (even a cold) stay home and avoid others.
- If you are healthy, stay away from sick people.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
- Use good hygiene practices such as Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
In all of this, the next few weeks will present new challenges to us as Christians in a fallen world. If I may, I want to encourage you, dear brothers and sisters. Do not see those around you as potential carriers of a virus, but as lost souls who may be even closer to eternity than we think. In these times the church of Christ has an opportunity to shine all the more brightly with the gospel of Jesus. In your isolation, do not keep the gospel hidden. Use social media, texts, and phone calls to care for the souls of those around you. And may Christ be exalted especially now more than ever before. God bless you.