March
19, 2020
From the
Pastor’s Desk…
Greetings…
This
letter comes at a time and in a situation that none of us have experienced
before in our lifetimes…
We
find ourselves confronted with a worldwide crisis that is in fact affecting everyone
in the world. In light of this we need to take the appropriate measures as
believers in Christ in response as well as to respond collectively as the
church. No matter the decisions that are made in this time there are some that
will agree and some that will not, but we all need to keep the greater picture
of life as a whole in perspective.
There
are many in light of Covid-19, that believe we should live out in a bold faith
and not worry about the virus because we have God on our side, and I agree, but
that does not mean that we act rashly or foolishly in light of the
circumstances, rather we live with wisdom and in discernment and with the hope
that we find in Christ Jesus our Lord. It is not living in fear that should
drive our response, but rather an abiding trust in the sovereignty of God that
should fuel and guide our direction. Now more than ever we need to respond with
a heart of love to our world, our nation, our community and our friends and
family. The words of First Peter 3:15 hold true in this time and for this
season:
But in your hearts honor Christ
the Lord as holy, always be prepared to make defense (give an answer) to anyone who asks you for a reason for
the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness
and respect.
And
so we find ourselves needing an active response in the moment. Our response
comes based on the foundation of God’s Word and we will uphold God’s truth in
application to our lives. I have heard many stating the comfort that they find
in reading Psalm 91 during these
days and we do rest in the hands of Almighty God. As you read these words
remember that there is a heart response that is needed as well, “to hold fast
to God in love” (v.14). We must also be aware of other directions that God has
given as well.
-
In Numbers 5:2-4 – God instructed
the use of quarantine
-
In Proverbs 27:12 – we are told to
act prudently
-
In Philippians 2:3-4 – we are
engaged to look to the interests of others and not be selfish but
humble
-
In Romans 13:1-7 – we are to subject
ourselves to the government as they are under God’s authority, unless they are
violating God’s direction in Scripture (Acts
5:27-32)
Be
reassured, God is good all the time, and all the time God is good. God doesn’t
guarantee perfect health, but we need not fear. He loves us and provides all
things for our good according to His purposes. Be encouraged by the words of
these verses:
- Romans 8:28, 31-39 - 1 John 4:13-18 - Proverbs 3:5-6 - Jeremiah 29:11
SO… How do we respond…
Upon
meeting together with the Elders, here are some preliminary directions with the
understanding that further response will take place as the situation warrants.
1)
Until
further notice all ministry related gathering under the ministry of Westside
Alliance Church are suspended.
We understand that the current gathering size as directed by the
government is no more than 50 people, however we believe that we need to be
diligent in these matters and be considerate of all people who are a part of
our church as well as those we engage with in our community. This includes
prayer meetings, men’s groups, college and career, women’s fitness, youth
groups, etc…
2)
Access to
information and Sunday Services
We will be updating information through
our church website. Audio sermons will still be available on the website and we
are currently looking into a live streaming capability for video broadcast of
the Sunday morning service. If you do not have access to the technology to make
it possible for you to engage in listening or watching please let us know and
we will assist as we are able.
The church office will maintain open
hours from 9-12 on Wednesday and Thursdays. Please feel free to contact the
church office by phone or email as we will regularly be checking messages. You
may also contact the Pastor or any of the Elders for information. The contact
info is on the bulletin.
3)
Tithes and
Offering
During this time if you wish to give
your tithe or offering, you may do so by dropping it off at the church during office
hours, or through the mail slot on the front of the church doors (it is
secure). The option for electronic giving is also available through our website
or by downloading the tithe.ly app
(make sure it’s the green one) onto your electronic device. We do thank you for
your faithfulness in giving and continuing to support the ministry of the
church during this time.
4)
Fellowship
and Care
This is where we each have the
opportunity to be the hands and feet together in the church. It is not the
building that makes us a church, it is the people within. In this light I am
asking that you set specific time to connecting
with other people, and though during this time it may not be in the
physical presence of others, there is still opportunity to converse together
via telephone, Whatsapp, Skype, Facebook, Messenger and a host of other
possibilities. It is good to be proactive in reaching out to others, and it is
just as important to let others know when you are in a time of need. We may not
be able to contact everyone all the time, but we can respond when we are aware
of needs that are out there. One of the defining characteristics of our church
is not just that we are friendly, but that we actually care. Between the Elders
and myself we will be trying to connect with everyone on a regular basis, but
you don’t have to wait to get in touch with us first.
We do have a Benevolent Fund available
to help people in need of day to day items should the need arise.
5)
Prayer
Our response in prayer is two-fold.
One is make requests and needs known so
that they can be prayed for by others. This can be done by contacting the
church office or contacting Bonnie Sherwin with your request. You can also send
the request directly by email which will go to the Pastor and the Elders as
well: prayer@westsidealliance.com . Not
only do we want to hear your prayer needs, but send your praise items as well
to praise@westsidealliance.com .
The second is to make sure that we do
pray. In light of the regular prayer meetings being cancelled for the moment,
please set aside a regular time of prayer throughout your day to pray. I am
also encouraging a specific time of prayer each day at NOON, then you will know
that you are joined in prayer with each other as a body with a chorus of prayer
calling out to God. If you wish to be
kept up to date on prayer requests within the church please contact Bonnie to
be added to the prayer chain.
6)
Witness
This is a wonderful opportunity for you
to be the hands and feet of Christ as you engage with others in our community.
As you see the needs of your neighbors see how you can meet them. As you think
of your neighbors in isolation, reach out to connect with them. Serve in
humility as unto the Lord not unto men, and give God the glory as hearts are
drawn to Him. The world is in need of hope. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life… give them Jesus
We
believe that there are four key areas that we need to address as outlined by
the steps above that recognize the practice and presence of the church:
Ministry of the Word, Breaking of Bread, Fellowship and Prayer. These can be
maintained through each of us actively engaging together as the body of Christ.
A Time for
Discernment – A Time to Pray
This is indeed a time to pray. There are four specific
areas of prayer that we would ask you to keep in mind.
-
Pray for God to give wisdom to the Leadership of our church in providing
direction
during these times.
-
Pray for discernment and for good governance by our government as they respond
during
this time. Pray that
they will turn to God and seek His heart as they lead our country.
-
Pray for those that are currently affected by the Covid-19 virus and for those
that have lost
loved ones. Pray for
healing and for protection from it.
-
Pray for the hope that we have in Jesus Christ to be revealed through the words
and actions of the church and
that many will choose to believe through this crisis
You may appreciate these words that I received in an
email from Robert Lundy as he received them:
You might appreciate these words written by Martin Luther
when a plague was ravaging the German people—he balances the responsibility
to not
contaminate our neighbours unnecessarily with the
Christian’s calling to
help a neighbour in need:
"I shall ask God
mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the
air, administer medicine and take it. I shall avoid places and persons
where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and
thus, perchance, inflict and pollute others and so cause their death by my
negligence. If God should wish to take me, He will surely find me and I have done
what He expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death
or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me however, I shall not avoid
place or person I shall go freely as stated above. See this is such a
God-fearing faith because it is neither brash nor foolhardy and does not tempt
God." —Luther's Works: Volume 43, page 132.
A Time to Unite
As we continue in our theme for this next year, which is “ONE,”
let us make every effort to maintain the bond of peace that has been
established through Jesus Christ and unites us together as we long for His
return and life in His Kingdom.
Pastor Jared Enns
”My eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord”
