We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.
Psalm 33:20-22
These are interesting and exciting times in which we live. Things in this world are changing around us day by day, if not moment by moment. It is a unique time that we have been entrusted with. We are seeking the Lord for the best way to steward these times that we live in, remembering along with the psalmist that our hope is in the Lord and we wait in him, rejoicing as we trust in his holy name! Prayer is key as we continue to seek the Lord’s leading. God is still in control, Jesus still has authority, and we are still to go and make disciples. Our mission has not changed. It just will look different.
In some situations, we are free to make decisions; in other situations, those decisions have been made for us. At the time of this writing, Governor Evers has banned all meetings of more than 50 people for a period of two weeks. President Trump has suggested that groups of 10 or more not meet for a period of 15 days. We will abide by these recommendations, by not having any gatherings at church through April 3, 2020. This means that all scheduled activities at church will be cancelled. This does not, however, mean that we will cease to function as a church!
Our mission, simply stated, is that we come together to know Christ so that we can go out and make him known. We are now in a time that allows us to focus differently in both of these areas.
We will come together to know Christ by having regular communication with you electronically.
- First, and foremost, the plan is to continue the services online each week. These will be ready for viewing no later than our normal Saturday service time of 5:00 pm. Get together with your family or if you are comfortable with having others over, consider having a small group meeting at your home to watch together.
- Second, our staff is working now on virtual teaching, devotions and reminders that will allow us to know Christ more in these times that seem uncertain. We will continue to learn what it means to live by faith. Details of these opportunities will be coming out in the next day or two. Watch our web page and Facebook page for updates.
- Third, as elders, we will be fasting on Wednesdays during this time and we would like to invite you to fast with us. This is one other way in which we can be together in seeking the Lord even as we cannot meet together. If you are new to fasting or would like some clarification as to why and how to fast, please read an excellent article at https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/fasting-for-beginners . We are asking you to consider praying, fasting and seeking God for his wisdom in these days and to plead with him for mercy and healing. Also, that as we join together in prayer and fasting that it will allow us to consider how we are joined together even as we are unable to meet together at this time.
- The church will be open for prayer from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm each day. There will not be official prayer meetings, but if you would like to come and pray in the sanctuary it will be open.
- We will not be able to visit those in the hospitals and nursing homes or even shut-ins in the same way that we have in the past. But we are committed to staying in communication the best we can.
We will go make him known by being in our community differently and reaching out in different ways. You will be receiving ideas of how you can make Christ known in the communications that you receive from the staff. We ask that you put those ideas into practice as you are able. Please share your stories of how God is using this pandemic to allow you to share your faith in Jesus! Send them to the church office so that we can celebrate with you.
One more item to consider is that this means we will not be having the special meeting to vote on the parking lot resurfacing. At this point, we have not rescheduled that meeting. We will put that on a temporary hold and will give an update when we are able.
We ask that you prayerfully consider how you may be able to continue to support the ministry at Calvary financially. We are so thankful for the generosity of this family. Our expenses will continue, although we will be taking steps to tighten our spending wherever possible. You may click here give online at CalvaryCommunity.net/give or you may simply send your donation to the church office (P.O. Box 1200, Williams Bay, WI 53191).
As elders, we will be following the situation and will keep you updated, as we are committed to leading well. We ask for your continued prayer for us, even as we are praying for you. We will be reaching out to you by phone to see if you have special needs or questions during this time. If you do not receive a call in the next week from one of us, please contact the office.
Finally, we encourage you to remember the amazing truth of Philippians 4:6-8:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Remember what to focus on. Focus on that which is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Think about such things. Amen.
Pray as we seek to lead wisely.
The Elders