To My Favorite People,
I would like to update you on a few additional decisions we made today as a Senior Leadership Team out of care for our 2PC flock. However, before I pass those along to you I want to encourage you as your Pastor.
Our sovereign God has entrusted us with an opportunity to display “the hope we have within us” to a world in panic. It is natural for us to be afraid and our Father compassionately tends to us when we are.
As the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort (II Corinthians 1:3), “he knows our frames, remembers that we are dust” and cherishes us as his children (Psalm 103:13). Though Isaiah could boast, “I will trust in the Lord and not be afraid” (Isaiah 12:2), David could also say without fear of condemnation, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you” (Psalm 56:3).
Church Activities Cancelled
Through March 30th, all scheduled group activities, meetings, and events, other than Corporate Worship, will be cancelled. This includes Congregational Communities, Bible Studies, MidWeek, SHINE, Youth & Kids programs, Sports, Parents’ Day Out, Women’s Retreat, etc.
Corporate Worship Will Continue at 8:15am, 11:00am, and 6:00pm on the Lord’s Day
Throughout redemptive history, God has called his people to work and worship in defiant hope regardless of geopolitics or epidemics. The psalmist’s despair over the wicked world around him was transformed into hope by returning to worship (Psalm 73:16-17).
The Church has also lived with bold faith during times of persecution and illness. Let those of us for whom it is prudent (Proverbs 22:3) proactively look for ways to demonstrate the incarnation love of Christ and certain hope of the gospel (I Peter 3:17). Church history is replete with stories of Christians and churches refusing to panic in times of war and plague.
However, if you are sick, or considered high risk, please stay at home and make use of the internet livestream or radio broadcast. Our 11:00am and 6:00pm services will be available by livestream at 2pc.org/live. The 11:00am service will be broadcast live on Memphis radio stations 1210AM and 103.1FM.
Changes During Worship
In an effort to decrease the spreading of germs during worship, we recommend not shaking hands or hugging during the greetings time. Also, we will not pass the friendship pad or offering plate. Please give online at 2pc.org/give or place your offering in one of the collection boxes at the Sanctuary exits. Finally, for the safety of our children, we have closed our nursery and will not have a Word to the Children during worship.
The Lord’s Supper
Perhaps the most defiantly hopeful thing we can do is continue to serve communion. In the Lord’s Supper, Christ meets us more powerfully than in any other means of grace.
No one will be judged for not partaking of the elements or refraining from public worship. Especially if you have an underlying health concern, the Lord and your covenant family understands if you need to forego worship and/or communion for a time.
Communion elements on Sunday evening will be prepared by staff with gloves, and hand sanitizer will be available in the aisle before you partake.
Further Communication
We will monitor the situation and meet regularly to determine if changes need to be made to these precautions. Any updates will be published here on our website, sent by email, and posted to Twitter and Facebook.
Blessings,
George
