“The Bible was written over the course of a few thousand years by roughly 40 authors in multiple nations. It contains 66 books: 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. But if you were to pull out every single command, the one that is repeated the most is “fear not” because fear is one of the most debilitating emotions known to the human race. It is unbelievably powerful. It penetrates the heart, poisons the spirit, and paralyzes the soul.”
Dear Church Family:
We are living in fearful times. The World Health Organization has deemed the coronavirus (COVID-19) a global pandemic; numbers of cases of the virus in our state and country are rising, and it is growing less clear what the coming days will look like.
However, it is during these times of uncertainty that we have an opportunity to shine as a light of hope, care, and patience, demonstrating for the world how faith provides true assurance against worry and fear.
The Early Church was applauded for the selfless acts they performed when plagues swept through the Roman Empire. The acts of love for those who were infected is still remembered today. They brought food, water, and cared for those at a high cost to themselves. When the plagues ended, many people came to Christ because of the decisive action the Church took in a time of need.
But I wonder, if the Early Church was told the best way to protect the most vulnerable was to distance themselves, would they have done it?
I believe, yes.
There is still much confusion about the best way to slow the spread of the global pandemic, but one thing is certain, gathering in groups is a problem. This is why we must take a step of faith together and be a church that cares deeply about the most vulnerable by suspending our worship gathering on Sunday mornings.
This decision is made with a heavy heart, but I want to assure you that our response is not made out of fear but rather out of love for one another and love for our community.
Logos Dei has the opportunity to stand up for the least of these, the most vulnerable, and share with our community that we are putting their needs ahead of our own. If our choice not to gather encourages others to distance themselves for this season and keeps the spread of this virus down, that can only benefit those who are in the direst of situations.
How then can you stay “connected” to the Church if you are not able to attend in person?
I know that the gathering of God’s people in worship is an integral part of Christian community. That said though, how we worship and how the church has worshiped in the past can, and at times must, change.
At this time, there is not a plan to live stream a worship gathering. That may change in the coming days. We are, however, evaluating ways to best utilize social media as a platform to stay connected.
Here are some resources already in place.
Facebook. We have two active pages.
Closed Group page: facebook.com/groups/190600159336
(use this group as a primary place for connection among church members)
Open Public page: facebook.com/logosdeichurch/
(this page will be used for livestreaming or video uploads if we move in that direction)
Instagram: instagram.com/logosdeichurch
Flocknote: This is our new group texting platform. To join, simply text “LogosDei” to 84576. Please note, this platform is only for receiving texts. You can respond, but only the church will see your responses. In other words, you won’t get stuck in an endless group chat :)
Ceaseless: This is our prayer app. Each day, it gives you the names of three of your phone contacts to pray for. You can send the contact a quick text through the app to let them know that you prayed for them. If you haven’t already, download the app for free.
Phone Call: A season of distancing can lead to isolation and depression. Sometimes just hearing another person’s voice can lift your spirit. Take some time over the next few weeks to give someone a call to see how they’re doing.
I’d encourage you to use these spaces to stay digitally connected.
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Although we are not gathering, I am asking you to continue to tithe as we believe that cheerfully and sacrificially giving of our finances is a continuation of our Worship for God.
There are two ways to tithe at Logos Dei Church during this season of social distancing:
- Online: logosdei.com/online-giving
- Snail mail: Logos Dei Community Church P.O. Box 18121 Tampa, FL 33679
Logos Dei Church is doing our best to keep you informed and safe. We want to be a prophetic voice of love and care for the least of these in this uncertain time. Thank you for your continued support.
Again, be not afraid, shine the light of God into the world, care for one another, and lift one another up in prayer through this uncertain time.
Christ’s peace to you,
Sam