Hello, church!
Last night the staff and elders of Central Christian Church met to discuss how we as a church will respond to the global pandemic that we are facing right now. It was a very positive meeting. We are unified in how we need to adapt and change to protect all of us, but especially the more vulnerable among us. We are united in our desire to help people stay connected with the Body of Christ, the church. We want to care for people and do our best to meet their needs. Reaching out to those outside the church is something that will continue. And we are seeking to provide an alternative worship service on Sunday mornings.
Beginning this Sunday, March 22, we are switching to an online-only worship service. Details on how that will work will follow, but for now, make sure that you have “liked” the Central Christian Church of Rockford Facebook page. Our church service will take place online for the next eight weeks, though we will be reevaluating the situation around the end of April. All events scheduled to take place at the church building between now and May 9 will need to be rescheduled.
To align with prescribed precautions and guidelines for everyone’s protection, the church office is not open to the public. Our staff will be in and out as much of the work we will be doing requires being there, but we will also be doing work from our homes, as many others have been asked to do. We remain available, always, by phone or email and that will be the best way to contact us. We are working very hard behind the scenes to help our church make this transition and help meet any needs that our church members may have.
The decision to suspend meeting for a time was difficult. We will all miss gathering together in large and small groups for worship, study, and discipleship. But we are united in it being the correct decision.
Ministry team leaders, we will soon be in touch with you about potential ways to move forward with ministry during these weeks. Please be patient with us. All of our ministries have very quickly pivoted into something very different. Not “bad” different … but there will be a learning curve for sure!
Here are some things that will not change:
- The ways we stay connected as a Body will change for sure, but the importance of staying connected does not change. Lets all put our heads together and figure out how to encourage each other!
- We do not need to “socially distance” ourselves from God! James 4:8 says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” (The second half of that verse also tells us to wash our hands. That’s probably a good idea, too! ?)
- This is an amazing opportunity for us to take care of the needs of people both in and outside the church! Look around for needs that you can meet and then be the hands and feet of Jesus!
- Our ability to pray. Please pray for the leaders of our church and communities, for all of our protection and for our needs to be met.
We are committed to keeping the lines of communication open. Please look for additional emails, newsletters, mailings, and phone calls. We are always here if you need anything at all!
Tom, Scott, Randy, Duane, and John (The Elders of Central)
Sherm, Brian, and Brian (The Ministry Staff of Central)