Updated March 19, 2020
The current COVID-19 pandemic is constantly changing, and it behooves us to adapt to those changes as they come. Recently, the St. Louis County government has placed a 9-person cap on all assemblies. Consequently, our church will be abiding by the following procedures:
- We are encouraging the elderly and immunocompromised to stay at home.
- We are limiting the total number of people in our church building to 18 (up to 9 in the sanctuary and up to 9 in the fellowship hall). Those who are seated in the fellowship hall will listen to the service over the sound system. The respective assemblies will avoid interaction with each other and utilize separate entrances.
- We are promoting social distancing by avoiding any physical contact and by spreading out the seating arrangement inside the sanctuary and fellowship hall.
- We are not passing the offering plate but are instead making a donation drop box available for those who cannot donate online. Those who stay home can choose to mail their contributions to the church or utilize online giving. For online giving, visit https://tithe.ly/give?c=152198
- We are postponing the Lord’s Supper observances and all potlucks and activities until further notice.
I understand these measures will make the church-going experience less than ideal, but I believe that by following these guidelines we can honor the Lord’s command to be faithful to the church assembly while at the same time loving our neighbor by not endangering their welfare by irresponsibly spreading the virus.
For those who need to stay home, please be careful that you do not get out of the habit of worshiping the Lord on Sundays. Now is a good time to start having family devotions if you do not already. On the Lord’s Day especially, be sure to take advantage of modern technology by listening to good preaching online. Pastor Joe’s sermons are available at sermonaudio.com/srbcstl
This pandemic will certainly bring lean times to many families, including some in our own church. Let us be faithful to give to the Lord’s work and to share with others in need as we are able.
These days are filled with anxiety, but God is faithful. His Word has warned us that “perilous times shall come,” so we are not surprised when such difficulties as these arise. Let us never doubt His goodness but evermore remain true to our Savior and King, remembering His words:
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
~ Pastor Joe Cassada