Dear Friends at 5C:
In midst of coronavirus outbreak, our congregation holds the last worship service in the church before we go online service next Sunday. Pastor Ray leads us in prayers for this outbreak as well as for our nation. God is watching over us, and in times of crisis like this we have nowhere to turn but Him. Our members treasure this precious time together and bless one another as we leave for home. This Sunday we have 31 people worshiping in the church.
The situation in US is chaotic, but as Christians we have a great hope beyond what we hear and what we see right now. It is more than ever that we need to hear from God, trust His protection, and live in peace given by Christ. Just as I share with our congregation on Sunday, God assures His people throughout history, “Fear not, because I am with you.” I am glad that our government takes more aggressive measures to slow down this spread. America is a great country as we have faced many challenges in the past. We trust that under God this country will once again win the battle over this epidemic.
This crisis is also a test for the church leadership. Our deacon board makes a swift response to escalating situations. Bianca and Raymond have taken many hours over the weekend to draft up an emergency plan, so our church may be able to continue our worship service virtually when we are unable to meet in person. Praise the Lord for many talents in this small church! Sunday night the board meets the very first time virtually to further our preparation for dealing ministry changes, here are some of the highlights:
- Church suspends all in person services or meetings until further notice.
- Church adopts live stream for Sunday school as well as Sunday service.
- Pastor Chen will be in church office as scheduled, 9:00am-2:00pm on 3/20 (Friday). 3/25 (Wednesday) and 3/27 (Friday). You are welcome to stop by in person if you’d like.
- In case of community shutdown, Pastor Chen will hold virtual office hours (to be announced later).
- Pastor Chen will send out a newsletter each week to all members in the church.
- Raymond will hold serval live stream tests this week, please sign-in and get your device ready for Sunday.
- Church plans to have small groups and prayer meeting online (in planning).
Prayer Requests:
- Pray for Coronavirus outbreak in US and around the world.
- Pray for physical and spiritual well-being of our church members.
- Pray for church preparation for live stream on Sunday.
- Pray for church leadership handling the transition of on-going ministry.
- Pray for God’s provision for those families affected by the slow-down of business.
- Pray for God’s protection for those who have to work outside the home.
Please let us know if you have any prayer requests. Stay safe and keep your personal hygiene in place. Look forward to seeing you virtually on Sunday 3/22.
Blessings!
Pastor Jinchang
親愛中岸教會的朋友們：
在新型冠狀病毒爆發中，我們的會眾在教堂舉行了最後的崇拜活動，下週日我们将進行线上崇拜。Pastor Ray帶領我們為這次疫情以及我們的國家祈禱。上帝在看著我們，在這樣的危機時期，除了他，我們無處可轉。我們的成員珍惜這段寶貴的時光，並在我們回家的路上互相祝福。這個星期天，有31人在教堂裡崇拜。
目前美國的局勢很混亂，但是作為基督徒，除了聽到和所看到的東西之外，我們還有很大的希望。我們比以往任何時候都更需要聽從上帝的聲音，相信祂的保護，並在基督賜予的和平中生活。正如我在周日與會眾分享的一樣，上帝在整個歷史上向祂的子民保證：“不要害怕，因為我與你們同在。”我很高興我們的政府採取更加積極的措施來減緩這次疫情的蔓延。美國是一個偉大的國家，因為過去我們面臨過許多挑戰。我們相信，在上帝的帶領下，這個國家將再次戰勝這場流行病。
這場危機也是對教會領導層的考驗。我們的執事會迅速對不斷升級的情況做出反應。週末， Bianca和Raymond花了很多時間來草擬緊急計劃，因此，當我們無法親自見面時，我們的教會也可以繼續進行線上崇拜。讚美主我們這個小教堂裡有很多人才！執事會在星期天晚上第一次線上開會討論了進一步為應對事工變動所做的準備，以下是一些重點摘要：
- 教會現暫停所有到場崇拜与聚會，直至另行通知
- 教會將在線直播週日主日學及主日崇拜
- 陳牧師將按計劃與3月20日週五、3月25日週三及3月27日週五的上午9点至下午2点在教會辦公室，如有需要歡迎前來。
- 如若社區關閉，陳牧師將會改為線上辦公（稍後通知）
- 陳牧師將會每週向教會所有成員發送時事簡報
- Raymond本週將會進行直播測試，請登錄並為週日的禮拜做好準備
- 教會計劃舉行線上小組聚會及禱告會（計劃中）
禱告需求：
- 為美國及世界各地的新冠病毒爆發
- 為我們教會所有成員的身體及屬靈健康
- 為教會準備週日的線上直播
- 為教會領袖處理正在进行的事工过渡
- 為因業務放緩所收影響的家庭祈禱上帝的安排
- 為那些必須在外工作的人們祈禱上帝的保護
如有任何祈禱需求請告知。注意安全，保持個人衛生。期待週日3月22日在線上見到您。
主僕
陳金昌