Corona Lockdown Update: 3.31.20

Good Afternoon Church Family,

In accordance with our President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America we will be cancelling our Lord’s Day worship services and other gatherings at least through April 26th. Sadly, this includes cancelling our joint Good Friday service with Riverside and Cornerstone as well as limiting Easter Sunday to online.

This decision has not been made reluctantly or resentfully, nor out of panic or doubt. In fact, we are happy to comply with our government’s regulations and to follow the directions of our state and local authorities. Out of a sincere love for God and neighbor, we ought to abide by public health guidelines and reduce exposure during this season. We all must do our part in helping to slow the spread of the coronavirus. (for a visual explanation of how to “flatten the curve,” see this helpful article)

Yes, we will miss our weekly time of corporate worship and the fellowship of the saints—a means of grace which we so desperately need! But during this time of strange providence, may we long not only to gather once more as a local church, but all the more to gather together with the Church of Christ around the throne of the Lamb in glory forever. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! 

The Church “Scattered”

Until we gather for worship again as a local church, we will not be attempting to recreate, in full, our Lord’s Day worship services online. While being able to hear the word of God is among some of the many blessings technology provides for the saints, there is simply no substitute for the corporate worship of the gathered church and all the means of grace provided therein.

Therefore, we believe it would be healthier to respect God’s good and mysterious providence in this time when we cannot gather. It is our prayer that the Lord will use these circumstances to increase our affection for one another, our desire for corporate worship, and our commitment to meet together all the more once we are able to do so.

Resources

Over the next few weeks we will be continuing to host our Sunday morning sermons at 10:30AM on Facebook each Sunday morning and YouTube in the afternoon. (You don’t need a Facebook account to access these videos.) This will be a time for us as a church to be encouraged by the Word and reminded of the gospel of grace. We will be also be continuing to our host our Sunday evening study at 6:00 PM on Facebook.

We will also continue to publish encouraging and informative articles on the Publican’s Page.

In this season of isolation it is important for us to be aware of the unique opportunities we have for spiritual reflection and growth. We should consider how to make the best use of our time in quarantine and how we can remain faithful and obedient to the Lord Jesus (Eph. 5:15-17). 

Prayer

Let us also not only devote ourselves to the Word, but also to prayer. The Apostle Paul’s instructions are helpful here:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

“I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

The book of Psalms and Paul’s letters are full of Spirit-inspired prayers that we may pray to our Heavenly Father. Psalm 86 and Colossians 1:9-14 are a great place to start!

Giving

SonRise uses services provided byBreezeCHMS for online giving. For those who are able to continue giving to our church during this time, you may do so in any of the following ways: 

• Online through the giving page on our church website
• You can also give by mail (addressed to 9970 Ridge Rd, New Port Richey, FL 34654 )

Lastly

We know panic, anxiety, and worry is abounding in many these days. If you’re struggling, in any way, don’t be shy. Reach out to us. We’re here for you, we love you, and we miss you all deeply.

In Christ,

Your Elders