This is a very difficult call. However, in being on the better side of careful, I have made the decision to cancel Sunday worship service for March 15 and all activities for Wednesday, March 18.
Most of us, I realize, are not overly worried about the virus. But if prudence saves just one person the great discomfort of this malicious virus then it will be a wise decision to cancel services this Sunday and Wednesday.
I encourage everyone to stay at home this Sunday. By Saturday evening, via email and the church’s Facebook page and website, Lorri and I will send out a Scripture reading and my thoughts leading us into the Easter season that you can use at home as a family or for personal worship.
Use your most trusted source to take whatever precautions you follow.
I don’t want to send a mixed or confusing message. If you can stay home this Sunday, that may be the wisest thing you can do. I will, however, be at the church on Sunday morning to tell all those, including potential guests, that services at the church have been canceled. I will stay there until 11:15. At that time I will begin a time of prayer for our community in coping with this situation that has caused so much fear all over the world. If anyone wishes to join me for the brief time until 11:30, that would be fine. We will bump elbows, pray, and return home.
Here are the words to a great hymn of comfort:
This Is My Father’s World
This is my Father’s world, and to my list’ning ears,
All nature sings and round me rings
The music of the spheres
This is my Father’s world, the birds their carols raise
The morning light, the lily white
Declare their Maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world! I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
His hand the wonders wrought.
This is my Father’s world, O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong
God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world! Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King, let the heavens ring;
God reigns, let the earth be glad.
This is my Father’s world! He shines in all that’s fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass,
He speaks to me everywhere.
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass
He speaks to me everywhere.
Grace and Peace,
Doug Tipps
Soul Cafe Church 