Greetings CCC Family,
Today we find ourselves being consciously dependent on the Holy Spirit in ways we had not anticipated just days if not hours ago. Over the course of the last few days our leaders and staff have been carefully and continually monitoring concerns surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) and want to let you know how we are responding. Although the information is fluid and changing by the hour we are committed to doing everything we can to provide a safe and caring environment for our church family and the surrounding community.
We are aware of the State and local authorities restricting large gatherings of 250 or more, the request for smaller groups to begin practicing social distancing, and the encouragement for those represented as high risk to stay home from public gatherings. Because CCC is a multi-generational church community these restrictions impact us in a unique way and require us to make decisions with the whole community in mind. To that end here are some initial steps we are taking to practice responsible faith in these challenging times.
- Above all let us use these days as another opportunity to trust God and the leading of the Holy Spirit to practice wisdom, sacrificial love, and a servants heart in ministry to the growing needs of our church and the world around us. Let us not forsake our spiritual selves and take this opportunity to shine our light to the world. Let us be leaders of peace, love, and “sound minds” as we live amongst those who are facing the reality of sickness or struggling with fear and uncertainty. Each day let us ask God to show us how we can be instruments of hope to those in our lives that need a testimony of Christ’s compassion and powerful love. Remember the gospel is good news, especially in times like these. (2 Timothy 1:7)
- We have decided to ammend our services for the next 3 weeks beginning this Sunday, March 15 for public health and safety reasons. We are creatively putting together details as to how we can practice “social distancing” and “community in isolation” as a means to continue our life together. We are working on a plan to lead a worship service at CCC with livestream. We are advising congregants to use discretion for attendance. If you’re nervous about coming to Church, and being a part of the crowd, do not feel bad about staying home. If you want to join pastor Brian at CCC for the live stream you may do so with the following stipulations:
- If you are sick, in the high-risk category, or unsure if you should attend, please error on the side of caution and do not put yourself or others at risk and stay home.
- Be willing to practice social distancing of 6ft while in attendance. We believe that we have enough room in the sanctuary to accommodate this for those that want to come.
Please stay posted to upcoming communication as we finalize details for broadcasting on a streaming platform such as Facebook live or Zoom. If you have experience with this technology and can help administrate it please contact Brian. This is new territory for us but we strongly encourage you to gather with your family and others from CCC in your homes to interact with the live stream or have bible study and prayer. We are also committed to providing up-to-date information digitally and encourage everyone to use your social media platforms to communicate with each other. This will take a team effort and we encourage everyone to be diligent in their communicating with each other. We especially want to remember our prayer needs and strongly encourage everyone to make phone calls, text, send emails or mail cards to let others in the church know you are thinking and praying for them. While we encourage everyone with health concerns to stay home and isolate we encourage those who are healthy to gather in alternative smaller groups as you are able to support each other in fellowship as you practice common sense, social distancing, and other health conscious sensitivities.
- We understand that these times will impact the finances of many families and the church. If you find yourself in crisis and have needs please let us know. May we be generous and hospitable in any way we can for the sake of each other. We encourage you to continually give cheerfully and sacrificially in support of the church as you can. If you would like to begin sending your offering digitally, you can use bill pay with your bank to send checks to CCC. Enter Community Covenant Church as the payee. Our address is 1835 Granite Hills Dr. El Cajon, CA 92019. If you need help setting this up contact your bank and they will help you through the process.
We are committed to ensure our facilities are as safe and clean as possible so that each of us feels safe when we resume meeting. We are in need of cleaning supplies that are now in high demand and short supply at stores. If you are shopping and see or have access to any of the following that you can provide to church it would be greatly appreciated. We can reimburse for these items at reasonable costs.
-Clorox/bleach wipes
-Disinfectant Spray (like Lysol)
-Toilet Paper
-Hand sanitizer
My dear friends, brothers, and sisters these are challenging and uncertain times but God is present wherever you are. Let us not allow our lack of “attendance” to become a lack of “engagement” as we move ahead these next few weeks. We hope to gather again soon perhaps as soon as Palm Sunday or Easter. With God’s help we will get through this!
With faith, in hope and love,
Brian.