SAINT PAUL AND COVID-19

 

March 18, 2020

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

God Is In Control.

 

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a very serious matter.  Since December we have been calling on God to bless the researchers, to be with the caregivers, and to comfort and heal those affected by this disease.  We have also been closely monitoring the situation.  We want to be faithful to God as we seek to protect our members and friends from unnecessary health risks.

 

We know God is in control.  He is busy at work, trying to create something good out of this health emergency.  One way God works is that He invites us to partner with Him.  He urges us to create healing by taking wise and thoughtful actions.

 

One Christian leader put it this way: As followers of Christ, we do not fear or panic, but pray and stay prepared.  And as Proverbs 22:3 adds: The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

 

What We Have Done.

 

We have adopted several short-term policies in keeping with current state health policies and guidelines.  We have done this to be a good neighbor, and also to be wise about this situation.  So far we have cancelled all non-worship church activities.  Last weekend, we also made several changes to they way we do worship.

 

The Road Ahead.

 

Now we face an even greater challenge.  On March 17, Governor Pritzker ordered several venues to limit crowd sizes to 50.  The Centers for Disease Control also issued an advisory urging people to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people. 

 

There is no way we can meet either of these guidelines without cancelling worship services.  As a result, after much prayer and discussion, we have decided to cancel all worship services until April 4 and 5 (Palm Sunday Weekend).  There will be no worship on: Wednesday, March 18; Saturday, March 21; Sunday, March 22; Wednesday, March 25; Saturday, March 28; Sunday, March 29; Wednesday, April 1.

 

The Church Office will remain open on most days during office hours.   Be sure to call before you come.

 

We will continue to closely monitor the situation and make whatever changes are necessary.  We will mail you an update in two weeks.

          

A Last Thought.

 

The Lord is good, and will see us through this.  It is good for us to partner with God in addressing the current emergency.  May God bless us all as we seek to be wise in the face of the virus.  

 

Please keep praying for Saint Paul congregation, for the researchers who are fighting the virus, for all those assisting the sick, for those who are struggling with illness, and for the welfare of everyone involved (which is everyone).

 

Also, please be sure to look for updates at www.stpauladdison.com. 

 

In Jesus’ Love,

Pastor Zimmerman and John Efting (Head Elder for the Board of Elders)