March 14, 2020

Dear First Christian Church Family,

Mark 4:35-41 tells the story of a time when Jesus got into a boat with his disciples and told them, “Let’s go over to the other side.” After they embarked on their short journey across the Sea of Galilee, a fierce storm arose that threatened to capsize their small craft. The disciples were terrified, but Jesus was asleep. When they wakened Jesus, he rebuked the wind and waves, and the storm subsided. Then he asked the disciples, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

We now find ourselves in a storm that threatens us, the COVID-19 pandemic. The world around us may be panicking, but we need not fear–not because we are invulnerable to diseases, but because Jesus has promised to never leave us or forsake us. We can be confident in his care.

Faith and prudence are not incompatible. We walk by faith, not by sight, according to the Scripture, but we are also exhorted to be wise and discerning. After prayerful consideration, the FCC Elders have determined to proceed as follows.
• We will continue to have our regular Sunday services, with some minor adjustments to reduce the amount of physical contact and exposure.
• If you are sick, or have any of the symptoms of respiratory illness, please stay home. Contact your health provider for advice on what you should do.
• If you have traveled in the last two weeks and suspect you might have been exposed to the Coronavirus, please stay home and monitor yourself for any symptoms of respiratory illness.
• If you are concerned that it may be unwise for you to venture out into public because of your age or health or any other reason, or you are uncomfortable doing so, please do not feel that you must or should attend church anyway. Stay home until you are confident that you are able to resume your normal church involvement.
• If you are unable to make it to church, please let us know how we can help you. Sermons will continue to be posted online, usually within two to three days.

Based upon the strong recommendation of the Douglas County Health Department and of the Giving Tree Director, we are closing the Giving Tree Preschool for two weeks. We will continue to post updates on our website and provide email communication as necessary to alert
the church of any changes or developments.

Stay faithful in this storm; our God is able to turn this for good. Please continue to pray for those who are affected by this pandemic, including those who are facing uncertainties with their jobs, and especially for those who do not know Christ, that they may turn to him and be saved.

FCC Elders and Pastor Barry