March 13, 2020

Published March 13, 2020

https://vimeo.com/397484959
Pastor's Update

Dear Grace Family,

At Grace, we want to care for our congregation in all respects, including the physical well-being of our community. To that end, we are asking you to take precautions to keep yourself and others safe, especially in light of recent developments with the coronavirus (COVID-19).

What Grace Is Doing

We are actively monitoring updates from the CDC and the Governor of Ohio & at this time, plan to cancel our Sunday gathering and all Grace-sponsored ministries. This means that Thrive, GPS, small groups, Adult Bible Fellowships, Men's Prayer Breakfast, Young at Heart, & Wednesday night ministries will not meet. We will still livestream our service at 10:45 am (links below).

In light of the rapidly-changing status of COVID-19 in Ohio, we will evaluate our plans early next week for future Sunday morning services & ministry gatherings.

Again, all ministries & church-related gatherings are cancelled from March 13-March 21. We will reevaluate each week whether to continue our cancellations or to resume ministries.

To communicate these updates we will utilize our website, social media, & email to communicate any changes.

Pastoral Care

Our elder, deacon, & staff teams are developing plans for pastoral care for our people in this season, especially for those in our congregation who are at greatest risk.

For small groups & Bible studies, we encourage you to explore other ways to meet via phone or video calls to continue ministering to, encouraging, & praying for one another in the weeks ahead.

We care deeply for those who are already affected by this & are praying for God’s leading & wisdom as we navigate the next few weeks.

What You Can Do


  • Stay informed: the best source of information on COVID-19 is the CDC’s website.

  • View Cedarville University's virtual Town Hall meeting today at 4 pm here.

  • Be mindful of the guidance from the Ohio Department of Health & the CDC, including:

    • Stay at home when you are sick.

    • Cover your sneeze or cough with a tissue or your arm.

    • Get in the habit of not touching your face.

    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.



  • And finally, be the hands and feet of Jesus by calling and caring for those who are more susceptible to this disease.

Watch Service Online

Join us Sunday for a livestream of our service! You can watch Grace online during our 10:45 am service on our website or Facebook Page.

Giving

As things continue to develop, we want to continue to be faithful stewards of what the Lord has given us. Since we will not be gathering on Sunday, you can give online here.

Join Us In Prayer

The uncertainty of this outbreak is creating anxiety in our workplaces, schools, & day-to-day activities. Yet we remain certain of God’s steadfast presence & careful attention to all that is happening. Please join us in praying for those affected by this illness, as well as their caregivers & those who are working around the clock to minimize the impact of this virus.

In Psalm 46, we are reminded that it is God who is our refuge & strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, let us not fear, but with confidence use this opportunity to be the hands & feet of Jesus through our prayers & our care for others.

The Church Office

As of right now, the church office will remain open during our normal office hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 am-5 pm & Friday, 8 am-4 pm.

If you have any questions, please email Kenton Durham or call the church office at 937-766-2391.

Blessings,
Grace Leadership

For more information specific to our children's ministries, read the latest Family Discipleship Toolkit newsletter here.