Church Gatherings & Meetings – update 4/10/2020
Good Friday & Easter
Greetings! We are looking forward to our Good Friday Service at 5:00 pm Friday and our Easter Service at 10:00 am Sunday. Just go to cogc.org to find the link. Both services will be available to view at a later time. We hope you will join and invite other, as well.
God’s Purpose for Our Generation
Acts 13:36 says “For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption,” There is the purpose of God for every generation. We are called to serve that purpose. While that purpose involves many things, walking through this global pandemic makes some of those things become very clear. We are called to trust in God’s goodness rather than fear. We are called to give up some of our privileges out of love for those around us. We are called to obey those in civil authority.
1 Peter 2:13-14 (ESV)
Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.
Developed by public health experts on the White House Coronavirus Task Force, these guidelines remain essential for containing the virus and protecting the most vulnerable among us:
- Listen and follow all directionsfrom your state and local authorities.
- Avoid social gatherings, especially those with more than 10 people.
- Practice strict personal hygiene. Wash your hands and avoid touching your face. Sneeze or cough into a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
- Use pickup or delivery options instead of eating at restaurants or bars.
- Work from home if at all possible. Do not go to work if you feel sick.
- If someone in your householdtests positive for Coronavirus, keep the entire family at home and contact your medical provider.
Click here for a 30 second video demonstrates the effectiveness of social distancing.
Philippians 2:14-15 (ESV)
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world...
April 19, 2020
Update 4/17/2020
The White House Coronavirus Task Force has produced next steps for returning to “normal” life. Governor DeWine has said the plan is for Ohio to begin Phase One as of May 1st.
Based on our current understanding of the process we do not anticipate returning to regular Sunday services until somewhat after the May 10th target originally given by the CDC.
We will continue to monitor the progress of efforts to suppress the spread of COVID-19 and bring more clarity as to when we can meet together again. Please see below.
Summary from the Task Force*
Under Phase One of reopening:
- Employers should continue remote working and to close common areas and "enforce strict social distancing protocol."
- Restaurants, places of worship, gyms and movie theatres can reopen with physical distancing measures enforced. Bars should remain closed.
- Doctors can resume elective surgeries.
- Schools that have closed should remain closed, and hospitals and senior living facilities should remain off limits to visitors.
States without a spike in cases through Phase One can move to
Phase Two:
- Schools, restaurants, bars and gyms to reopen with a smaller occupancy limit.
- Non-essential travel can resume
- People can gather in groups no larger than 50 people, but employers should encourage remote working.
Without any "rebound" in virus activity during Phase Two, states can move to
Phase Three:
- Visits to hospitals and senior living facilities can resume.
- Large venues can remain open but with strict physical distancing guidelines in place.
Click the link below for the full report:
Recommendations from White House Coronavirus Task Force
* Taken from an article in the Independent
April 17, 2020
Update April 24, 2020
Dear COGC Community,
I pray this finds you well and in the grasp of God’s grace! Here are a few updates and resources.
COVID-19
We are continuing to follow the President’s and Governor’s task forces for information and direction. I am involved with a group of executive pastors and administrators from 20+ churches in our area that is developing and sharing best practices for walking through and out of this season of the stay at home directive. In addition, I am participation in a number of webinars and conversations with online church consultants, Christian legal advisors and national church leaders. I am working on our own sanitation and gathering best practices for when we are able to gather again.
It is still too early to say with precision when it would be wise to gather again. I have heard estimates of late May to July. We may be able to stair-step up with smaller groups at first. Please continue to pray for God’s wisdom for us. In the meantime, please follow the guidelines for social distancing, hand washing, etc. including following the (click here) CDC How to Protect Yourself & Others
Resources
Here are some links to excellent resources that will serve you well:
- Corona Virus and Christ – This link will take you to an outstanding book Dr Piper just published. It is available to download to read or hear. Dr. Piper’s Desiring God ministry reached out personally to Sovereign Grace Churches to offer free hard copies of the book for our family of churches. We have ordered hard copies that we will make available when they come. I’ve read the book and highly recommend it.
- Creative coronavirus help - World Magazine This is a good resource for ideas and inspiration.
- Link to Virtual Instruction – Navigating Online Resources and Child Safety PDF – This is a helpful guide to avoid sexual predation online for teacher and parents of students doing online studies from Greg Love and Kimberly Norris at MinistrySafe. We use the training and guidelines from MinistrySafe for security in our children’s ministry. This resource was provided to us via Sovereign Grace Churches.
You are on my heart and in my prayers,
Pastor Bert
April 24, 2020