IMPORTANT COVID-19 UPDATE:

Thursday, March 19, 2020

From Your Pastor

I, along with the Elders of Bethel and the Chairman of our deacon body, met to discuss how we as a church will progress concerning the COVID-19 pandemic that is affecting the globe as well as our nation. We understand the information is changing daily along with the requirements of gathering in large groups. There are many opinions on what should be done, and reaching a conclusion is often difficult. Bethel is blessed to have a great leadership team who cares for the Church.  A team that is concerned about how best to share the gospel, while at the same time being responsible to keep those we come in contact with safe. Let me share with you what direction we need to take in the near future.

First, let me remind us that the Church is not a walled institution but a living body where Christ is the head (Colossians 1:18), made to live in an everchanging world. We are here to make Christ known, and we can and still will do that, no matter what the landscape around us is like (1 Peter 3:15).

We have decided that it is in the best interest of our church body that we discontinue our regular meetings indefinitely. Our leadership will meet weekly to discuss when it is appropriate to return to our regular Sunday schedule.

Why do we feel that this is the right action to take? This following quote came from David Manner, Associate Executive Director, Kansas-Nebraska Convention of Southern Baptist.

“The question churches should be asking is “not what can we get by with,” but instead “are we willing to take a chance with these people we are called to serve?” And we should also ask if we are ready to deal with the consequences if our meeting exposed one of our congregants. We understand that because of the Executive Order any organization, including churches, can be fined if they don’t follow those guidelines.”

Here is our plan of action.

• Beginning Sunday, we will be Live Streaming our services at our regular Sunday morning worship time. There will be no congregants.

• We encourage all members to continue to give sacrificially as you have been doing. Online giving is available on our website. You are free to send your gifts by mail or bring them into the church office if that would be easier.

• Sunday evening classes on-site are cancelled or postponed.

• We will be working on a Virtual Youth Group.

• We are working on details for a virtual Sunday School. Stay tuned for details.

• Our AWANA team is working on new and exciting ways to help

• If you are under self or mandated quarantine, please let me or your Elder know. Please let the church know if there are any needs that you or your family need.

• We are encouraging families who are well to participate in church work projects. Details soon.

• In the next few days your deacon and/or Elder will contact you. Give them time to get acquainted with their list.

Please bear with us as we navigate this together.

Finally, let us remember what Paul said from prison as he wrote to the Church at Philippi, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). Paul knew what it was like to have your world change from moment to moment, and yet he still focused on our unchanging God.

With those words of encouragement in mind let us remember that we are the Church, no matter where we are.

In His Love,

Your Pastor, Glenn

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