Greetings Bryn Mawr Church Family:
Many of us have questions and concerns about what this means for us as people of faith, and how we should conduct ourselves concerning our faith. As was stated last week, we are not any less faithful because we are following the stated guidelines of the government to protect ourselves and others who may have compromised health. In fact, it is our duty as people of God to protect ourselves and everyone who may be affected by the spread of this virus. remember that the numbers of cases are still rising, which has nothing to do with whether people have faith—in fact, there are many who have been infected and are dying who love God and have faith. So again, we remind you that our Governor and Mayor have asked all residents to continue to “shelter in place” through April 7, 2020. This order includes all groups, including churches, synagogues and temples. We cannot and will not condone anything that would potentially put people in harm’s way as being God’s will.
God’s people are called upon to take care of one another and to stay in prayer. That is what we promised to do, regardless of whether we can meet in our building. We are called to pray for our members who are sick, shut-in or otherwise need support. We ask you to pray for Ms. Verna Rose (sister of Marianne Jackson) who, in caring for her ongoing health concerns has been determined to have contracted the coronavirus. This affects the entire family, who now is living under quarantine until they pass the mandatory 15-day threshold. In addition to those who are listed for special prayers regularly, we ask you to pray for and support Kenyetta Jackson and her family, whose brother made his transition last week. Felicia Coleman Evans and her family once again need our support and prayers—her mother-in-law moved to eternal rest last week. We need to make a regular point of praying for God’s guidance and support through this very difficult time.
We also encourage you to pray for God’s guidance regarding your support of your church, which God has provided. Some of us are disappointed that we are unable to meeting in the building—but it is not the building that makes us the church—it is the combined commitment of all of us to God and the ministry to which we have been called. That commitment includes regular giving of time and resources, including our financial contributions. We must continue to give of ourselves, even though we are not able to meet at the building. The book of Nehemiah reminds us that after all that the people of Israel had endured, they still remained united in their support of the community of God, and boldly declared in one voice “We will not neglect the house of our God” -Nehemiah 10:39
Please stay connected and focused on being in God’s will. We will continue to provide the online worship service and are encouraging you to join in on Sundays. We are blessed to have people committed to gathering and worshipping together, even if it is not in our traditional way. Thanks to all of you who are praying and working to continue being God’s church. Use your God-given resources to make this work! Keep taking care of yourselves and others—this is what God expects of us!
We love you! We are a phone call away if you need us.
The Church Council of Bryn Mawr Community Church
The Board of Deacons