Dear Friends and Family of Sullivan First Christian Church,
I am writing to all of you in the midst of a culture that continues to struggle with the overwhelming impact of a global pandemic. As we continue to navigate these trying times, we face unprecedented challenges as Christians, as families, as a country, and as a church. COVID-19 continues to impact the lives of thousands of individuals all over the world on a daily basis, yet as Christians we continue to find comfort and courage from the Word of God as we read the encouragement of the Psalmist:
8 The Lord will protect your coming and going both now and forever.
Even in a time as this as when we see our world overwhelmed with the impact of this pandemic, we recognize that the Lord is still at work and He is still placing His mighty hand of provision upon His followers.
Sullivan First Christian seeks to continue to provide a place of prayer and worship in these overwhelming days while making a few adjustments to our worship opportunities. Recently, Governor Holcomb signed Executive Order 20-37, which required the residents of Indiana to begin wearing face coverings in public places when social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. This directive went into effect on Monday July 27, 2020. The full executive order can be read in its entirety on the Indiana Government website.
WHAT DOES THIS EXECUTIVE ORDER MEAN FOR CHURCH ACTIVITIES?
You may ask the question: What does this executive order mean for Sunday morning worship or other church activities? The leadership of Sullivan First Christian Church has made it our mission to effectively preach, teach, and share the Gospel on all occasions while adhering to state mandates. Starting on Sunday August 02, 2020, the following changes will take place for Sunday morning worship services:
- Face Coverings Recommended – We encourage each person in attendance to adhere to Executive Order 20-37 and wear a face covering when attending church.
- Disposable Face Coverings – If an individual would like to wear a face covering but does not have one with them when they attend a service, a disposable face covering will be available. These face coverings are located at the Connection Point.
- Social Distancing Efforts – We will return to roping off every other pew to help adhere to the social distancing guidelines suggested by the CDC and state officials.
- Sanitizing Efforts – We will continue to offer hand sanitizer stations throughout our church. We also continue to adhere to strict sanitizing efforts throughout the church from the worship center to the fellowship hall and every classroom and hallway in the building.
- Online Opportunities – We continue to offer opportunities for you to engage in worship with our church through online opportunities on Sunday morning. We understand that some individuals are avoiding public spaces at this time. We hope you will follow our services live every Sunday at 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM. These services can be found on the Sullivan First Christian Church Facebook page or you can join us on our website (https://www.sullivanfcc.org/live/).
HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP
- STEP #1 – PRAY for your church, family, community, country and those directly affected by COVID-19. Pray for the health care workers who are treating the sick and the public health administrators making difficult decisions. Pray that God would protect our community from further spread of the virus.
- STEP #2 – REFLECT CHRIST. In these anxious days, the church (all of us) can shine as a light of hope, care, faith, patience, and prudence. We can demonstrate to the world how our faith provides true assurance against worry and fear.
- STEP #3 – PRACTICE RECOMMENDED PERSONAL HYGIENE. Wash your hands frequently and stay home if you are sick.
- STEP #4 – CONTINUE TO SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL CHURCH THROUGH TITHES AND OFFERINGS. We offer three convenient ways you can continue your giving to the mission of the church: online, through the mail, or in-person at the church office, Monday-Friday. We understand that this is a difficult time for every family emotionally, physically, and financially. Your giving helps us continue to spread the Gospel in our community and beyond. It also helps us continue to minister to those who are impacted socially and economically in this time.
Sullivan First Christian Church thanks you for your continual prayer and support as we regular monitor the news and updates from state and local health agencies regarding COVID-19. Our desire is to care for the entire well-being of the individuals and families who worship with us—which includes physical as well as spiritual health.
Finally, we continue to pray for the safety and well-being of all, especially in those areas that have already been hard-hit by the coronavirus. May God continue to fill you with peace and hope in this time.
Wednesday Nights @ 6:30pm in room A102
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