03/21/2020
From the elders:
The coronavirus (Covid-19) has has consumed our nation’s attention and impacted all of our daily routines in some way. At this time, there are no known cases in our church family or in the Stephens County area. However, we want to be proactive to alleviate anxiety, mitigate the potential spread of this sickness and reduce the possibility that healthcare would be rationed.
Many of us have worries about health, not just ourselves, but for those around us. We also know that many have been gravely affected by tremendous losses in their invest-ment and retirement accounts. On top of that—it seems the world is spiraling out of control. There is a real sense of panic by many. In light of this, We would like to share our thoughts, plans and respond to the present environment.
As of this evening, Saturday, March 14, 2020, we are planning to hold worship at the Chisholm Trail church of Christ building. This includes Bible classes. Keep in mind this may change—we will follow the recommendations of our state and local officials and communicate any changes to our current status. We WILL NOT have ANY scheduled activities on Wednesday, March18, 2020. On Sunday, March 22, 2020 we will not have Bible classes, LifeGroups, practices or youth activities. AT THIS TIME WE WILL CONDUCT WORSHIP ON SUNDAY MORNING, MARCH 22, 2020.
One of our biggest concerns as followers of Christ is for “the least of these…” meaning those who are more vulnerable or susceptible to the possibility of contracting and hav-ing difficulty with the virus. Many of the local nursing care homes have already “locked down”, so we are suspending our Lord’s Supper ministry to “shut-ins” until further no-tice. We will continue to pick up private home passengers for the van ministry, provid-ing they are not experiencing any signs of illness.
We also desire to “Love our neighbor…” So for the rest of us, here are some thoughts and guidelines to practice in our time together:
-If you are sick, please stay home!
If you are worried about becoming sick, stay home!
If you are uncomfortable in being in a group of people, please stay home!
If you have ANY symptoms for ANY sickness, please stay home.
If you have ANY conditions that compromise your immunity, please stay home.
If you have age-related issues, please stay home.
YOU ARE NOT “….FORSAKING THE ASSEMBLY…”
-Remember, you can view worship either live or later at ctcoc.org. If you need assis-tance ins connecting to this stream call 255-7038.
-Please wash your hands properly and regularly—especially after sneezing, coughing or using the restroom and before eating. 20 seconds is the recommended time for hand-washing.
-We discourage handshakes and hugs for now. Elbow bumps, waves and verbal greetings can still make sure all who join us feel welcomed. We should still practice ex-traordinary hospitality despite our current fears and situation.
-We will be offering the Lord’s Supper, but will be altering how that is administered. We will communicate that change during worship as it will be at the end of our time togeth-er.
-We will not pass an offering plate in our services. Instead we will have receptacles in the back of the auditorium in which you may place your contribution.
-Our cleaning service is especially focused on regularly cleaning door handles, bath-rooms, children’s areas, and other “high-touch” areas in the building.
We understand the uncertainty of this outbreak is creating anxiety in our community. We remain confident of God’s constant presence and careful attention to all that is happening. Please join us in praying for those affected by this illness, as well as for their caregiver and those who are working to minimize the impact of the virus. We are also mindful of the many people being affected by the economic hardships of closing business and a declining economy.
As Christians, we KNOW that HE is in control and therefore, have a “peace that sur-passes ALL understanding….” “We are more than conquerors through HIM who loves us.” In times like these, what we have in God and His word and in each other through His church becomes more precious than ever! This is our chance to show a fearful world what a difference our faith makes. We have so much to celebrate, so much to be grateful for. This is our chance to shine, Chisholm Trail. Let’s be wise and prudent, but let’s also and always go forth and BE THE CHURCH.
Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields [2] with fire.
"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
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