Grace City family,

Over the past several weeks, you’ve been flooded with information (and misinformation) about the coronavirus and COVID-19. We’ve been praying, listening to scientists and doctors, and following the direction of federal, state, and local authorities (including the CDC, the governor’s and mayor’s offices, and Denver Public Schools). This is a rapidly-evolving situation, yet our preeminent goals have remained the same throughout: walk in wisdom, follow the law of love, and point people to Christ.

In just the past few days, the situation has changed dramatically, so Marti and I have made the decision to cancel or postpone Asterisk events for the remainder of March and April. Forfeiting this income is a small price to pay to help keep our community safe.

Furthermore, after meeting with our church’s leadership team today, I want to communicate a few significant, temporary changes we are making to the ways that we worship and interact as a community.

Most significantly, we are making the decision to suspend our Sunday gatherings for at least the next two weeks (March 15 and 22). We are disappointed that we cannot gather to worship in the same way that we are accustomed to, but we recognize that the church is neither a building nor a worship service. You are the church: redeemed people on mission for Jesus. And right now, that mission means seeking the peace and welfare of our city by protecting the most vulnerable and relieving a potentially catastrophic strain on our health care system.

To that end, the leadership team is recommending that we proceed as follows:

1. Sundays: We will livestream some kind of worship experience at 10:00 am each of the next two Sundays (and for as long as necessary) on our Facebook page. We hope to be able to follow a similar format to what you’re accustomed to – with singing, prayers, Scripture, and a message. Though these services will not be open to the public, we encourage you to tune in live all across the city with your families or a small group of friends, engage virtually, and lead your household in worship.

2. Small Groups: These include Gospel communities, men’s, women’s, singles, and youth groups: This is not a test of your spirituality. Whether you are in a high-risk category or not, it is perfectly reasonable for you to choose not to meet over the next few weeks as we learn more. If you continue to gather voluntarily as small groups of 8-10 or less, please follow best practices for preventing the spread of germs, including:

• Stay home if you have any symptoms of illness or have been around anyone who has.
• Maintain physical distance that prevents the transmission of germs through airborne droplets.
• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently.
• Do not share food, drink, utensils, etc.

 

3. Pastoral Care: Many of you have already been impacted by the financial, business, and lifestyle implications of this virus. Our leadership team will remain as available as possible to assist you during this time. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns, or for prayer or care. If you are being tested for or have been diagnosed with COVID-19, please let us know.

4. Gospel Opportunities: Throughout history, the Church has been characterized by hope, peace, and compassion during uncertain and fearful times. We are confident God is in control and he’s working all things together for good. This situation is an opportunity to trust in him and lay down our rights in order to serve others with selfless and sacrificial love. Please continue steadfastly in prayer and look for ways God wants to use you to share the love of Jesus in word and deed.

with love, in hope, for the glory of God,

Matt Hand, pastor, on behalf of the GC leadership team

 

p.s. Here are some resources we’ve found helpful if you’d like to learn more:

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/church-online-coronavirus-age/

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/christians-anxious-coronavirus/

https://journal.praxislabs.org/love-in-the-time-of-coronavirus-26aaeb0396e3