3/14/20 Update from the Virus Response Team

Dear Providence family and friends,

    The Virus Response Team (VRT) met this morning to think through some implications and plans for our church as we walk with each other through the COVID-19 national emergency. Here are some take-aways...

    * We will be open for morning worship and Sunday School tomorrow, but please feel free to access the service at home via our on-line link at https://www.providence-pca.org/live. You can access the bulletin on the "sermon" page as you click on the sermon for the day.

    * PLEASE NOTE - if you (or a family member) are feeling sick, or you are physically weaker, and/or are older in age, kindly consider worshiping at home! We love you and don't want you to get sick! If you have problems accessing the on-line service, contact Chad Kulp, who has graciously volunteered to provide technical assistance!

    * All Home Fellowship Groups and mid-week meetings at the church have been cancelled until March 30. At that time we will reassess where everything is with the virus.

    * If you are at worship tomorrow, you will notice that the offering plates are on a table in the back. We will NOT be passing them around during the typical time during worship, so please put your offering directly in the plate as you enter the service. A request from our finance team - please do not lick your envelopes closed (it's amazing how many germs they must encounter opening those envelopes!!).

    * The Christ's Cupboard food outreach will be transitioning to a drive-thru service next Saturday morning, with pre-made packages of food ready to be handed out. If you' like to help, please contact the Jon Waltenbaugh!

    * A number of questions have been raised about the upcoming Women's Conference at our church, as well as plans for Easter. At this point, it is too early to give firm answers! The VRT will meet again next Saturday morning to assess where we stand with the virus outbreak.

    * The nursery has been "deep cleaned", hard-to-clean toys have been removed, and it will be open tomorrow morning.

    * Finally, if you need child-care assistance (because of schools being closed and parents working) please contact your shepherding elder or one of the deacons.

I'm very thankful for the wisdom & work of the Virus Response Team (Jon Waltenbaugh, Becca Lacock, Steve Lacock, Bill MIles, Richard Brewer, and Diane Henderson). Any questions or concerns, please let us know!!

As we walk through this "unprecedented" season together, I am reminded of the reaction in Ephesus when the Lord struck the city with an earthquake. It is recorded in Acts 16. Here's the climax ...

 

29 And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.

As this "earthquake" hits our country, may the Lord cause  many of our friends, neighbors, and family to cry out, "What must I do to be saved?" And May God give us the grace to be there and to direct them to Jesus Christ.

Your brother in Christ,

Pastor Mark