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Shining the light of Jesus Christ from the hill at the crossroads to the nations

10:30 AM Worship Service

Crossroads Community Church

104 Heather Road

Upper Darby, PA 19082

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UPDATE on Corona Virus and Crossroads Community Church

coronavirus

Sister, Brothers, and Friends of Crossroads Community Church,

SUMMARY

  • Our actions in these times are to be rooted in love and bounded by wisdom NOT based on fear and/or foolishness
  • Continue to Pray
  • Wash your hands; stay home if you’re sick or at risk
  • With certain changes (detailed below), worship services are on for Sunday at 8:30 and 11:00
  • Adjustments will be made over time as we learn more and/or the situation changes

BACKGROUND

In these unusual days, lots of information is coming your way. You have no doubt heard from many organizations, businesses, and news outlets about corona virus disease / COVID-19. Various actions and plans have been shared from the NBA to Chick-Fil-A, from local governments to the President of the US, from preschools to prestigious universities.

Your leaders at Crossroads Community Church have considered those actions and plans.  We have been thinking and praying about this situation for weeks. We have learned from recognized health organizations and like-minded ministries. We are continually seeking the wisdom from above (James 1:5, 17).

Please carefully attend to this message and reach out with your questions, concerns, and needs.

1. Praise the Lord that there are no known instances of the virus in our congregation or immediate community as far as we know. Unfortunately, this illness is contagious before symptoms become obvious. We have many people from many areas of the world interacting with many others in health care and general community life.

2. Praise the Lord that the main concern is NOT the severity of the corona virus illness itself.  For most individuals, the impact of the virus is similar to the flu and health will likely return. Symptoms usually include fever, cough, and shortness of breath (more on symptoms here).

Rather, the concern right now is to limit the spread of the illness (so that hospitals are not overwhelmed) AND limit the impact on certain individuals more likely to suffer serious health issues.

Apparently, those over the age of 60 are more at risk along with those of any age who have “severe underlying health conditions - like heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes, for example” (more on who is at higher risk of serious health issues here).

If you are at higher risk, please prayerfully consider staying home from group events (like our worship services). We will miss you in the short term AND yet look forward to seeing you thrive in the long term! We will try to reach out to those we do not see, but please don’t hesitate to let us know your plans so we can pray for you and shepherd you.

MOVING FORWARD IN LOVE

So, the action we are taking now are about loving our neighbor and the most vulnerable among us - in the church community and our neighborhoods.

  1. We will have services this Sunday (3/15) at 8:30 and 11:00, but we will voluntarily make some changes for the good of others.
    • We will not have “Greeting TIme” until further notice. We encourage you to smile and wave to each other AND avoid physical contact (even fist bumps).
    • We will cancel all food and drink at church events until further notice. That is, no more after service refreshments, coffee; no dessert / snacks at Crossroads in Winter, no snack in classrooms, etc. We recommend you avoid the water fountain as well.
    • We will make a decision about Communion / Lord’s Supper closer to our next observation (April 5).
  2. We will ask our cleaning contractor to pay extra attention to touchable surfaces. We have already stepped up cleaning during the week (thanks especially to Wendy Toy!)
  3. We will allow Adult Sunday school teachers to cancel their own classes. Please contact Pastor Mike if you are canceling your Adult Class.
  4. We will offer Children’s Sunday school, Kids’ Club, and CROSSFIRE unless we are unable to cover for teachers who are at higher risk.  Please contact Pastor David if you won’t be able to teach your class.
  5. CHEER has independently opted to pause until further notice.
  6. Good News clubs have been suspended by the Upper Darby School District.
  7. We will continue to monitor the situation and let you know of any changes in plans.

What you can do:

  • PRAY. Lift up those who are sick, medical professionals, care-givers, and leaders; lift up the social and financial impact felt by many; ask for unity, for an end to the virus, for the Gospel to shine forth in word and deed through God’s people
  • LOOK. Look for opportunities to encourage the weak in faith and unbelievers. The Lord is at work in times like this. Sickness is a result of the fall and sin. The Lord of life will bring an end to it - he is risen!
  • CONSIDER. Consider your circumstances. Ask for wisdom from others, especially before you make significant decisions. Seek help if you need it.
  • STOP. Stay home if you are SICK or at higher risk. We love you and want you to stay healthy.
  • WASH. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for more than 20 seconds. Avoid touching your face (mouth, nose, eyes).  Minimize touching surfaces that others touch

Please email, text, or call with your questions, concerns, and/or needs.

On behalf of your leadership and in the name of Jesus Christ,

Pastor Mike

 

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