My Brothers and Sisters,
After prayer, conversation, research, and under the recommendation of Governor Kemp, Prince of Peace will be cancelling our corporate worship services for March 15th and 22nd. Our church council will reevaluate following the 22nd to make further decisions going forward.
This decision was made after wrestling with two competing factors.
- A desire to resist fear, live in faith, trust the Lord, and not interrupt life any more than necessary.
- A realization that we are called to be good stewards, love our neighbor, use wisdom in listening to our governmental leaders
In the end, the decision was made to cancel corporate worship because it is the right thing to do. We want to protect our neighbors, our most vulnerable loved ones, and the overall health and capacity of our nation–the world as well for that matter. I realize that there are many conflicting reports. I believe, after listening and reading many voices, following the advise of governmental leaders is the right path. If our actions today can help mitigate the dangers of tomorrow–then I believe we will have lived out the call of Christ to love our neighbor.
While cancelling our worship services is a big step. It does not cancel or negate our faith and trust in the One who walks with each of us during these days. Cancelling worship is not an act of fear–it is an act of love. This momentary disappointment provides opportunity to reduce the fast spread of this virus. It may be one small step that we can take to reduce the strain that is coming to our hospital and medical fields. Jesus is still in charge. We still–every Sunday and every day–call upon His name in worship. We may not know what the future holds–but we are held by the One who has nail-pierced hands.
A Word of Hope
Many may claim that we are living in a new world with this outbreak and these new fears. I believe this to be a bold face lie. The New World was created almost 2,000 years ago. Early on the 1st day of the week, some women went to the tomb of Jesus only to find a New World burst forth from an empty grave. This New World is the one where Christ Jesus is the Victor. He is the spotless and sacrificed lamb who has become the Lion of Judah. He is the hope of all nations. And He is the Great Physician. Don’t let fear win. Don’t let panic drape over your shoulders. Light a Candle. Open to Psalms. Pray together the 91st.
What Now?
Prince of Peace is not capable of streaming a worship service. However, I will be sharing a couple of thoughts and reflections this Sunday–and going forward. Much of these thoughts, reflections, and videos will be found in a variety of places: Here on our website; via our email list; through our Prince of Peace Facebook page. Look for updates and opportunities to get involved.
Know that, while we are not meeting for worship together, that we can join together in prayer and praise through other means.
There will be more to come soon.
In the mean time, breathe deep the fullness of God. Fear NOT for God is with you. And, keep washing those hands.
Pastor Scott
