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COVID-19 Update

SUSPENSION OF SERVICES

At this time all of our in-person services have been cancelled out of the adherence to NYS law and also out of love and safety for our members and our visitors. As an alternative we are hosting virtual ZOOM meetings for Morning Worship Services and Wednesday Night Bible studies. If you would like to join, please email us at holliscoc@gmail.com

 

WHEN WILL WE RESUME WORSHIP GATHERINGS IN OUR BUILDINGS, AND WHAT FACTORS ARE AFFECTING THIS DECISION?

As a church, we are grateful for the freedom to gather for worship in our buildings, and we all long to do so. We literally cannot wait to see everyone! 

We also realize that different people have different perspectives on when we should resume in-person gatherings in our buildings. Some members believe we should do so immediately, while others believe we should wait much longer. Even various leaders have different opinions. In the midst of this uncharted territory, together we have decided to proceed slowly and to wait to resume worship gatherings in our buildings for now. 

 

HOW CAN I BETTER UNDERSTAND THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)?

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regularly updates the status of the coronavirus (COVID-19), symptoms to look for and how to identify it, and its relative risk at cdc.gov/coronavirus. You can also find more information from the World Health Organization.

 

HOW SHOULD I RESPOND PHYSICALLY TO THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)?

For all the recommended ways in how to respond physically to the coronavirus, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus. Please also alert your church family so that we can best help and support you.

Regardless of age or medical condition, we encourage everyone to take certain steps to protect themselves and others from the coronavirus, flu, and other illnesses, including:

  • Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
  • Using hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available;
  • Not touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands;
  • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick;
  • Staying home if you are sick;
  • Covering your cough or sneeze;
  • Disinfecting objects and surfaces regularly.

 

HOW SHOULD I RESPOND SPIRITUALLY TO THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)?

The coronavirus (COVID-19) is yet one more reminder that we live in a fallen world of sickness, sin, suffering, and death. Ultimately, none of us are immune to any of these things. But that’s why the gospel is such good news. God has not left us alone in this world of sickness, sin, suffering, and death. He has come to us in the person of Jesus. The greatest news in all the world is that Jesus lived a life with no sin, died on a cross to pay the price for our sin, and rose from the grave in victory over sin and death. Now anyone anywhere who turns from their sin and trusts in Jesus will be forgiven of all their sin and restored to relationship with God forever. That means that through Jesus, we never have to fear sickness or death because we know we have eternal life with God.

If you do not know that you have eternal life with God, we urge you to put your faith in Jesus. And if you do know that you have eternal life with God, we urge you to share your faith in Jesus with others. Times like these remind us all of the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. So let’s spread the greatest news that death has been defeated and eternal life is available to all who trust in Jesus.

In addition to trusting in Jesus and sharing about Jesus with others, here’s some other ways you can respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19):

  • Trust in God as the good and sovereign Creator and Sustainer of life upon whom we all depend.
  • Pray for mercy for the sick, strength for doctors, insight for researchers, and wisdom for officials.
  • Look for opportunities to love and care for others, whether they are sick, isolated, marginalized, poor, or oppressed.
  • Avoid every semblance of prejudice or racism. In light of the origination of this virus in Asia, it has been grievous to see a rise in racist incidents against the Asian community. In every circumstance, guard against all prejudice or racism in your thoughts, your words, and your actions.
  • Even if we are unable to gather at certain times, stay closely connected to the church family. Gather with smaller groups as appropriate, and participate in worship gatherings online if that’s the only option.
  • Reflect often on the brevity of life, the urgency of eternity, and the beauty of the gospel.