HOW TO LOVE IN A PANDEMIC
For the rest of March Mountain View Church will be moving our Sunday church services online. Rather than coming to our physical address, join us live on our YouTube channel at 8:45 am or watch the replay at 10:45 am. Subscribe HERE.
Now that the World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 coronavirus a pandemic, and the governor has asked us to suspend large gatherings for the next few weeks, the question we have been asking ourselves is “What does love look like in a pandemic?”.
1. Love looks like prevention.
We told you last week about measures we have been taking at Mountain View to prevent the spread of disease in general. There is great information about how to do that on government websites that is much better than following news outlets (See links below). Loving your neighbor means using good health practices and sharing good information.
2. Love looks like prioritizing the most vulnerable.
While the threat is still low in our area and the coronavirus may not actually hurt you or your kids if you get it, it could be life-threatening to the elderly or those with respiratory issues. Preventing the spread helps everyone, especially vulnerable populations. Jesus cares about the one lost sheep and he takes it personally how we treat the most vulnerable. 3. Love looks like personal sacrifice for the good of everyone.
Our actions now will make a difference in slowing the spread of the virus. By following the guidelines the government authorities have published regarding social distancing in public gatherings, we can make a difference in slowing this pandemic. Jesus calls us to look out for the interests of others. 4. Love looks like reaching out and connecting with one another.
We may need to keep our distance physically, but we can still stay connected. Social media can spread fear but it can also spread faith, hope and love. Calling each other, checking in on one another, praying for one another and offering help to those who are sick are all things we can do as a church family. Use our church database, Facebook page and Instagram to stay connected. Talk to your small group about how you will meet and stay connected. So what about church on Sunday? What does that look like?You are the church. That doesn’t change. But how we meet will need to for the time being. Though no one at Mountain View has tested positive for the virus and the risk in our area is still low, we are moving our regular public gatherings online for now.
Attend Sunday Services on YouTube at our regular times of 8:45 and 10:45 AM For the rest of March we will be moving our services online. Rather than coming to our physical address, go to our Youtube channel at 8:45 am or 10:45 am and worship with us live.
We will send out curriculum and activities you can do with your kids, and you can interact through our YouTube, Facebook and Instagram platforms with others. It is actually a great opportunity to share your church experience with friends or family who don’t normally come. This week, I will have a special message that will be especially timely to combat fear and move forward in proactive love. It’s easy to share it by sending a link.
I love you all and I will be praying for you and your families and will be reaching out with more information within the next couple of days. We will get through this thing together and God will work it together for good in ways that we can’t even begin to imagine yet!
Your Pastor,
P.S. I am going live on YouTube Friday night, March 13th at 8 PM to do a virtual town hall meeting to tell you more and answer your questions. Subscribe now to be ready to join me.
For the best up to date information, use these sources. cdc.gov National cdph.ca.gov State of Calif. ochealthinfo.com Orange County |