March 18 Letter from our Senior Pastor regarding coronavirus.

March 18, 2020

Dear members and attenders,

"Welcome to the new normal!" I think that's what we are all coming to terms with. Who would have thought six months ago that we'd be negotiating a world-wide pandemic surrounding COVID-19 virus, and that terms like social-distancing and self-quarantine would actually be understandable? But this is the "new normal," and the latest estimates suggest that these changes to our lifestyle are going to be with us for a while.

Thankfully, as I reminded us on Sunday, COVID-19 has not taken our God by surprise. We can trust in his sovereign control and delight in his Fatherly care (cf. Matt. 10:29-31). He is with us and will see us through the trials of this season. At the same time, the disruption to our familiar day-to-day routines is not going away quickly. What is more, that disruption affects the weekly rhythm of our life together at Redeemer Presbyterian Church. With that in mind, I wanted to address how Redeemer is planning for the weeks ahead.

First of all, what's the plan for upcoming services and weekly activities? Last night, the Session chose to cancel our regular Sunday worship services and weekly programs through Sunday, April 5th. While it's likely that we will postpone services even further, this decision holds out hope that we might be able to gather publicly again on Easter Sunday, April 12.

In lieu of our public worship services, Redeemer will continue to Livestream a worship service at 11 a.m. on Sunday mornings, which will also be posted on the website for later viewing. This Sunday (3/22) we are planning to utilize more elements from Redeemer's liturgy, including the renewal section of our liturgy and three songs that members of our music team will sing. It's our desire that those watching join us in the responsive readings and songs. In addition, we will return to our series on the study of Jonah-Making Room for God's Mercy. Redeemer will post a modified worship guide on its website several days prior to the Sunday Livestream so that our members & viewers can better prepare.

Secondly, I'd like to comment about maintaining our congregational connections. Community is one of Redeemer's highest priorities. Yet, the coronavirus COVID-19 has required that we set aside some of the joys we experience in our time together. I know that a few of you have chosen to gather in small groups to watch the Livestream of the service. Others have chosen to FaceTime or Zoom in groups together while watching the service. These are fine options. However, it's important that we use caution in whatever gathering to ensure that we are not inadvertently furthering the spread of the virus. My hope is that in the coming weeks circumstances might make it possible for us to join together in our Community Groups to worship on Sundays. I'd ask that you pray to that end.

Next, it is important that we check on those most vulnerable in our midst. If you're a community group leader, please check in with your members to determine if there are any issues of concern. If so, please contact one of our deacons, Pastor Tubbesing or Pastor Martinez to have those matters addressed.

Additionally, we all have neighbors, and many of them are either under-churched or not part of a church at all. I know that we are all somewhat frustrated, but let's not lose sight of the opportunity in front of us. This season provides us with an incredible opportunity to show hospitality and to extend the love of Christ in the concern we show to our neighbor. Let's not squander these Divine appointments!

Finally, let me offer a comment about the financial situation of Redeemer. As most of you know, Redeemer finished 2019 especially strong, and 2020 began in a similar way. We are in a sound financial position. Though COVID-19 has forced Redeemer to do ministry differently, we are not planning on any disruption to our staffing or missional commitments. Therefore, your contributions remain vital. The Session asks that members continue keeping their financial commitments to the church through Redeemer Online Giving or by mailing your check to our office.

Of course, if you have any questions about these matters or something else, please reach out to me, one of our pastors or your shepherding elder. We are here to minister to you.

In closing, let me say thank you for all who have encouraged me and members of the staff over the past week as we have sought to lead Redeemer through this never-before-seen situation. Your patience, prayers and encouraging notes have been especially kind. Indeed, Paul's words to the church at Philippi are particularly applicable to us in this anxious time.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. -Philippians 4:8