Brian Frost

As concerns surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to rise with new reports being issued multiple times a day, I want to let you know that we have been prayerfully considering all recommendations from the CDC, local health officials, and the Governor. Our leadership team has concluded that it will be in the best interest of our church and community to solely broadcast our church services online at 9:30 & 11:00 AM on Sundays and postpone all scheduled ministry events until further notice.

In light of these decisions and what is taking place in our city and world, please consider a few things:

  1. Let me encourage you not to panic. At one point in time, the people of Israel faced a threat so serious that, “The heart of Ahaz and the heart of the people shook as the trees of the forest shake before the wind.” In love, God sent Isaiah the prophet to encourage the people not to fear or to let their hearts grow faint. In the very next chapter, however, we find Isaiah paralyzed with fear. In love, God said to him, “Do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he will become a sanctuary.” God gives peace to those who draw near to Him. In Psalm 46, we read, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea…be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:1-2, 10).

  2. Let me encourage those of you who are parents to give your kids the memory of what faith looks like during fear. Let them hear you read the Bible to them (Psalm 23; Philippians 4:6-8). Let them hear you pray. Let them see what it looks like to face the Lord when we are frightened.

  3. Let me encourage you to worship through live stream this Sunday at 9:30 or 11 AM. Sing, pray, open your Bible, and respond in faith. If you desire to give, you can do so online here, through the Providence app, or by mail. Prepare for this Sunday using this guide. In Hebrews 10, we are encouraged to gather together regularly. Therefore, let’s remember that worshipping online together is a temporary compromise and not an ongoing convenience.

  4. Our Prayer & Worship Night this Sunday will also be done via live stream. I want to ask you to tune in at 6 PM on Sunday with your family to pray. Among other things, we will pray for our country, our leaders, those who are sick, and those who are fearful.

  5. We have had to cancel or postpone a few recent mission trips. We do have a team in London this week. They hope to come home on Sunday. Please pray that God would protect them, use them, and bring them home safely.

  6. Let me encourage you to continue to make wise decisions. The CDC guidelines encourage us to wash our hands often, avoid close contact with those who are sick, stay home if you are sick except for medical care, and clean/disinfect surfaces daily.

  7. Lastly, please continue to pray for those who have been affected, those who are bereaved, and those who are fearful.

I love and appreciate you all. We wil​l keep you posted as things progress.