COVID19 Church Info..
Dear Church Family,
These are unusual times. With the coronavirus (COVID19) prevention measures in place to limit the spread of the disease, each day presents new information and new challenges for the entire community. As the church we have an added responsibility to share the light of Christ, be intentional about our love of neighbor, and live in surrender to God’s calling on our life. Scripture tells us to trust and not worry (Matt 6), but also to be good stewards of those around us (1 Cor 10:24).
Over the past couple days there have been strong recommendations from the Church of the Nazarene, the State and Federal Government, and the Center for Disease control to limit gatherings of 10 or more to help minimize the spread of the COVID19. We as a church are called to follow our authorities as long as it doesn’t go against God’s Word (1 Peter 2:13-15) so that we can be part of the solution. That does not limit our, and especially God’s ability to continue to be the church, gather together, and love our neighbors.
Because of that we will be moving our Sunday Worship to an online format through Facebook Live via the church’s Facebook page for the next two Sundays, 3/22 and 3/29 at 10:45am. This aligns with other churches in our area who are also trying to be submissive but faithful.
One of our church’s strengths is in the community and presence that is created when we gather. So I believe for many these next two Sunday’s will be different, if not difficult. With the “social distancing” that is already in place, not gathering in person might add to the isolation that many of us feel already. For that reason we must be intentional in trusting in our Heavenly Father (Isaiah 26:3-4) and realize that these obstacles do not limit His ability to still move or our calling to bring glory to His name (Matt 19:26).
One of the most important things that we can do as the church is to be a people of prayer and seeking. As said before, we should be wise in our choices, but not guided by fear. We are also called to love our neighbor. Attached to this letter is a list of ways to pray and actions you can take during these unusual times. I encourage you if you have questions or concerns please reach out to me via phone, text, facebook, or email. Open, honest communication will be a great asset for us during this time.
We as a church will do our best to communicate via Facebook, website, and phone during this time. In Jesus we look….In Jesus we trust...For Jesus we live!
I Love You and Need You!
Pastor Josh
jahaney@bradfordnaz.com
Ways to Pray/Act
Pray for God’s name to be made known and the Church to manifest His glory during this time -
in chaos in adversity the Church strives when operating in the will of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Pray for those around you and ways that you can be Christ to them
There are many who are fearful, many in need, many in isolation. Many will be without jobs, income, or basic necessities. They need Jesus just as you. Maybe God is showing you a way to reach out to them. Be a burden sharer...See a need, meet a need...one person at a time.
Pray for God’s healing in this land and for those that are serving
We love and believe in those serving the people during this time. But they will need any support we can give them and our prayers to cover them. We also know that God has used times like these in the past to move supernaturally. Let us pray for both.
Reach
Reach out to others with this information. Share with those who may not be on Facebook. Though there is “social distancing” that does not limit how God can use us to reach out and stay connected with others to encourage them. Write a letter, send a card, make a phone call, send a text message, reach out via social media. Let people know they are still valued and thought about. Don’t be afraid to let other believers know of those who need that connection so that we can work together!
Give
We may not be able to meet everyone’s needs, but we can meet the needs of that person right in front of us. One person at a time. And maybe, just maybe if we are walking in complete trust and faith, God may open the door and move supernaturally to provide in a way that is beyond our own ability
Trust
Trust that this does not limit God’s ability. As you pray, be sensitive to creative ways God may be asking you...and us to be the Church. His ways are not our ways!
Remember
Remember that God is still God. Remember...when this passes we will gather in person again. Let us continue to be vigilant until then, and intentional when the opportunity returns.
**For those that consider Bradford Church of the Nazarene their home church and called to tithe and give, please feel free to mail (55 N. Bennett St, Bradford, PA) your tithes or if you call my cell ahead you can bring them to the church. We will be checking the church mailbox regularly to make sure the monies get deposited correctly. Please do not leave loose monies in the church mailbox as we do not want them to get misplaced. At this point in time we do not have a way to give electronically.