Beloved siblings in Christ,
As we celebrate new beginnings during this lunar new year period, there is growing concern around the world regarding the spread of the coronavirus. Amidst the fear and uncertainty, I would like to encourage you to lean on God and allow God’s presence and strength to be your peace. God has been faithful in the past and God will continue to be faithful in the present.
We want to pray for and support public health officials, health care workers and all those striving to deal responsibly with this crisis, while remembering the communities in China that are experiencing the most sober challenges. We remember the people of Wuhan, and every person in China and in other parts of the world who has been affected by this virus. We pray for those who are directly impacted by the illness and their families. We pray especially for the medical and healthcare personnel around the world who are on the front lines.
As a church, we will be taking the necessary precautions to ensure safety in the preparation and distribution of the Communion elements. We also pray for your health and well-being, and if you are having a fever, runny nose, sore throat or cough, we would encourage you to stay home and rest.
As the people of God, we want to respond in love and compassion during this time, and resist the deepening of racism in the midst of this crisis. I pray that we will have clarity to understand the issues, and the wisdom and compassion to live out Jesus’ command to love.
May this be a time of standing together, and let us not be driven apart by racism and fear. May the grace and love of God be with you always!
Shalom,
Pauline