COVID-19 UPDATE

​Dear Church Family,

A couple of Sundays ago we considered the teaching of James 3 on the power of the tongue. In his letter, James emphasizes that although the tongue is a small member of our body, it is nevertheless very powerful. James compares the tongue to a horse’s bit, a ship’s rudder, and a spark that ignites a blaze. All of these are small items that pack a big punch.

Consider the coronavirus. It, too, is a very small item (microscopic, in fact) that has major impact. This tiny dynamo is closing down schools, churches and businesses. It is treating the stock market like a roller-coaster. It is emptying the shelves of toilet paper, and is forcing everyone to rethink everyday activities.

Quaker Gap is no exception. As church leaders, we are needing to make difficult decisions. I want to gather the flock together, sing songs of praise, open the Word of God, pray as a corporate body and serve a tremendous meal to be shared around full tables. That’s what we do best. The government is telling us not to gather together. The latest recommendation of the CDC is that in-person events that consist of 50 people or more should be cancelled for the next 8 weeks. The latest buzz word being used is “social distancing.” How can we be a body of believers who encourage one another to grow in our faith in Jesus, while keeping distance from one another? I don’t have all the answers, but we will find our way.

We have decided to take this one week at a time. For this week we have decided to cancel all church activities and services. This includes all Wednesday Evening activities, all face-to-face meetings, and all services on Sunday, March 22nd. We will re-assess the situation on Monday, March 23rd and give further instructions.

On Wednesday, we will post a written Bible Study on the church website. We will post a video message to watch on Sunday morning. We will publicize these tools on social media and through email.

Our Deacons would like to assist the church body during this time. If anybody has need of anything, please contact a Deacon or the church office. We would be happy to serve you in any way we can. If you are quarantined because of illness, we would be happy to drop needed items off on your porch if you have nobody who can do this for you.

Please remember that just because we aren’t meeting corporately as a church, our ongoing expenses do not cease. We continue to rely on your tithes and offerings. Donations may be mailed to the church at 2265 Flat Shoals Rd., King NC 27021. If you have online banking, you may designate the church as a bill recipient and the bank will send a check. Additionally, we are working on an online giving solution. As soon as that is in place, we will make it public.

As always, the Lord is in control of this situation. We trust that He will reveal Himself in incredible ways through this time of social distancing. I look forward to our first Sunday back together again. In the meantime, please feel free to call me with any questions or concerns – or just to chat.

Please share this information with anyone you know that does not have access to email.

Joyfully in Jesus,
Jack
 
Dr. Jack Darida
Senior Pastor
Quaker Gap Baptist Church
2265 Flat Shoals Rd.
King, NC 27021

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