COVID-19 Update - March 13th, 2020
COVID-19 update
Hello brothers and sisters in the Lord!
Thank you for praying for us as we continue to serve the Lord in our community.
I am reaching out to you to let you know what is happening in regards to church and the chaos that is unfolding around us. First and foremost is to remember that God is in control! And Gods word and prayer is our best source!
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
I listened in on a meeting with Governor Polis and clergy from Colorado this afternoon and was waiting on decisions until after that phone call. Several things have unfolded in the fast pace of this virus. CCU has closed the campus and ALL students need to be off Camus by next Saturday. Some of them may need some assistance. I was also informed today that we would not have access to the music center until further notice. I am in contact with our board, other pastors in our community including Pastor Ed from Calvary Church in Aurora, and Reg Cox here in Lakewood. Ministry will continue and look a little different for a while.
Closures & Cancellations
Although it is our desire to never cancel a service, a ministry meeting or other events at Calvary Belmar, sometimes there are circumstances beyond our control or outside influences that would impact your safety and security.
Chuck Smith, taught us this simple truth, “Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be broken.” (or as some say, “will not be bent out of shape). It’s true. If there were ever times that required flexibility, it’s now. Our theme for the study in the book of Acts is Empowered ambassadors and already God is calling upon us to live by and respond by faith!
The spread of the coronavirus has caused major disruptions, changes, and as one media outlet called it, “forced new realities”. It’s also stirred up new fears, anxieties, and even widespread panic. But one thing has not changed, the sovereignty of God. He is still on the throne. This is the time, this is the year, to arise as a Church scattered to help those in need. We may temporarily not be able to meet as the “Church gathered”, but we are the Church exactly where the Lord wants us!
Our Executive leadership team has been monitoring the latest information concerning the pandemic. Today, our Governor in Colorado has sent out a new directive ordering limitations on gatherings of more than 250 people.
Now, we never run more than 180 on a Sunday morning between two services, but with CCU closing campus we have decided to Cancel this Sundays service and prepare to do live stream service for the following Sundays. We will have one service at 10AM on line. You can get a free VIMEO account and sign in and watch, or watch via Facebook or on the calvarybelmar.org website. All of the messages are available on the website. And new blogs will be following. As a reminder we have an amazing radio station in GRACE.FM and our church is on Monday through Friday at 6:30PM and Sundays at 4PM. We will be signing a new contract with them at the end of March and be ramping up how we use this amazing tool to proclaim the gospel of hope!
Small groups and anchor groups will continue at the leaders discretion. This includes, mens and womens bible studies, anchor groups and the foundation class. These are small group gatherings and can bring strength and comfort through His word and fellowship. The other scheduled activities will be evaluated next week. I have support from local pastors to use their facilities if we need to for events.
God is bigger than the coronavirus. We praise God for technology.
Join us starting Sunday March 22nd at 10 AM for church on line! This is an opportune time to connect the gospel with people in your life. Let your friends, neighbors, and co-workers know that you’re having church services in your home and invite them in. Post our online services on your social media outlets and let’s join together as the family of God and be a resource of hope in our local communities.
GOOD NEWS: Our church offices will remain open and your pastor, staff and elders will be available to serve you as unto the Lord! I will be opening the office for times of prayer and impromptu bible study. Feel free to swing by.
Philippians 4:6–7 (NKJV) “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Our goal is always to protect the safety, health, and wellness of our CCU students, staff and church families. Amid the uncertainty and fear that this pandemic brings, our strength as a community is our greatest asset. We can work together to protect each other and slow the progression of COVID-19. We thank you for your support and partnership in this effort.
CDC Coronavirus (COVID-2019) Readiness & Precautionary Information:
UPDATE: Thursday, March 12, 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update From Pastor Ed Taylor
Psalm 112:7 (NLT) “They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.”
With the heightened awareness and deep public concerns regarding the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), I want to let you know that we are carefully monitoring the situation, CDC updates, and government response and recommendations.
While we as a church family have always cared about each other’s health, I want to reaffirm that commitment today. The joy of being a part of a local church family is the mutual love and concern for each other. This is such a time!
We’ve always been very intentional in this commitment and now, more than ever before. All common areas are regularly cleaned and disinfected, using hospital-grade cleaners to dust and disinfect handles, restrooms, tables, chairs, etc. Hand sanitizer is available throughout the office. We are exploring other areas to continually add to our cleaning efforts. If you have free time we would love to have help in doing this.
Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”
Here's some of what you can do:
Greet one another with a smile and a simple "hello."
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds, about how long it takes to sing the ABCs.
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60 percent alcohol) if soap and water are not available.
Limit contact with those who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
If you or your children are not feeling well or are sick, stay home and enjoy our worship services online at calvarybelmar.org Sundays at 10:00AM. Or on GRACEfm 89.7fm Monday through Friday 630PM and Sunday at 4PM. I would actually encourage you to keep it on and listen to the teaching of Gods word as much as you can.
Be understanding and supportive when others need to stay home.
We also encourage you to pray for the parts of the world that have been hit particularly hard by this virus, and that God would lead researchers to find a treatment for it as soon as possible. Many families have suffered great hardship and even loss because of this virus. Please don’t forget them.
This is a real opportunity to be ready to serve our neighbor in love, care, and compassion. The Action Center and local schools are reaching out asking for help with food donations. Stay tuned for more info.
I love you all and am excited to see God show off in all of this! May our faith be seen and God be glorified in ALL we do.
Pastor Scott