“Though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.”
For the second week in a row, these words ring more true than at any other time I can remember. While we are still “absent” from one another “in the body”, we are still able to be together through our common worship. While I look forward to the day when we will all gather again for worship, I “rejoice” that it is possible for us to still worship together through social media.
Once again we have developed a .pdf worship bulletin (GCPC Worship – March 29, 2020 that can be downloaded and printed so that each person can have a service outline, with the words to the various parts and to all the songs. Under each heading of the worship outline there are simple instructions, followed by the words to serve as your tools for worship. As last week, it may be beneficial to review the service outline, and to assign the various parts before you begin your time of worship.
One thing that may not have been made clear enough last week, each home or group should use the digital outline as well, clicking on the appropriate video at the point you reach that part of the service. At the same time, the videos are optional. If your group is musically gifted, you may choose to forgo the video and sing the songs within your group. Likewise, some may choose to read the passage, and have discussion of the passage, but forgo watching the video message.
The videos for each of the songs, and for the message, will be uploaded and embedded into the digital service outline. By 8am Sunday morning, March 29, the service, with videos, will be available to view. A link to the digital worship outline will be found on front page of the Grace Covenant web page, and on the Grace Covenant Facebook page.
We again want to encourage people to connect to worship. We have heard several reports where this is already happening. If you are living on your own, or if you are part of a group who knows someone living on their own, we encourage you to reach out and connect by phone, or Skype, or Zoom, etc, and worship together.
Finally, we are thankful for the feedback we received from you this past week. We invite your continued comments so that we can serve the church as best we can. We will continue to evaluate how things work each week. We are considering experimenting with a live service at some point in the coming weeks; and we are already working on our Palm Sunday and Easter services. We welcome your thoughts. Again, after you have worshiped this week, feel free to e-mail us about your experiences. We look forward to hearing how God is at work amongst us.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Prayer of Approach
[Have one person pray this prayer aloud.]
Holy God, our Father, you pour out the Spirit of grace and love. Deliver us from cold hearts and wandering thoughts, that with steady minds and burning zeal we may worship you in spirit and truth. Amen.
Song of Approach
Jesus Lover of My Soul
Jesus, lover of my soul, Let me to Thy bosom fly, / While the nearer waters roll, While the tempest still is high. / Hide me, O my Savior, hide, ‘Til life’s storm is past; / Safe into the haven guide; Receive my soul at last.
Other refuge have I none, I helpless, hang on Thee; / Leave, oh leave me not alone, Support and comfort me. / All my trust on Thee is stayed, All help from Thee I bring; / Cover my defenseless head In the shadow of Thy wing.
Thou, O Christ, are all I want, Here more than all I find; / Raise the fallen, cheer the faint, Heal the sick, and lead the blind. / Just and holy is Thy Name, I am all unrighteousness; / False and full of sin I am; Thou art full of truth and grace.
Plenteous grace with Thee is found, Grace to cover all my sin; / Let the healing streams abound; Make and keep me pure within. / Thou of life the fountain art, Let me take of Thee; / Spring Thou up within my heart; For all eternity.
Remember that our Lord Jesus Christ is able to sympathize with us in our weaknesses. In every respect he was tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Let us confess our sins to God.
Prayer of Common Confession
[ALL Pray this prayer aloud.]
Merciful God, whose Son, Jesus Christ, was tempted in every way, yet without sin, we confess before you our own sinfulness: we have hungered after that which does not satisfy; we have compromised with sin; we have doubted your power to protect us. Forgive our lack of faith; have mercy on our weakness. Restore in us such trust and love that we may walk in your ways and delight in doing your will. Amen.
Silent Confession of Personal Sin & Brokenness
[Spend a moment in silent confessing prayer. If you are not sure what to pray here is a sample prayer to use as is or as a template:]
Father of Mercies, I make so many mistakes; I turn away from you so often. I need you so much. Thank you that you so loved the world that you sent Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sins. Amen.
Words of Grace
~ from Romans 8
[Have one person read this passage aloud.]
If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all… Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Song of Celebration
Nothing But the Blood
What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus; / What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Chorus: Oh! Precious is the flow That makes me white as snow; / No other fount I know, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
For my pardon, this I see, Nothing but the blood of Jesus; / For my cleansing, this my plea, Nothing but the blood of Jesus. / (Repeat chorus)
Nothing can for sin atone, Nothing but the blood of Jesus / Naught of good that I have done, Nothing but the blood of Jesus. / (Repeat chorus)
This is all my hope and peace, Nothing but the blood of Jesus; / This is all my righteousness, Nothing but the blood of Jesus. / (Repeat chorus)
Words & Music: Robert Lowry
Public Domain
Prayers for God’s Protection, Provision, and Guidance
[Spend a season in prayer as a group. Pray as the Spirit leads and/or use the provided prayer guide:]
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” ~ 1 John 5:14
Coming humbly and boldly, with confidence, pray:
Healing for the sick
Peace for those waiting as loved ones suffer
Comfort for those who have lost loved ones
Endurance and guidance for those laboring to save lives
Wisdom, discernment, and unity for leaders (government, medical, church)
Provision for those facing unemployment and financial loss
Protection for those at home where home isn’t a safe place
Relief for those struggling with anxiety, depression, and isolation
Encouragement for those trying to balance adjusted work and family needs
Tithes & Offerings
Our giving is an act of worship. It is a response to who God is and to God’s grace. Giving is a way that God invites us to participate in His work. If you would like to give a tithe or offering today, you can do so by clicking: www.gracecovpca.org/resources/giving
Meditation on God’s Word
Scripture: Matthew 6.25-33
[Have one person read this passage aloud. Then have either one person, or several, pray for the Holy Spirit to speak through this Word and message.]
Message: Antidote for Anxiety (See video)
Rev. W. Dennis Griffith, Lead Pastor
Song of Dismissal
Father Long Before Creation
Father, long before creation Thou hadst chosen us in love, / And that love so deep, so moving, Draws us close to Christ above. / Still it keeps us, still it keeps us. Firmly fixed in Christ alone.
Though the world may change its fashion, Yet our God is e’er the same. / His compassion and His covenant Through all ages will remain. / God’s own children, God’s own children Must forever praise His name.
God’s compassion is my story; Is my boasting all the day; / Mercy free and never failing Moves my will, directs my way. / God so loved us, God so loved us That His only Son He gave.
Loving Father now before Thee We will ever praise Thy love, / And our songs will sound unceasing ’til we reach our home above, / Giving glory, giving glory to our God and to the Lamb; / Giving glory, giving glory to our God and to the Lamb.
Special Note on Supporting the Mission & Work of Grace Covenant:
During these extraordinary times, the life and ministry of our church will continue – even when we are not able to meet corporately for worship. We humbly but boldly ask the people of Grace Covenant to continue to give generously for the benefit of God’s kingdom here in Williamsburg and beyond.
2) Sending your check to the church offices at 1677 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg VA 23185
If you would like to make a special gift to help those from our church and community who are in need during this crisis, please write “Mercy Ministries” on the memo line of your check or select that fund when making a gift online.
“Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10.24-25)
Such an instruction may feel somewhat irrelevant at the present time, a time of pandemic, social distancing, and voluntary quarantine. At the very least it may seem ill-timed. But I think the reality is that it is as timely and relevant as ever. In the face of this virus we need the mutual encouragement that comes from connection. Only the way we connect is different.
It is gratifying to hear the different stories of the way the people of Grace Covenant have been connecting by phone and online. We hope (and even expect) that this will continue, and even increase as people settle more and more into the routine of life lived out in social distancing. One of the greatest resources at this time is the church directory. I want to encourage everyone who has a directory to use it as both a prayer guide and connecting tool. As a prayer guide, look through the pages and pray for the people & families as you come across them. Whether you pray for one family a day, or multiple families each day, may we all be praying for one another for both physical and spiritual health. As a connecting tool, we want to encourage all who are willing to place a call to others, even if you have not yet met the person you are calling. Borrowing an illustration Camper shared earlier this week, this is a time somewhat like Halloween. At Halloween people expect, and welcome, strangers and friends alike to knock on our doors. At this time, when many feel isolated, phone calls from old friends and would-be-friends are widely welcomed. For those without a directory, feel free to call or e-mail Kathy at the church office. Kathy will be able to provide a .pdf printout of names and numbers of the Grace Covenant family. I am looking forward to that day when we first gather again, and seeing all the new friendships blossoming as people meet for the first time face-to-face, and old friendships are renewed!
As connections are made, we also want to begin coordinating the meeting of needs. Within our church family there are those with specific practical needs, and there are those who are able and willing to serve others. We have heard from some of you, but we now want to invite all of you to let us know if you have any need, and/or if you are available to serve those with needs. Needs may include running errands for those who are quarantined or shut-in; or maybe yard work at homes are those physically unable to do the tasks; etc. If you will e-mail your needs to the church office, we will try to coordinate with those who are able to make themselves available. Likewise, anyone willing to serve please let us know so we can keep a list, and connect you with others as needs are made known. Please also keep in mind that our Deacons are able to serve those in need. If you find yourself with financial strains during this time, please let our Deacons know. (NOTE: Any contact with our Deacons is strictly confidential. Your needs are not shared with anyone else; not staff, not our Elders.)
Worship bulletins will again be sent out on Friday this week, and the service posted on Grace Covenant’s web page and Facebook page, with video being available beginning at 8am. We thank you for the feedback we received this week, and for the graciousness that recognizes that we are far from expert in such production. Again, we expect to get better at this, but we pray we are not scattered long enough to get good at it.
Finally, as you are praying, please continue to pray for Connie Schaub. Connie has made some positive progress this week, but she is still in serious condition. We also ask you pray for Marie Buckner, Laura Smole’s mother, who has been tested for COVID-19 but is still awaiting the test result. Likewise, pray for the Smole family, as they are under quarantine until the results of Marie’s tests come back, and then some if the test results are positive. A handful of others from Grace Covenant have self isolated due to exposure to the virus, but to date no others have reported to us any infections.
In preparing the worship service this week, Camper and I were reminded, and in agreement, that worship ought never be a spectator sport; that worship is best experienced and expressed through as much participation of everyone present as possible. That principle had an effect on what we were planning, as we sought to produce a service for a Grace Covenant community scattered, rather than gathered, due to the contagion of COVID-19.
Originally we had planned to video an entire service, and to publish the video on our web page. However, we realized that to produce it this way may not be the best way to serve the Grace Covenant family. A video of others worshiping, while in no way bad or wrong, does tend to promote a more passive experience, rather than an active engagement. So what we have done instead is video portions of a worship service – the music, the message, and the Benediction – and provide tools and simple instructions for folks to use at home. What we hope is that each participating household will have the blessing of engaging in what our Presbyterian tradition calls Family Worship.
We have developed a .pdf worship bulletin (GCPC Worship – March 22, 2020) that can be downloaded and shared with each person in the home. In this worship outline there are simple instructions under each heading, and words to serve as tools for worship. By 8am Sunday morning, March 22, the service outline, with videos embedded for each song and for the message, will be posted on the front page of the Grace Covenant web page, and on the Grace Covenant Facebook page. When it is time for worship simply pull up the page online, follow the worship outline, click on the videos as you come to them. One note, it might be best to designate who will lead each part of the service prior to sitting down to worship together. To do this, simply review the worship outline, note the instruction under each heading, and assign someone to lead that part.
Some may wonder about the unity of our worship done this way. With each household having different people leading the different parts, won’t everyone have different worship experiences? In once sense, it is likely that various people will have different experiences worshiping scattered this way. On the other hand, people have a variety of experiences in worship when we are gathered together. It has a lot to do with God meeting us where we are. However, we are confident that in using the same worship outline, with most hearing the same message from Psalm 42, that there is enough commonality for us to experience a measure of unity as well.
We are mindful that some of our church family live on their own. If you are one living on your own, or if you are part of a family who knows someone living on their own, we encourage you to connect, if possible. Even if you are not able to gather together, perhaps some can connect by phone, or Skype, or Zoom, etc, and worship together, though remote.
Finally, we will be evaluating how things go this week. This is new territory for us. No doubt we will be able to do some things better in the coming weeks – though I pray we are not isolated long enough for us to become experts at this scattered worship. We welcome your thoughts. After you have worshiped this week, feel free to e-mail us about your experiences. We will make adjustments wherever it seems needed.
[Have one person read the Leader part aloud; all respond aloud.]
LEADER: What is your only comfort in life and in death?
PEOPLE: My only comfort is that I am not my own, but belong – body and soul, in life and in death to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the enemy. He also watches over me in such a way that not even a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.
Prayer of Approach
[Have one person pray this prayer aloud.]
Holy and loving God, as we worship you today, we long for your Spirit to both comfort and challenge us, to help us become more holy and more loving. In a world that does not understand repentance or grace, we pray for new understanding, humility, patience, and discipline that will help us die to sin and live for Jesus. Amen.
Song of ApproachIn Christ Alone
In Christ alone my hope is found, / He is my light, my strength, my song. / This Cornerstone, this solid Ground; / Firm through the fiercest drought and storm. / What heights of love, what depths of peace/ When fears are stilled, when strivings cease / My Comforter, my All in All; / Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone! – who took on flesh, / Fullness of God in helpless babe. / This gift of love and righteousness, / Scorned by the ones He came to save. / Till on that cross as Jesus died, / The wrath of God was satisfied. / For every sin on Him was laid / Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay, / Light of the world by darkness slain: / Then bursting forth in glorious day / Up from the grave He rose again! / And as He stands in victory / Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me, / For I am His and He is mine / Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death, / This is the power of Christ in me. / From life’s first cry to final breath, / Jesus commands my destiny. / No power of hell, no scheme of man, / Can ever pluck me from His hand / Till He returns or calls me home / Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.
All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
Prayer of Common Confession
[ALL Pray this prayer aloud.]
O Lord, we want to enter your presence, worshiping you face-to-face, awed by your majesty, greatness, and glory; but encouraged and renewed by your love. Yet there is coldness in our hearts. We have been more caught up in the world’s allure than in the majesty of your glory. We have not made the truth of the gospel the center of our attention and hope. We have failed to make your concerns our own. Forgive us, and fill us with love and reverence of your holy name, that your great glory might be shown in us.
Silent Confession of Personal Sin & Brokenness
[Spend a moment in silent confessing prayer. If you are not sure what to pray here is a sample prayer to use as is or as a template:]
Lord, I cry to you to heal my wounds. I call to you in distress and plead for your salvation. I have sinned against your law and failed to do your will; I confess that I have disobeyed your holy Word. I pray, purge my life of selfishness and my heart of bitterness. Lead me back to righteousness; save me through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Words of Grace ~ Matthew 11.28-30
[Have one person read this passage aloud.]
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Song of AdorationRock of Ages
Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee; / let the water and the blood, from thy wounded side which flowed, / be of sin the double cure; cleanse me from its guilt and power.
Not the labors of my hands can fulfill thy law’s demands; / could my zeal no respite know, / could my tears forever flow, / all for sin could not atone; / thou must save, and thou alone.
Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling; / naked, come to thee for dress; / helpless, look to thee for grace; / foul, I to the fountain fly; / wash me, Savior, or I die.
While I draw this fleeting breath, / when mine eye-lids close in death, / when I soar to worlds unknown, see thee on thy judgment throne, / Rock of Ages, cleft for me, / let me hide myself in thee.
Lyrics: Augustus Toplady
Music: James Ward
Tune: New City Fellowship
CCLI #360938/#20167508
Prayers for God’s Protection, Provision, and Guidance
[Spend a season in prayer as a group. Pray as the Spirit leads and/or use the provided prayer guide:]
“Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” ~ Jeremiah 29:7
Pray for:
Healthcare Workers
The Sick (esp. Connie Schaub)
Medical & Government Leaders (local, state, national, international)
Medical Research & Development (esp. Treatment for COVID-19)
The Distressed & Isolated
The Vulnerable (the elderly, those with health issues, hourly workers, small business owners, the poor, those facing financial loss, etc.)
Offering
Our giving is an act of worship. It is a response to who God is and to God’s grace. Giving is a way that God invites us to participate in His work. If you would like to give a tithe or offering today, you can do so by clicking: www.gracecovpca.org/resources/giving
Message: As the Heart Longs (Psalm 42) Rev. W. Dennis Griffith, Lead Pastor
Song of Dismissal On Jordan’s Stormy Banks
On Jordan’s stormy banks I stand, And cast a wishful eye / To Canaan’s fair and happy land, Where my possessions lie.
All o’er those wide extended plains, Shines one eternal day; / There God the Son forever reigns, And scatters night away.
Chorus: I am bound (I am bound); I am bound (I am bound); I am bound for promised land. / I am bound (I am bound); I am bound (I am bound); I am bound for promised land.
No chilling winds nor poisonous breath Can reach that healthful shore; / Sickness, sorrow, pain and death, are felt and feared no more. (Repeat chorus)
When shall I reach that happy place, and be forever blessed? / When shall I see my Father’s face, and in His bosom rest? (Repeat chorus)
Special Note on Supporting the Mission & Work of Grace Covenant:
During these extraordinary times, the life and ministry of our church will continue – even when we are not able to meet corporately for worship. We humbly but boldly ask the people of Grace Covenant to continue to give generously for the benefit of God’s kingdom here in Williamsburg and beyond.
2) Sending your check to the church offices at 1677 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg VA 23185
If you would like to make a special gift to help those from our church and community who are in need during this crisis, please write “Mercy Ministries” on the memo line of your check or select that fund when making a gift online.
Unfortunately, during this time of rapid change in our work lives due to the pandemic, there are those who will seek to take advantage of the situation to launch phishing messages or other attacks to gain access to your network and/or data. As each of us serve as the first line of defense from these attacks, please take a minute and review this information.
The following are a few items to be on the lookout for during the next few months.
1. Emails that appear to be from organizations such as the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), or the WHO (World Health Organization). The scammers have crafted emails that appear to come from these sources, but they contain malicious phishing links or dangerous attachments. For example, a malicious website pretending to be the live map for Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases by Johns Hopkins University is circulating on the internet.
2. Emails that ask for charity donations for studies, doctors, or victims that have been affected by the COVD-19 Coronavirus. Scammers often create fake charity emails after global phenomenon’s occur, like natural disasters, or health scares like the COVID-19.
3. These attacks are attempts made by a bad actor to get hold of an individual’s credentials or other sensitive information. Many bad actorswill take advantage of COVID-19 to try and trick employees into giving their credentials by convincing the employee that they are providing information genuinely required by their business.
4. Remote Work and Working from Home. As it helps to reduce the risk of spreading the virus, working from home solves many problems associated with sharing office space. However, moving away from an in-person workplace environment can open or unlock doors to attack, and it may be easier for attackers to find success as people are no longer relying on face-to-face validation of requests. Since we rely on voice, text, or other alternative channels such as social media there is a greater chance of social engineering and impersonation scams.
5. Emails that claim to have a “new” or “updated” list of cases of Coronavirus in your area. These emails could contain dangerous links and information designed to scare you into clicking on the link.
Remain cautious! And always remember the following to protect yourself from
scams like this:
Never click on links or download attachments from an email that you
weren’t expecting.
If you receive a suspicious email that appears to come from an official organization such as the WHO or CDC, use the Outlook ‘Report as Phishing’ button as you would to report any suspected phishing message. If you want to view the CDC or WHO website type the web address in your browser instead of clicking on any links in emails, or other messages.
If you want to make a charity donation, go to directly to the charity website of your choice to submit your payment, do not click on any links in emails. Type the charity’s web address in your browser instead of clicking on any links in emails, or other messages.
Preparedness is key – and good cyber resilience includes keeping yourself informed on the latest threats.
Over the last two weeks, we have all been flooded with information as our community and country grapples with the COVID-19 outbreak. Dr. Steve Cummings, a member of our congregation, provided the Session with an abundance of great information that is very helpful, and we’ve tried to digest this information in a way that, hopefully, will be helpful to you.
As this virus is considered “novel”, meaning that it is a new variant for which the public has not yet been able to establish mass immunity, we must all band together to help slow the spread of the virus, with the aim of protecting those who may be especially vulnerable to its effects.
Here are the most important things to remember:
Steve is recommending that ALL people over 60 years old and younger people with any underlying medical conditions such as lung disease, heart disease or diabetes to STAY HOME for no less than 14 days, but 30-60 days would be much safer.
People can contract the virus and become contagious and infect multiple people before displaying any symptoms of their own. The disease is asymptomatic in some people, mildly symptomatic in many people.
The virus is spread by person-to-person contact, through airborne particles (breathing, coughing and sneezing), and the virus can live on surfaces of metal or plastic for up to 18 hours or more.
Symptoms of disease are fever, dry cough and shortness of breath (similar to that of the common cold or flu). If you have such symptoms, contact your health care provider or the Virginia Department of Health and request a test.
The best way to limit the spread of the disease is by limiting contact between people.
Walk outside, but stand six (6) feet from people you may come in contact with (this would also apply if you have to shop for groceries/supplies, etc.)
Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds (minimum) multiple times a day, especially before and after shopping.
Resist touching your face! The average person touches their face over 20 times per hour, and this is big no-no!
The World Health Organization is now suggesting that patients with COVID-19 avoid taking NSAIDs (Advil, Ibuprofen, Aleve, Celebrex, Meloxicam, Diclofenac, etc.) – the concern is that NSAIDSs dampen the immune response.
If you have been contacted by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) as someone who had direct contact with a COVID-19 positive person, you have the option to either self-quarantine (government regulation of strict at-home restriction for two weeks) OR go to one of the drive-through testing centers and self-quarantine (remaining on self-quarantine until you test negative by two separate tests). If you are part of a high-risk population and have confirmed contact with a COVID-19 positive person, testing would be prudent.
In the spirt of helping our community, a couple of local retailers have set aside shopping times specifically for seniors and other high-risk individuals first thing in the morning (after the facility has been cleaned and before the general public is allowed):
The Fresh Market – 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. every day until further notice
Target – Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. until further notice
If you would like more comprehensive information, please refer to the following websites:
Above all, know that we serve a loving God who cares for each of us and for our community. Let us “pray without ceasing” for His care and help during this stressful and uncertain time. And remember, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and love and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
Last night (Tuesday March 17) the Elders and Deacons of Grace Covenant met (via Zoom) to discuss immediate actions to both protect and serve the church during this outbreak of COVID-19 here in the Historic Triangle. It was decided, as most would expect, that our public worship gatherings and small group meetings are suspended indefinitely until guidance from medical professionals and local authorities changes.
Second, for the safety of our staff, volunteers, and church members, our church building will also be closed during this time. What this means is that there will be no set office hours, and that no groups will be able to use our church facility. During this time our pastors, our staff, and our church leaders will continue to work, but much of that work will be done remotely. However, if anyone has any need, we urge you to call the church office and leave a message, or email us at any time. We will get back to you promptly.
During this time of hiatus, we will be communicating regularly through email, social media, phone calls, and texts. Though isolated for the good of one another and of our community, we will be developing networks to keep folks connected and strategies for us to serve one another – and our neighbors – in practical ways. Connection may be as simple as encouraging folks to call one another, even some calling others whom they have yet to meet in person. As for service, we expect to devise effective ways to enlist those who are able bodied, and willing, to serve those in need, especially those who most need to remain isolated. That may mean running errands, or doing necessary house or yard work. We will be exploring those opportunities for the Church to be the Church even in this time of cultural crisis.
As for worship, though we cannot gather together, we will offer a worship service each week, with liturgy, song, and message. These will be accessed online, either as pre-recorded services or through LiveStream. Additional information about and links for the service for March 22 will be sent out later in the week.
On a more sober note, we do ask for all to be praying for Grace Covenant member Connie Schaub. Connie, who has had several health issues these past few months, was diagnosed yesterday (Tuesday) with the coronavirus. As of this morning Connie is in critical condition. Please pray for Connie, and her husband Peter. But, to ease possible concerns, Connie and Peter last participated in their small group on February 19, and Connie has not attended a worship service this calendar year. With this virus having an incubation period of two weeks, it is unlikely that anyone at Grace Covenant is presently at risk of being infected by the virus because of contact with the Schaubs.
Finally, this is the first of two communications that will go out today from, or on behalf of, the church Elders. Another email will go out later today that will offer several recommendations regarding the virus.
We are all sailing in unfamiliar waters. But we are not sailing them alone. We are sailing them together. More than that, for all who trust in Christ, we are sailing these seas knowing that the One who is Master of the Storms, has promised to be with us, that he would never leave nor forsake us, and that he is working out all things for the good of those who love him, and who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8.28) May we all be comforted, and even encouraged, by these truths. Whatever is to come, our God is working out his purpose for our good and for his glory – and we are getting to see it unfold.
The rapid change of events over the past 48 hours has left me feeling somewhat dizzy (metaphorically speaking). As more and more information comes out regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and the list of cancellations of cultural events, conferences, schools, etc. continues to grow, it is difficult to keep up.
While it is important to avoid panic and overreaction, I want to assure everyone who is part of the Grace Covenant family and community that we are monitoring the situation and are prepared to take prudent and necessary measures as advised by state and local authorities and medical experts.
Among the experts we are trusting is Dr. Jerry Jacob, Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at Penn Medicine (University of Pennsylvania) and the Director of Infection Prevention at Good Shepherd Penn Partners. Dr. Jacob is also a Deacon at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. With permission, we share part of a communication sent to Tenth Presbyterian earlier this week:
Dr. Jacob has recommended two categories for us to think about regarding the corona virus. The first relates to wisdom, and the second to mercy. When it comes to wisdom, Dr. Jacob lists six ways for us to protect members of our community from transmitting or acquiring the virus. First, he advises us to stay home from worship services when ill with fever or when we are experiencing respiratory symptoms (cough, congestion, shortness of breath) and instead to utilize the livestream. Second, we should wash our hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after going to the bathroom, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water is not easily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Cleaning the environment around us is also important. We should regularly clean high touch areas in our church and home, such as tabletops, light switches, and doorknobs. Third, we should take extra effort to cover our mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If a tissue isn’t easily available, use your elbow to cover your face rather than your hands. Along the same lines, we should generally avoid touching our eyes, nose or mouth to prevent any germs on our hands from getting into our body. Fourth, we should avoid close contact with people who are ill where this is reasonable. This is not simply to protect us from illness, but to protect our loved ones who come in contact with us regularly. Conversely, we should keep our distance from others when we are sick to prevent them from becoming ill. Fifth, prepare your household by planning for ways to care for those who might become sick, especially those at higher risk for complications (i.e., elderly), and for emergency operations/closures at your work or children’s school. Finally, if the virus becomes truly widespread in Philadelphia, we as a church will need to consider cancelling services and/or postponing events.
The second category to think about is mercy. Dr. Jacob gives four suggestions about how we as the body of Christ should respond with mercy should we encounter a public health crisis. First, we should pray for those afflicted with the virus, for the healthcare workers placing themselves at risk by caring for sick patients, and for the Christians around the world who live in highly afflicted areas. Second, we should consider what support we can provide for parts of the country or the world that are heavily afflicted, including financially or materially. Third, we should combat potential stigma towards people from afflicted regions through our words and actions. Fourth, we should offer the Good News of Jesus Christ to people who are fearful.
As a Christian and an infectious disease specialist, Dr. Jacob believes following these principles and practices will enable us to respond to this virus with wisdom and mercy, which is befitting for followers of Jesus Christ.
At this time, we do plan to hold services this Sunday at Grace Covenant as usual, at 8:30 & 11am. However, erring on the side of caution, and to give our Elders time to consider if there are wise changes in our normal practice, we will not be offering the Lord’s Supper this Sunday, March 15, as we would normally do on a third Sunday of the month.
We encourage everyone to exercise their own judgment and conscience when deciding whether to attend services, or whether to stay home. In particular we would advise those who are in the more vulnerable demographic – the elderly and the immunocompromised – to be especially careful, and to err on the side of caution. Further, we encourage those with cold or flu-like symptoms to stay home until symptom-free for at least 24-48 hours.
For those gather for worship, our greeters will not be shaking hands, and we discourage others from shaking hands as well; hand sanitizer will be provided throughout the church building; and our deacons, and others, will be diligent to keep door handles, surfaces, etc, wiped down with disinfectant.
For those who choose to stay home, we invite you to participate in the service by watching it via LiveStream, or encourage you to hold family worship. LiveStream can be accessed under the Resource page of the Grace Covenant web page, or by clicking this link: GCPC LiveStream. Special thanks to Tim Nargi, who diligently worked yesterday to fix a problem with the sound that accompanies the LiveStream and the recorded messages. The audio quality of the LiveStream should now be good.
Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church 