Here is the headline issue: we will not be gathering together at Plank Jr. High this Sunday.
We sent out a communication earlier this week about the spreading coronavirus. Since then several factors have developed, leading to our decision to cancel our gathering this Sunday morning:
- The very rapid spread of this virus
- Governor Pritzker’s guideline that gatherings over 250 people should be cancelled
- The decision of the Plank Jr. High’s School District to not allow outside groups (like us) to rent facilities for the near-term future (this policy will last into April, and we are evaluating things one step at a time)
As we mentioned in the previous communication, as followers of Christ, we want to be characterized by a heart of love and concern for our neighbors, especially for older or health-vulnerable people in our community.
In the coming days, you will hear more from us about this Sunday and coming Sundays. In the meantime, we are also canceling the Missions Discipleship Course scheduled for Sunday night, and youth group that is scheduled for next Wednesday (sorry teenagers — I know that will not be the most popular decision!).
One important step we are taking is that we have tasked Tom Bonenberger to be our point person (on behalf of the other deacons) for health and benevolence issues in this time. Tom will be meeting with the other deacons tomorrow to further detail our strategy for responding to this health crisis, so we can demonstrate the love of Christ together as a church family. I expect you will hear more from him after that meeting.
Our Lord is glorious, great, and good. He knows, and he is near. Therefore, we can continue forward with faith, hope, and love—and without slavery to fear. “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Cor. 13:14).