March 13 Letter from our Senior Pastor regarding coronavirus.

March 13, 2020

Dear members and attenders,

As many of you now know, San Antonio verified its first travel-related coronavirus case today. City officials confirm that this person has no relation to any of the evacuees at JBSA-Lackland who were infected with the virus and is under a self-quarantine. This case does not yet represent community spread of the virus, but it is impossible to determine who else might be currently infected with COVID-19 in San Antonio.

This development also prompted Mayor Ron Nirenberg to declare a public health emergency for the city of San Antonio in an effort to curb a rapid spread of the virus in our area. This declaration officially prohibits large gatherings of 500 people or more and discourages groups of 250 or more from gathering. The CDC further counsels all populations, but especially those at high risk for contracting the coronavirus to practice social distancing protocols, which includes refraining from gatherings of more than ten people. For those who may not be aware, a person is at high risk if they are...

• 60 years or old A person with a health condition such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, kidney
  disease or a weakened immune system
• Pregnant or were pregnant in the last two weeks
• Experiencing homelessness

Not surprisingly, these developments prompted another round of school closings, most of whom are extending spring break for at least an additional week.

Moments ago, the Session of Redeemer Presbyterian Church met to further discuss what should our response be to this rapidly developing situation. It was decided that it is in the best interest of our congregation to cancel all Sunday activities, including our two morning worship services for this week. In addition, Redeemer has canceled all regularly programmed activities for this upcoming week, which includes all men’s, women’s, young adult, and youth gatherings, spiritual formation classes, recovery groups, choirs and community groups. Please keep in mind that these plans only pertain to this upcoming week, and the Session will address Redeemer’s response for later weeks in the coming days.

In lieu of Sunday services, Redeemer will provide a live broadcast of a modified service of worship, which will include a sermon, on Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m. Details about how to link to that service will be forthcoming.

These are unusual times for our church, city and nation. Never before has Redeemer canceled its worship services. Moreover, there is nothing more important to us as God’s people than the worship of our triune God. As our statement of purpose declares, everything we do is “for his glory!” Indeed, “we exist to worship God’s greatness.”

At the same time, God’s word provides sound wisdom on why this course of action seemed most appropriate to the elders. Three points are particularly relevant.

• As we have already stated, God has called each of us to love our neighbor; such love is tantamount to a fulfillment of God’s law (cf. Matt. 22:39; Rom. 13:9; Gal. 5:14; Jam.2:8). In order to practice such love in this circumstance, it requires that we curb public gatherings in order to protect those most vulnerable. What is more, by limiting the spread of the disease our city’s health infrastructure will be better positioned to manage those who do become sick.
• Secondly, observing the counsel of our city officials is a clear example of obeying our earthly authorities, which God has instructed us to do in Romans 13:1: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.” Some of you may know that the prohibition makes special exception for religious groups, but the expert counsel of the nation’s best medical professionals advise against such gatherings for reasons already stated. Clearly, as Paul writes in Romans 13:4, these officials are “God’s servant(s) for [our] good.”
• Finally, by refraining from gathering Redeemer acknowledges its solidarity with those in our congregation who are most at risk should they contract this virus. Just because there are some of us who have strong immune responses does not free us from our obligation to respect our neighbor with a weaker response. Paul reminds us that we are one body in communion with the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 12:12). He goes on, “God has so composed the body...that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together (1 Cor. 12:24-26). Therefore, if it is advisable for a significant portion of our congregation to refrain from publicly gathering for worship, we will all observe that wisdom.

Of course, it’s natural that we might feel anxious during such times. But God’s people have faced far more significant challenges and have experienced and even greater supply of grace. Such is our hope too. God will supply [our] every need according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19).

Finally, if you have questions you’d like to discuss or would like to request prayer, let me encourage you to reach out to your community group leaders or shepherding elders.

For Christ our Redeemer,