Corona Virus/ Covid 19 and SMCC
Brothers and Sisters,
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
Romans 8:15
With the continued escalation of fears and concerns over the Corona Virus (Covid 19), we wanted to address some of those concerns and how they relate to our church family. This plan is based upon the prudent wisdom offered to us by health authorities, state and federal government, the EFCA and our own local officials. See the latest from SLO County Public Health Dept. here.
First of all, our God rules heaven and earth and that includes Santa Margarita. There is not one square inch of this earth over which God does not declare, “mine!” While we seek to be wise, we must not be governed by fear as so many are, even in our own county. We show that we are children of the one true God when we act in faith rather than respond in fear.
At the same time, there is reason for real concern, particularly for our friends and neighbors who are at higher risk. By taking extra precautions we do two things, we help to stop the spread of the virus from person to person and we also flatten, or spread out over time, the spread of the virus. An illustration of “flattening the spread” is that having one million people contract the virus over 12 months is a completely different situation than having one million people contract the virus with a six-week period.
The following is our current plan of action and we will keep you updated on any changes.
- We will worship on the Lord’s Day until we are formally instructed not to. This is the command and the privilege of God’s people and we are God’s people in this place.
- We ask that you take all personal precautions possible.
- Follow the personal hygiene plan suggested: wash your hands frequently, cough or sneeze into a tissue of into your sleeve and generally avoid shaking hands for the time being.
- If you are sick, stay home. We are looking into a live stream option or else the sermon will available online or through the SMCC App Sunday evening. App for Android. App for Iphone. Perhaps take the time to listen to the book of Romans, it is surprisingly short and would good for your soul.
- If you are at risk, stay home. SLO County Dept of Health defines tiger risk as those over age 60 and those who have serious chronic medical conditions such as heart or lung disease, diabetes, or are immunocompromised.
- We will make the following modifications on Sunday morning.
- Greeters will not offer you a hand or a bulletin. Bulletins will be sitting on a table for you to pick up yourself.
- Donuts will either not be available or will be served by gloved volunteers.
- Communion will be offered in dual cups (bread below and juice above) and you will come to the front to retrieve it before we partake together. We will have a further solution by next Sunday if needed.
- Offering plates will not be passed, but an option for giving your offering will be available in the back of the room or you can give online as always. This may be a good time to consider that option.
It is no coincidence that this Sunday’s passage reminds us that we have not been given a spirit of fear. Our God is overseeing all things for our good. Please pray for your church, your neighbors and our nation during this time of crisis. Pray that God would raise up His church, starting here in Santa Margarita.
If you have any questions or would like to speak to one of your elders, please do not hesitate to reach out.
For God’s glory and your good,
Pastor Robert for your Elders
