As I write this note, it is right at 10 o'clock on Sunday morning, March 22, 2020.  I am sitting here in my office at the church, wondering, like I am sure all of you are, just how long this pandemic will last and when we can reunite in group worship and Bible study.  These are circumstances we have never faced before.  I am praying it will not be too long and that the ripple effects will not be overly burdensome to the broader community.  I know we will weather this storm with God's help.  

I thank you for your understanding as we cancelled these two Sunday services.  I feel it is the very least contribution we can make to the effort to hinder the spread of this serious virus.

We do not know just how long all this will last.  It may be that we have to forgo our gatherings for a while.  But I trust we will all understand, should that need arise.  We do have several folks in the at-risk category.

Even our Easter schedule may very well be affected.  But let me remind you of this: EVERY SUNDAY IS EASTER FOR BELIEVERS!

Should it be necessary to alter our Easter activities, we can observe Easter whenever we are able to get back together at the church.  This would include the choir’s special Easter music as well.  So don’t worry about those things.

In the meantime, there are some things we can do as a church, even though separated. Hopefully this week we will be able to post a sermonette, devotional, lesson, or whatever we want to call it on the Facebook page.  I know other churches are actually offering a phone in/online worship opportunity this morning.  We may be able to arrange something similar.

At least on Sunday mornings at 11am each household could pause for a time of scripture reading and prayer.  I will be posting a suggested passage and some prayer concerns for us to focus on.  This will all be new to us.  And granted, not everyone will have wi-fi access.

On a daily basis, I would encourage you all to:

1. Please try to stay in touch with each other.

2. Pass along any concerns to the church office by phone or email. There may be one or two who cannot get out to access food. We could help in those cases.

3. Continue to pray for one another.

4. Stay healthy and, as much as you can, stay isolated as needed so as not to contract or to spread this virus any further.

5. Please remember that some of the expenses of the church will continue whether we are gathered or not. Stay faithful in your support of FBC and its needs

May God Bless You All,

Hoping to see you soon,

Pastor Tiefel

Suggested passage for Sunday March 22:

ISAIAH 40:11

Prayer Concerns:

• Nell O'rear's family.

• Annette Tremblay in rehab after a stroke

• Ossie McDowell’s family

• Our community and country as we face this viral challenge

• Pray that common sense and rationality will prevail rather than panic.

• Pray that we will look to the Lord to deal with our own fears through His perfect Love.