March 14, 2020
Dear Church Family,
Since my first letter on March 11, so much has changed in terms of what we know and what authorities are recommending. I met last night with a newly formed “rapid response team” to address concerns and make adjustments to how we would conduct ministry in these trying times. After prayerful deliberation, we have decided to suspend in-person public gatherings (including Sunday worship service, Sunday School, and youth Friday Night Fellowship), starting tomorrow Sunday March 15 until Saturday April 11. We will continue to monitor and evaluate conditions along the way, with a hope to restart our worship services on Easter Sunday April 12.
Our plans for now are:
1. In place of gathering in the church sanctuary on Sunday, we invite you to set aside time on Sunday morning to access a video message online. This will be uploaded each week by Sunday 9:00am.
2. For children, their Sunday School lesson will be made available online by Sunday 9:00am.
3. Worship through giving can be continued by doing so online (https://my.gobluefire.com/App/Giving/pvbc).
4. Plans are being made for youth to have interactive (livestream) sessions on Sunday mornings and Friday nights, starting March 20.
5. Adult small groups will determine among themselves how they want to meet, whether in-person, online, or a combination of both.
While all these adjustments are being made, please maintain your spiritual health with the following:
1. We should be prudent, but not panicked. “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6)
2. We should count our blessings in place of worry. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
3. We should continue to trust and love God in all circumstances. “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Please continue praying for God’s love to be lived out in and through His people during these times.
Trusting God,
-Pastor Ken