Good morning Westside Family,
Pastor Nathan here to let you know that after a very long conversation, the Elder’s made the difficult decision to suspend our ministry programs temporarily for the next two weeks starting today, March 11, to comply with safety measures being asked of us in response to the Corona Virus. I want you to know that this decision didn’t come easy and that it is not in a panicked reaction of fear but a genuine concern for the health and safety of our community. We still know and believe that God is on His throne and believe that the church is at the center of bringing the peace and hope of Jesus Christ to the local community around us.
So what does that mean for us? Well, we will not be having our regular Sunday morning service on March 22 or 29 and our Student Ministry, Celebrate Recovery and Seasoned saints will not be meeting at their respective times and dates until April as well. And we are encouraging our small groups to consider suspending gathering, especially if you meet in any of our senior saint’s homes, to be as safe as possible.
What we are going to do is stream Sunday service for you on our YouTube channel and Facebook page. You will be able to engage with Pastor Tom in worship and I will be bringing a message of hope during this trying time. We will also be posting a number of videos and messages of encouragement on our social media pages such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. I encourage you to not only engage with them but to “like” them and repost them on your own social media pages for your extended community. And you can still give your tithes and offerings online through the Church Center app on your smartphone, on our website, or by clicking the link here. Or if you prefer, you can simply mail it in at your convenience.
With that said, this is an unprecedented time for the church to be creative in how it continues to do ministry. Though we won’t be gathering on Sunday, the church still has the opportunity to reach our friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors with the life-saving message of Jesus Christ. I encourage you to take precautions to be healthy, but reach out to your community and if you are able, offer a helping hand. It’s a great opportunity to truly be the hands and feet of Christ and though we are all trying to be socially healthy and responsible, we still need each other. And above all else, pray. Pray for peace in our land. Pray for healing. Pray for level heads and clear thinking. Pray God’s will be done.
Along those lines, the WCC office will still be open during this time and if you need assistance with anything, especially if you are apart of our Senior community, I encourage you to call us. We have a group of people on stand-by willing and able to help out with grocery shopping and other necessities that you may need.
Church, we do not live in fear. And the anxiety around us need not shake our faith. God has not abandoned us and in fact, let me remind you of the truth of Deuteronomy 31:6 which says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” These words are just as true today as it was when it was spoken through Moses. Be strong and courageous Church. Love people well. Serve those you can. Know that you are deeply loved by your Westside Church family and by God. And look forward, with anticipation, to that glorious day when we will meet once again and celebrate the goodness and faithfulness of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
