God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 ESV
In our trying times, it is important to remember that God is still in control and He is near. We do not need to be afraid. We do want to be wise, and love our neighbors well. Earlier today, the elders of OLBC met to consider how we can meet the present challenge of this virus and the resulting effect it has had on our lives. We made the following decisions based on what we currently know:
We renewed our earlier decision that we will meet tomorrow March 15th for Worship at 10:30am as usual. Before the service, at 9:30am we will meet for prayer in the sanctuary. There will be no Sunday School for kids or adults. We do not expect our numbers to surpass the ~250 threshold for cancellation that has been recommended by the state of Illinois. We will reassess each week as this all unfolds.
Additionally, midweek ministries on Wednesday and Thursday are cancelled. Awana, Student Ministry, and Bible Studies that meet at the church building will not meet for at least the next two weeks. Use discretion if you're in a small group that does not meet at the church building. Again, we will reassess as we get more information.
PLEASE BE WISE ABOUT ATTENDING. If you are sick or have been exposed to someone with coronavirus, do not come. If you are among those regarded as at higher risk for complications by the CDC (see link here), please seriously consider staying home. (As you will see if you follow that link, that is many of the people in our church). We will attempt to record our service and post it on our sermons page(click here) later in the day on Sunday. While we believe there is no substitute for gathering together as the Body of Christ, under circumstances such as we face, sometimes wisdom says that we should temporarily avoid unneeded danger.
FOR THOSE WHO DO ATTEND
Here are some of the things that will look different:
Bulletins will be on the seats already.
Offering baskets will not be passed, instead baskets will be on a table in the back of the sanctuary.
Hand Sanitizer stations will be at each of the entrances.
Please:
Do not shake hands or greet each other in touchy-feely ways. Find other ways to show the love that we have for each other.
Follow CDC recommendations for hand-washing and protecting yourself. Click here for more information.
Give each other space:
- The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
- (source: CDC.gov)
Pray for one another and for our community, state, nation and world as we face this.
FOR THOSE WHO STAY HOME
Pray for one another and for our community, state, nation and world as we face this.
Go to our sermons page to listen to previous sermons and to (we hope) view video of this week's service which will be posted as soon as it is ready.
Find ways to practice Christian community in smaller settings where you can be safe. Be with other believers, just not in a large group setting.
Continue to worship through giving as the Lord provides. The reality is that most in our church give in-person. These funds are necessary for the continuation of our ministry at OLBC. You can give online on our giving page here. Or you can mail a check to OLBC: 9435 S 54th Ave, Oak Lawn IL 60453.
IF YOU NEED HELP
If you're part of OLBC and you need help, contact the church office (708) 857-9800 or info@oaklawnbible.org. While we do not have unlimited resources and therefore mostly must limit what we do to those who are already within our church community, we want to take the opportunity this situation gives us to serve one another and care for each other's needs. Let us know if there are needs that we can meet as a church.
TAKE CARE OF ONE ANOTHER
Many people may face challenges because of the response to this virus. If you've watched the news, you have seen the empty shelves in stores and other ways that people may have needs. The church is not a building. It is a people. We often most faithfully live out our calling as the church in situations when the world around us is hurting and fearful.
Check in on those who are more vulnerable in our church community, such as those who live alone or are elderly or have health issues. If you regularly attend OLBC, think about the people who often sit near you and check in with them to see how they're doing. If you want to help but don't know who to help, check in with the church office.
Offer to help those who may need it. This is an opportunity to live out our faith in the way that the early church did in Acts 2, "giving to each other as each had need."
Don't limit your help to other believers. Check in on your neighbors who may need assistance.
DON'T BE AFRAID
While it is easy to be afraid in times like this, for those who trust in Jesus as Savior, we have a hope that does not fail and that is not dependent on our circumstances but is rooted in the character and actions of our sovereign and loving God.
Psalm 46 (ESV)
To the choirmaster. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A Song.
1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
10 "Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!"
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah