Worship Gathering and the Corona Virus Outbreak
/Dear Free Grace Church Family and Friends,
We want to write to share with you a few church updates related to the current situation with the Covid-19 virus for our church. As you know our government at all levels is taking some unprecedented steps to prevent the spread of the virus. The Governor of California and our city government have issued statements strongly encouraging groups larger than 250 cancel meetings, as well as the postponing of nonessential meetings. Sadly, while much of the public response in the news and social media has been characterized by irrational panic and fear, we want to be wise and take the advice of healthcare experts seriously. We are committed to avoiding the paralyzing fear that has upset the peace of so many, as well as avoiding a cavalier attitude. We want to rest in Christ but also be wise. We want you to know that we have arrived at the conclusion below through some research, consultation and prayer.
As of now we are planning on having our normal Sunday services this week (prayer meeting at 9am and worship at 10am). We are doing this for several reasons. First, because we believe that worship is necessary. And even more necessary in times of fear and crisis. Second, because our church is smaller than the 250 cut off number recommended by health officials. Finally, because Fresno County at present is not seriously affected by the outbreak like other locations. Since the situation began, there has only been one confirmed case in Fresno County and that was travel related. The Fresno County Healthy Department COVID-19 webpage states (today), “There is no immediate threat to the general public in Fresno County. The Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH) has plans in place to inform and protect all residents, limit exposures to any new cases if identified, and address concerns as they arise.” You can read more at this page. We will update you if there are any changes in the coming weeks.
In order to show love to one another and our neighbors we are taking several precautions:
We will live stream our service on Sunday for those who are unable to be present with us. We will share the link once the exact information is available.
We ask all those with any cold/flu symptoms, (cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever, chills, body aches, etc), to stay at home for the sake of caution. If you need prayer or help please reach out to us so we can be aware.
We will be making a few changes to our normal practices in the way we have snacks, share communion, etc. to lessen unnecessary exposure.
We are also asking that you all spread out a during worship, avoid shaking hands, and wash your hands before and after the service. We will also have some hand sanitizer for use. Please DO consider other ways to encourage one another through fellowship, phone calls, and encouraging messages.
Finally, we encourage those who are elderly, and/or who have existing health challenges (heart problems, lung disease, cancer, immune compromise, etc) to consider staying home. We are NOT requiring that you stay away from corporate gatherings. We are just encouraging you to be more careful than the average healthy young person needs to be. If you feel shut in during this time or need help please let us know and we will be help you however we can.
And as of now we are planning to cancel our monthly potluck on March 29th.
We will certainly contact you if there are any changes.
Please contact us if you have any questions. You can email Pastor Matt at MattTroupe@freegracefresno.com
We also encourage you to reach out to those in need with love and service. Please make a phone call to or visit friends, neighbors and family that are elderly or have chronic illnesses to encourage them and offer to serve them (maybe you can bring them food or go grocery shopping for them). This is a chance for us to be different from the self-centered panic that has characterized so many.
I would like to leave you with this encouragement:
“31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,
“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31-39
For His Glory,
Pastors Matt and Andy
