Pastoral Letter on the Coronavirus and the Church
Our life together as a congregation has been disrupted by a virus. Daily life has been interrupted. It’s quite likely we’re feeling anxious and even afraid. It’s times like this that we might turn to the church for encouragement and fellowship. Unfortunately, our ability to gather together has been curtailed. We don’t know how long this will last, but it would seem that this could extend into May and perhaps longer. The best thing we can do is follow the guidelines offered by the Centers for Disease Control. Wash your hands with soap and water and if possible, stay at home.
In the meantime, we are providing an online worship experience. It’s not the same as being there, but you’ll see familiar faces and hear a message of hope in word and song and prayer. An outline of Sunday’s online service will be attached to the email version of this letter being sent out to the congregation so you can follow along during the online service 10:30. You can find the service by visiting our Church Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CentralWoodward. The good news is that you don’t have to have a Facebook account to visit the site. If you have a Facebook account, however, I encourage you to “like” the page. That way you will see our updates. Even if you’re not able to be with us at 10:30, I will be posting the videos of the service and also of my message on the website later in the day.
One area of concern is our congregational giving. During this time away, if at all possible, we encourage you to continue your giving through the mail or using our Givelify online app. You can find the link on our web page (www.centralwoodward.org).
Know that as your pastor I’m here for you, even if it’s not wise for me to do in-person visits. Please contact me if you have any need. I also encourage you to be in touch with each other. I’ve had several phone conversations with church members, and it seems many of you already are in touch with each other. Keep that up!! We are the church together!
We will get through this, for as the Psalmist reminds us: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4 NRSV).
Blessings,
Pastor Bob Cornwall
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