With the evolving COVID-19 situation, as Christians we have an opportunity to demonstrate faith over fear. That doesn’t mean we ignore the practical measures, it means we combine those measures with faith, information and discernment. Take a moment to read the actions we are taking for your health and well-being.
"walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:1-3
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." Colossians 3:12-14
"Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Matthew 22:37-39
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." Colossians 3:12-14
"Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Matthew 22:37-39
*Updated 8/11/2021
Updates at FBCJC:
Dear Church,
Out of an abundance of compassion and love, we are asking everyone to wear a mask and distance when inside the building.
While we wish this were not the case, but several members of our church have already been effected by this new COVID variant, directly and indirectly. We also recognize that many of our congregation are at risk or vulnerable. Most importantly, because we are committed to loving others and committed to God's Word, including the verses above, we are asking you to humbly wear a mask inside.
We remain aware and respectful of the many different feelings and positions around this issue and we ask that you do the same. Again, we will continue to love others as Christ has loved us and thank you for continuing to love by putting others first (Phil. 2:3-4).
From all of us, Thank you!
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HERE’S WHAT WE’RE DOING AS A CHURCH STAFF
HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP
"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
Updates at FBCJC:
Dear Church,
Out of an abundance of compassion and love, we are asking everyone to wear a mask and distance when inside the building.
While we wish this were not the case, but several members of our church have already been effected by this new COVID variant, directly and indirectly. We also recognize that many of our congregation are at risk or vulnerable. Most importantly, because we are committed to loving others and committed to God's Word, including the verses above, we are asking you to humbly wear a mask inside.
We remain aware and respectful of the many different feelings and positions around this issue and we ask that you do the same. Again, we will continue to love others as Christ has loved us and thank you for continuing to love by putting others first (Phil. 2:3-4).
From all of us, Thank you!
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HERE’S WHAT WE’RE DOING AS A CHURCH STAFF
- TRUSTING GOD: Viral disease is a fact of biological existence and part of creation. Keeping perspective and not panicking apply here, just as they do for all risks we face as creatures in a finite world. No matter how dire circumstances get, the Lord remains our refuge and strength, “an ever-present help in trouble” (Ps. 46:1). To trust in the Lord amid trouble is to experience and bear witness to the power of Christ.
- PRAYING: We must pray for the sick and the scared, for public health officials, for doctors and nurses, for researchers, and for caregivers. As Christians, we believe prayer has power, so we seek help from the Lord.
- STAYING INFORMED: The media is aflame with daily updates and it’s impossible to read, absorb and respond to every news report, Tweet, or latest rumor. We’re following a reliable list of information for educational, planning and management purposes.
- CDC on COVID-19: The US Center for Disease Control’s up-to-date resources on coronavirus.
- CDC Resources for Community and Faith-Based Organizations: The CDC has also created resources specifically for faith-based organizations to respond to influenza pandemic, which are applicable in this situation. As a church, we’re implementing this guidance.
- Managing Anxiety Around Coronavirus Coverage: The American Psychological Association created this resource to help manage anxiety around coverage of COVID-19.
- Addressing Mental Health Issues: This resource from the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Network provides guidelines for addressing mental health issues that may arise, and offers advice for messaging, including among children, older adults, people with disabilities, and those in quarantine.
- PREPARING: Personal hygiene is very important to us. We’re continuing to clean frequently as we use the building on Sundays. We will be following the direction of the CDC, state, and medical authorities.
HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP
- Pray for our community and those directly affected by COVID-19. Pray for the health care workers that are treating the sick and those public health administrators making difficult decisions. Pray that God would protect our community from further spread of the virus.
- Reflect Christ. In these anxious days, the Church (all of us) can shine as a light of love, hope, care, faith, patience and prudence. The world needs Christ's love more than ever right now. So love others as God has loved you.
- Give Grace. We're all going through this for the first time and there is an overwhelming amount of information concerning the virus. With this in mind, we are committed to extending grace and remaining flexible so we can continue to love others well.
- Practice recommended personal hygiene. Wash your hands frequently. Avoid contact with the sick. Stay home if you're not feeling well and enjoy our online service.
"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
