Dear NWCOG Church Family
As you know, our country and our local communities are in a situation most of us have never been in before and things are changing day by day. As of yesterday, March 12, 2020, Indiana governor, Eric Holcomb, initiated several steps to avoid the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) among the people of Indiana. As a part of these action steps, the governor has requested that all non-essential gatherings be limited to no more than 250 people in one room or a single space at the same time.
So much has transpired in the last 24-36 hours in response to COVID-19 and most likely more decisions and steps will be unfolding in the next several days/weeks.
Let us, as the Church of God, lead by example.
These are not about “faith vs. fear” decisions.
We believe, as much as possible, it is our responsibility to be good neighbors (citizens) and to comply with the measures set forth by our state governor in an effort to curtail the spread of this virus. We also support the governor’s efforts to ensure the health and safety of the most vulnerable among us. In doing so, we demonstrate a servant’s heart toward others within our community and live out the biblical instruction of “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” (Romans 13:1)
That understood, as the leadership of the North Webster Church of God, we wanted to update you on our decisions and steps we are taking as it relates to the coronavirus and the governor’s most recent announcement.
NWCOG LEADERSHIP DECISIONS:
- We will NOT gather together this Sunday, March 15 at our physical campus.
- We will be live streaming our worship and teaching on Facebook Live at 9:30 a.m. and the link to this stream will be available on our website www.nwcog.org or on the our home page of our mobile app.
- Although we have made the decision not to gather together in one physical location, that doesn’t mean we cannot worship as the church! We encourage your family to make it a priority to join us online for our Sunday morning worship and teaching. Pastor Jeff will be continuing our series “Dear Church” and be teaching from Revelation 3:7-13.
- In regard to our weekly tithes and offerings, we would ask that you continue to faithfully give, just as you would if we met together physically. Just as your household unit still has bills and responsibilities to fulfill, so does our church leadership. Here are some ways to stay current in your giving to NWCOG. You can drop off your tithe at the church office which will remain open during the week, Monday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. You can elect to mail in your tithe to: North Webster Church of God, PO Box 313, North Webster, IN. 46555, or choose to give online via the mobile app or at https://nwcog.org/give/ Obviously, the continuity of your financial support is important and needed, but we were not willing to allow that to be the determining factor in our decision process.
- Main Street Coffee will remain open at this time, however, the “The Tree House” play area will be closing at the end of day, Friday, March 13 and remain closed until further notice.
- Our mid-week activities will continue at this time, as these gatherings are below the 250 people threshold limit, and most of those participants are not considered to be in the “high risk or “most vulnerable” distinction as described by health officials. Nonetheless, this decision could change before next Wednesday as more information becomes available and our local/state authorities give us further directions or steps to take.
Thank you for understanding and for your support.
Thank you for being a church family that is flexible and full of grace.
Thank you for being a church that is willing to make sacrifices, changes, and to be disrupted from routine in ways that you might not like for the sake and safety of others.
Through all of these changes, remember: God is still in control! Look for ways during this time to serve others. Be the Church!
Speak into the chaos and uncertainty of these days with the hope of the Gospel, using both words and actions.
And finally, I would ask you to pray for our state and national leaders as they make decisions that will impact all of our lives locally, nationally and globally!
To God Be The Glory in ALL Things –
Jeff Boyer
Lead Pastor