COVID-19 Weekly Update #2
A lot can change in a week, right? As we continue to adapt to the COVID-19 situation we’ll be providing a weekly email update which will also be posted here on our blog. As we said last week, we are willingly submitting to our local restrictions and abiding by CDC guidelines. This now means we won’t be gathering as a church through May 1 and will watch for changing guidelines.
But while we can’t physically gather, our mission continues—we want to help you grow in your love for God, love for one another, and love for the lost. After input from staff and elders, this is what continuing ministry will look like for us in this time.
Love God
1) We will continue to livestream on Sunday mornings at 10:45 and hope you’ll join us! This week, we’ll incorporate music, Word, and prayer. We’ve also decided to pause our series in 1 Peter and transition to the Psalms, which teach us how to respond amidst difficulty and uncertainty. This week we’ll be in Psalm 90.
2) We’re also creating a page on our website that will be a COVID-19 resource page with links to resources for spiritual disciplines and family discipleship, sermon resources for kids, and more. Our goal is to have that up by Sunday and we will continue adding to it throughout the next few weeks.
Love One Another
1) Socially distant doesn’t mean disconnected. We need each other. Please use technology to stay connected with the people you know at church—text, email, call, mail letters, group chat—there are so many options available to us. Share what you’re learning about God and where you see him at work. Pray with one another. You’ve been equipped for this work of the ministry, so let’s dig in. We are also encouraging our ministry leaders and volunteers to be intentional to stay connected with you.
2) We know finances for many of you look very different today than it did a week ago, but would also ask you to continue giving to First Free in the coming weeks. This may mean you need to change the way you give since the majority of our weekly giving comes in during our Sunday morning services. Please consider mailing in checks or giving online so we can continue our ministry and support our many missions partners.
3) For many people, COVID-19 has made everyday life much harder in one way or another. We have created a couple forms to help mobilize the church in requesting help and meeting needs. These forms will also be available on the COVID-19 response page on our website.
Love the Lost
1) People are often open to spiritual conversation in times of crisis. Be on the lookout for opportunities to share the hope that you have in Christ. Love the lost with your words.
2) People are also in great need. Be on the lookout for opportunities to meet physical or emotional needs for those in your circle of relationships. Love the lost with your deeds. And remember, social distancing will help slow the spread of this virus that is now confirmed in Sedgwick County. This too is an expression of love for our community and those at high risk.
We are so thankful for you.
Trusting in our sovereign Lord,
Pastors Josh and Ron
More in First Free Blog
July 22, 2022
Fall 2022 Programs & EventsApril 22, 2022
Getting to Know the Elders: Joe WoodwardMarch 18, 2022
Getting to Know the Elders: Jeff S