Many of you are probably asking questions about whether we will gather Sunday or not in view of the present pandemic. The governor of Rhode Island asked that all gatherings of 250+ be suspended for two weeks. In addition, Mayor Elorza asked for a ban on gatherings of 100+. In the spirit of cooperation with authority figures we have decided it’s best to suspend Sunday services for two weeks. Hopefully, we can resume meeting together by March 29th (3 weeks) but we cannot predict. Easter is April 12th so we are really hoping the suspension is lifted by then.
Usually, we keep our email communication to one newsletter a week. During this time of not gathering on Sundays I may send out more frequent communication. I’m committed to doing whatever I can to continue to “feed the flock” and also keep us connected. Church may look a little different for a few weeks but let’s remember the early Christians flourished meeting in catacombs!
The plan for the next two Sundays (March 15th and 22nd) is to have a live audio stream between 11-noon, which can be accessed easily through our website. We will put the link on our home page and it can also be found in the sermon section of the website. The services will be simple on these two Sundays, with just a short message and some prayers. My leadership Council and Staff will be working together to produce the content. Our goal is to have the service edited and posted on social media, the website, podcast and sent out in a newsletter to everyone by 1pm Sunday. It might not be exactly 1pm but we are aiming for that. So whether you listen to it live at 11am or access the post after 1pm you’ll be able to be strengthened on the Lord’s Day.
If the suspension of gatherings seems to go beyond two weeks then we will explore live video streaming and also include live worship music. Hopefully, it won’t come to that, but if it does, we will make it happen.
At this point, our small groups and other weekly gatherings will function as usual. We have about a dozen small groups as well as Anchored young adults, a Tuesday gathering for women experiencing homelessness, and, of course, our Tuesday night prayer gathering. Since all of these gatherings are much fewer than 100 people, they will continue. If you typically only attend on Sundays you might want to consider coming to one of these smaller gatherings. If you are not a member of a small group already, I would recommend the Tuesday prayer gathering that meets 6:30-8pm. Young adults 18-39 should also consider the Anchored group Friday evenings.
When attending smaller Ren gatherings, based on the CDC guidelines, we have some general recommendations:
1. Refrain from physical greeting (handshaking, hugging). I know that’s hard because we love each other but the experts are recommending keeping a distance of 6 feet from others.
2. If you have any flu/cold symptoms you should stay home. If you’ve been in contact with people who are sick it’s also advised to stay home.
3. We should all be diligent to keep our hands washed throughout the day. Experts recommend soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds each time.
In times like this—a pandemic—people respond in all different ways. Even Christians don’t all respond the same. You’ve probably noticed this already from social media. I see a few general categories of response. Some are struggling with fear and anxiety. I want to encourage us not to scold anybody for feeling fearful, which isn’t very helpful. If your brother or sister in Christ seems to be giving way to fear, pray for them, encourage them, carry them. Another response I’m seeing is strong faith with no fear at all. This is admirable and pleasing to God if mixed with love. Other responses are not fearful but practical. Because the virus has spread and needs to be contained it just seems sensible to take certain precautions.
In our community of well over 300 adults I’m certain we will all have varying responses. I’m asking that we respect one another. Be merciful toward those who are fearful. Don’t condemn your brother who may be more practical. Be patient with those who seem to disregard precautions because they have no fear. Let’s see to it that this pandemic doesn’t divide us at all but that it deepens our care for one another.
The Ren Council and Staff have helped me make this decision to suspend services. This is a group of about 20 people filled with wisdom and the Spirit. Whether you think we are being too careful, or if you think we aren’t being careful enough, I’m asking that you humbly support our decision for the sake of harmony in the church. We are doing our best to discern what God wants us to do and will continue to pray and fast about these matters.
My last thought is that, for me, the decision to suspend Sunday services is not only a matter of cooperation with local authorities (1Peter 2:13, Romans 13:1, Titus 3:1) but it’s also an issue of love for the most vulnerable in this pandemic. The truth is that most of us are young and healthy and even if we got the virus we’d be fine. The virus is most deadly to the elderly, the homeless, and the sick. So by making an effort to slow the virus by “social distancing” and other measures, we are saying to those who are most vulnerable “we are thinking of you.” And not just thinking but acting. We are considering not only our own interests but also the interests of others (Phil 2). Especially as we are a church located amidst very high numbers of elderly, homeless and the sick, my heart feels compelled to do what we can as a church to show love during this time. I hope that makes sense and that you see my heart in this.
I just don’t want anyone thinking the Ren leaders are acting out of fear. That is not the case at all. We trust in a Sovereign God who works all things together for good. We rest in His care at all times. The decisions made are in the spirit of cooperation with local authorities and in the spirit of consideration for the most vulnerable in our city.
I love you all, and am praying for you all. I am committed to keeping you well fed spiritually despite the limitation of not meeting as a large group. I’m praying that we would not only get through this but that we’d flourish as a church and bear much fruit. I’m believing God that the gospel would increase and abound in Rhode Island for “such a time as this”. Be praying with me!
-Scott