COVID19: Letter from Pastor John Watson

Dear Congregation,

     Like most of you, we have been inundated with conversations, emails, and the media coming at us in various forms concerning the coronavirus pandemic. Some in our country are panicking by hoarding up food and sanitary supplies which has caused unnecessary shortages across the country. Our Michigan schools are closed, restaurants are being limited to their numbers, many major attractions are closing for a period. The CDC has recommended that groups no larger than 50 gather due to community spread taking place in 49 of our 50 states. Our own Governor has reported that we have 53 plus infected people here in Michigan. And this will no doubt rise with testing.

     As believers we realize that such pandemics are ultimately the result of the curse that is upon the earth and humanity that goes back to Genesis chapter 3 with the fall of our first parents. Also, we can’t help but think of occasions like Satan’s torment of Job within the permissive will of God. Plus, we also must note warnings like the Lord gave His people warning at the dedication of the Temple in Solomon’s day.

     We read these words in 2 Chronicles 7:13–15 (NKJV)

“¹³ When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, ¹⁴ if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. ¹⁵ Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.”

     God is sovereign over all that is taking place and as God’s people we must humble ourselves, pray, and seek His forgiveness, knowing the He can heal our land. These kinds of health pandemics are God calling our attention to the fact of our mortality and our need to trust and worship Him through faith in Jesus Christ.

     Given the reality of this pandemic we must use our God given wisdom to protect each other, especially our older ones who are most susceptible to dying from this COVID-19. Our congregation is older which led us to close this past Sunday. We felt it best to error on the side of caution knowing that this virus is real, very communicable, and very dangerous to our elderly.

     This past Sunday morning our Deacons met to discuss the ramifications of the coronavirus upon our worship gatherings. We will decide by this Thursday (3-19-2020) if we will be open this Sunday. If we are open Sunday and thereafter, we will hold only a Sunday morning worship with no adult or children Sunday School classes, also there will be no evening services. We will hold our regular prayer meeting on Wednesday for adults only. Children ministries will be canceled until we are past this pandemic.

     When we come to gather, we encourage you not to hug each other or extend handshakes but to give elbow bumps or pat your heart. Also, we will discontinue our sweets and treats for the time being. Those age 60 and older are certainly excused from attending services out of concern for your health. If you have any symptoms, colds, coughs, fever, or possible communicable health issues we ask you to stay home for the sake of the health of our worshiping community.

     We have instituted a Christian communication program called “FlockNote” which is in place and available for you to access and set up immediately on your computers and cell phones to receive texts and emails. This will replace our prayer chain which doesn’t function well. It will incorporate care group interaction and better general communication. If you need assistance with the “FlockNote” app speak to or call one of your friends that is more “techie” who can help you get started or call on us.

     Also, effective Tuesday morning (3/17) online giving is available at our church’s website (standalebaptist.org). You may also drop off your offering at the church office or mail it to the church address. The church will maintain its regular hours Monday thru Friday as much as possible.  

     We encourage care groups to gather to worship, pray, celebrate community, and look at how they can reach out to within and without their group. We believe that this pandemic will teach us to be strong in the Lord and build greater community. Yes, this pandemic is dangerous and is changing our way of life in our country for a time, yet, we already see good things that are beginning to come forth from it!

     If we decide to close for a week or so we will go to a “Facebook Live” worship format which will take place at our regular Sunday morning worship times. This is being setup for this Sunday if we are closed.

     Please be in prayer for us as we plan our congregational life through these difficult days. We must think and act upon Proverbs 3:5-6, its wisdom says to us…

     “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

     Meanwhile, maintain good hygiene by washing your hands often, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and avoid skin to skin contact. If you are sick, stay home and self-quarantine. Our desire as leaders is to serve you in whatever manner you need help, please let a deacon, your care leader, or pastor know. There are people willing to make runs to the grocery store or other places for you.

          Let us keep our focus of leading people to believe, belong, and become all that God has called them to be! Let us keep looking unto Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:1)!

Respectfully yours in Christ,

Pastor Watson on behalf of the Deacon Board