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   SEASONAL EVENTS

Special Announcement from Pastor

March 18, 2020

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Good morning, Grace Family!
We have an unprecedented opportunity as children of the King to give Him the glory He deserves.
Of all the things that are uncertain to us, we must recall the unchangeable nature of the Savior - 'the same yesterday, today and forever. Amen!'

Precautionary steps are being taken in our NE communities that are unlike anything we have seen before. However, we have been called and equipped to minister effectively to the body of believers and to those around us who are currently very fearful and/or have no hope. We need to continue serving, but also make some major changes. Our leadership at Grace has received valuable input, and we have decided to cancel all services and ministries though the end of March. We plan to assess the situation once again as April begins.

If you get sick, please, let us know.

If you have another need, please call the church or our home phones.
We stand ready to help, and can be most effective in our helping if you let us know of your need.

This is also a time to guard against idleness, worry, despair and bitterness. How? By thinking with a renewed mind and acting like a responsible heir of heaven.
Pray diligently for the authorities, health care providers, sick & dying and for the Lord's protection as we enter this extended time of intentional distance between ourselves.
Physical limitations, however, do not mean zero contact. We can use this time to grow closer as a church family and not apart. Continue to proactively love each other by checking in on each other and neighbors / relatives too. You may be the bright spot in their day when you call / text / video chat or even write a handwritten letter (yes, I really am suggesting that).
As we were reminded on Sunday, our mandate under these circumstances is to redeem the time.
Saturate yourself in Scripture.
Make the effort to worship together at home - pray with your family on Wednesday night; if you are able, plan to virtually attend worship on Sunday AM. We are working on a video Bible study that our church family can access online for this coming Sunday. More details will follow.
Use this time to mend or grow the precious relationships in your family and enjoy each other.
You may give your regular offering by mail, if you are so inclined.

In addition, many organizations are making very useful resources available to encourage believers to keep on growing. Two recommendations of mine include the following; just search for

8 Reminders in the Face of the Coronavirus Pandemic March 13, 2020 by: Dane C. Ortlund and The Pilgrim’s Progress: A Guided Tour A Teaching Series by Dr. Derek Thomas.  There are many others too. If you would like some suggestions, please let me know.

God is in control and He loves you infinitely.
Lean into your relationship with Him and trust Him.
He will carry us through this.

We are only a phone call away. You are not alone.

We love you and we will miss you.

Pastor
Philippians 4:6-8

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