COVID-19 Service Cancellations
We have been blessed to live in a part of the world less impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and as such enjoyed continued worship services through the fourth Sunday in March. However, given the reported cases in our home and surrounding counties, the shutdown request of Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves for gatherings of 10 or more people, and the danger to our older-skewing congregation, the decision has been made to cancel the March 29th Sunday worship services (including the fifth Sunday night hymn sing scheduled for that evening) and the April 1st midweek service.
This is the first time any scheduled service has been suddenly cancelled like this since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and it is not done lightly. We are hopeful that the severity of the viral threat will be reduced enough to permit Easter services to go forward. However, this pandemic will not simply disappear in two weeks, so it could well be longer.
The question has been asked if there will be anything such as a live stream of a sermon or some form of experience to engender a semblance of corporate worship. While it has been and continues to be looked into, the capability doesn’t presently exist with the church, so there will be no provision for such this week. However that may soon change: please continue to monitor our Facebook page and website for developments.
Despite this setback, we serve a risen Savior, and we must not forget that fact! As such, please don’t neglect your personal worship during this shutdown: read and meditate on the Word of God, bathe it, your church, and your neighbors in prayer; and avail yourself of the many worship resources available. For instance, there are many local churches offering live streams through their websites and social media, as well as other reputable televised ministries that are worthy of attention.
In the meantime, please observe all precautions for your safety and others. Through the grace of God we will weather this storm as we have in the past. May God richly bless you and yours in this and all other times!