We want to care for you well and keep you informed concerning coronavirus (COVID-19) as it relates to Red Stone Church - Johnson City, your safety, the safety of others and this gospel opportunity to hold up our faith and serve our community. As you probably know, the situation continues to change rapidly.
Here are some biblical ways to think about this, our plans for the coming weekend, some helpful links, some basic guidelines and some missional opportunities for you to be thinking about.
Biblical Reminders
We want to lead out with a couple of scripture references that help us keep things in perspective. Let these encourage your soul and prepare you for ongoing mission:
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isa. 41:10)
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; Though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. (Ps. 46:1-3)
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. (Phil. 2:3-4)
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. (Eph. 3:14-21)
The Links
Some important links that would be worth looking at:
Some links to help us think about Covid-19 from a biblical worldview:
Basic Guidelines
Wash your hands with soap and water frequently for at least 20 seconds (use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available)
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the crook of your elbow (not your hands)
Stay home from school, work or church when you are sick—self-quarantining
Avoid touching your face and eyes with unwashed hands
Limit unnecessary trips and avoid crowded public spaces when possible
Those 60+, in a high risk category, or sick should stay at home as much as possible and avoid crowds
Pay attention to the CDC and local, state, and federal briefings
Keep calm (and carry on), God’s got this!
Staying on Mission
God knew from the beginning of time that we would be here in this situation and there are actually some really cool opportunities for mission not only to continue, but to expand! God is not constrained to save by many or by few (1Sam. 14:6). Be thinking through some of the following:
Use this situation to have even more contact with your church family via phone, text, social media and FaceTime type platforms. We will be stepping up our contact with you this way.
Our older saints and those not at The Fields may need food and supplies delivered to them so let’s look for ways to serve them well.
Many of our families will struggle to figure out how to still get to work while kids are now out of school. Let’s look for ways to serve them perhaps by watching their kids, etc.
Some of our families will be immediately out of work as a result of school closures or event cancellations (we have one such family member). Let’s look for opportunities to help each other out financially.
During this time, think of how can you reach out and serve one of your neighbors in the name of Jesus.
Remember, the highest value of a Christian is not self-preservation. We are called to honor God and serve others for the sake of the gospel.
Finances
Even though we are temporarily not gathering corporately, we are not taking “vacation” and there are still bills to be paid at The Fields (rent, church planting support, staff salaries, etc.). Let’s make sure we don’t forget to continue to give of our first fruits joyfully during this time. Here are some easy ways to keep that going:
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Some Final Thoughts
To quote a local pastor friend of mine, "We all have different comfort levels about sickness: some people are very conscientious about not spreading germs and others never give it a second thought. We tend to think that our way is probably the right way. It’s a challenge as a leader to raise some people's awareness and at the same time diminish others' fears.”
Different people will be reacting in different ways and we need to remember that and give grace. There are as many reactions to this virus as there are people. In the grand scheme of historical world plagues, so far the coronavirus barely moves the needle. But when it comes to social, economic, political and every day life impact, it’s been massive! I'm not overly alarmist with germs (except when it comes to catching the stomach flu, I hate that!). Some will think coronavirus is over hyped and others will actually be very fearful. The right response is probably somewhere in between.
As Christians, we are people of hope in a troubled world. We are called to live in faith and not fear. We put the needs of others above ourselves. We are called to live in truth, not myth. Our Master came to serve and to save and He calls us to follow His example. We are called to live responsibly and be responsible for others. So let’s not miss the opportunity that God has brought our way to communicate the hope of the gospel to a world that may head towards despair. God has appointed this time for us!