3.19.20 – Dear Faith Covenant Family,
Adaptability has been the main theme at our church and in our community over the last several weeks. In light of the current virus concerns, we have shut down all ministry areas. It is doubtful that things will be much different in two weeks.
We are asking that if you are in need or know of anyone in need that you contact the office or one of our deacons. We will also be contacting people to check in on them. I encourage you to stay in regular contact with one another. Call, text, email, and visit (if appropriate). As you do, encourage one another and pray for one another; help one another; listen and laugh with one another; share your concerns with one another. We are the Body of Christ and the Lord Jesus has given us to one another as a gift—be that gift.
The 11:00 am service will be live-streamed on our church Facebook page at facebook.com/faithcov. ‘Like’ and follow that page for continuing information.
With no current cases in Flathead Valley, we are taking responsible steps of infection management. New information could change what that looks like, and we will keep you posted. For this week, we are not locking our doors and modified services will be at 8:15, 11:00 and 6:30 pm. If you do choose to come, please be advised of the changes.
If you are sick, please stay home. If you have traveled to a Covid prevalent area, please maintain the 2 weeks self-quarantine and stay home. If you are in a high-risk category, assess your decision accordingly. If you are uncertain of being out in public, please stay home.
For those who do come, we will be spacing people out, disinfecting the pews and surfaces, and not passing anything down the pews to one another. There is no nursery or children’s church, and we ask that people do not congregate afterward. Communion will be administered as it was last week. Carefully prepared trays will be offered for you to take as a double-stacked cup (wine in the top cup and bread in the bottom cup).
For the future, we are looking at various creative options as new needs arise. Governor Bullock has asked the assemblies be under 50 people, and we believe that we can maintain that number with proper distancing. The Governor may eventually mandate we do not meet. If so, we will only stream our service.
We believe canceling church should be a last resort. We want to be responsible in following health care recommended steps while we are responsible as Christians to the high priority of corporate worship. The physical means of grace in communion, the great comfort of person-to-person community and prayer at church, and worshipping our great and glorious Savior have always been paramount for Christians through even the darkest moments of history. The comfort and joy of the good news of Jesus Christ is a balm to anxious and fearful hearts. To that end, we believe where infection risks can be managed, that we should take careful measures to maintain regular assembly together as long as possible. What may be needed for high-density urban areas will likely look different than sparsely populated rural areas. Individuals and families should assess this risk according to their own consciences.
The Lord is on His throne. None of this has taken Him by surprise. Serve and care for your neighbors, promote peace in the name of our risen Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
I am God, and there is no other, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.”
Isaiah 46:9-10
The Session of Faith Covenant Church