Coronavirus and Siloam – Update for Sunday, March 22, 2020

Ok. Deep breath. Take your time and read closely.

We are not cancelling services for Sunday March 22, 2020.

Now, let’s talk about what this looks like and why we came to this decision.

First, and foremost, this decision has been reached after much prayerful deliberation with our deacons as well as candid consultation with health care providers in our community. We are determined not to be driven by fear, neither will we act with unwise or fool-hardy disregard for others’ well-being. As you will see, we are taking every reasonable and recommended precaution to ensure the continued health of our church family, as well as the health of our beloved Marion community.

We will have 3 gatherings this Sunday morning at 8:45, 9:45, & 10:45, all conducted on the front steps of the sanctuary. These gatherings will be limited to 25 individuals + those who choose to park curbside and stay in their vehicles. Your family deacon will be in contact with you in the next 36-48 hours to let you know which service is open to you.

The following protocols will be in place for these services and we implore you to comply with them as an act of “loving your neighbor as yourself.”

• No indoor facilities will be available.
• If you are 60+, please do not come.
• If you are immuno-compromised, please do not come.
• If either of the above criteria apply to you there is the option for you to come park at the curb and stay in your car with the windows rolled down.
• If you, or anyone in your family, have any symptoms of cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, or fever greater than 100.0, or feel uncomfortable, please do not come.
• We will gather outside, on the front steps of the church building.
• Bring your own chair or sit pad if you want one. Bring an umbrella if weather is inclement, and dress appropriately for the weather.
• Service will be 30-35 minutes.
• Maintain 6 foot social distance (No handshake, no hug, no elbow bumps). There will be spaces marked out on the steps to help us maintain our distance from one another.
• Medically effective hand cleaner will be at the entry. Please use upon arrival and upon departure.
• Parents with children will be responsible for their children maintaining the recommended protocols. If you feel you are unable to effectively do this, please do not come.
• Railings will be wiped down after each service.
• An offering box will be available instead of passing the plate.
• *ZOOM meeting is an option for you to join the service on-line at 10:45. (Explanation to follow.)

These recommended and reviewed protocols do not put us at “zero risk” but they dramatically reduce the risk to reasonable and medically acceptable levels.

Now, why are we doing this when so many churches are completely cancelling their services?

One of the more controversial aspects of the historic Christian response to epidemics and pandemics is that we don’t cancel church. (FYI – this is not the first time, nor is it likely the last time, the church has dealt with epidemics/pandemics.) This isn’t some wild-eyed fanaticism that says, “We will meet together no matter the risk to ourselves or those around us.” Rather, this is a clear-eyed, level-headed decision to diligently (even obsessively) care for ourselves with good hygiene and responsible interaction with others throughout the week in order that we may confidently gather together to encourage, strengthen, and refresh one another as we walk these unknown paths.

One commentator notes, “The coronavirus leaves well over 95 percent of its victims still breathing. But it leaves virtually every member of society afraid, anxious, isolated, alone, and wondering if anyone would even notice if they’re gone. In an increasingly atomized society, the coronavirus could rapidly mutate into an epidemic of despair.” (Lyman Stone, Christianity Has Been Handling Epidemics for 2000 years, Foreign Policy, March 13, 2020.) As believers we have a unique opportunity to vividly demonstrate the reason for the hope that is in us.

So, this Sunday, March 22nd we will gather as outlined above.

• We will pray the Lord’s Prayer.
• We will sing songs of faith and hope.
• We will give generously because God has blessed us generously.
• We will sing The Doxology.
• We will feed on the life-giving, faith-nurturing, soul-nourishing Word of God.
• We will recite the Apostle’s Creed.
• Then we will go back into our community ready to confidently, and wisely, love and serve our neighbors.

See you at the meeting house.

(*ZOOM is an on-line application allowing multiple users to have real-time interaction. It is easy and intuitive to use. Simply download the application on your smart phone or computer and, at the 10:45 meeting time, input the meeting code which will be supplied to you. This will allow you to be present without compromising your health or the health of those around you. If you have questions we have several who are ready to assist you with this process.)

Coronavirus and Siloam

The Coronavirus has fundamentaly altered our society in ways which were unimaginable just a few short weeks ago. We are witnessing an unprecedented moment in which sporting events, concerts, travel, and day-to-day commerce are being disrupted. The Governor of Kentucky is even calling for churches to cancel services for the next few weeks. So how should we respond?

Fear not!

The reports of fist fights over toilet paper reveal to us how thin is the veneer of our polite society. As believers we operate from a different point of view altogether. Our decisions are not driven by fear but by the clear-eyed understanding that God holds all things in His hands. None of this has taken Him by surprise and we can move confidently into the uncertainty of the coming days, knowing that our God will provide for our every need (yes, even toilet paper).

Love one another!

This is a wonderful moment for us to demonstrate the love of Christ to each other. Let us care intentionally and deeply for each other in these days. I urge you to make the extra effort to check on our elderly and sick. Go out of your way to serve those who are in need. If you are one who is in need, do not hesitate to reach out to your church family. We have a responsibility to care for each other. Let us be diligent in carrying out this joyful task.

Loving one another also has some very practical and simple actions like:

• Wash your hands
• If you are feeling bad, please don’t come and share your illness with those who are gathered.
• Offer the “right elbow of Christian fellowship” – as much as we love to shake hands or offer hugs, it is the better part of wisdom for us to refrain for this season.

Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together (Hebrews 10:24-25).

In the coming weeks our gatherings may need to be altered, but we will not cease to come together as a church. Circumstances may require that we gather in smaller groups or perhaps in different locations, but it is vital that we continue to worship, pray, study God’s Word, and eat together as a gathered church. For those who cannot join us, or should not join us, during this season, it is vital that we connect with them through cards, letters, phone conversations and other acts of care. We are exploring ways to distribute teaching and preaching electronically or in a printed format.

For some, “coming to church” may be a patently un-wise decision in the next few weeks. There are some among us who are immunocompromised due to sickness or treatments they are undergoing. While we love seeing them among us, for this season, it may be best for them to stay away and allow us to minister to them in other ways.

Another vital part of our coming together is the act of worship and stewardship through giving. The Tithe.ly app is a wonderful way for you to participate in this act of worship even if you are not able to be present.

Be ready to “share the reason for the hope that is in you.” (I Peter 3:15)

There are individuals in your sphere of influence who are deeply troubled in these unusual times. Some of them do not have the confidence of knowing they belong to God and you will have opportunity to share with them why you are not responding in fear. Perhaps this will be an opportunity for you to share the gospel with one who, until this moment of crisis, was unwilling to hear. Be sensitive to God’s timing and be prepared to share when the opportunity arises.

To recap. Do not be afraid. Be wise. Love each other. Gather as the church. Share the hope that is in you. See you at the meeting house!

 

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