Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We live in interesting times to be sure. Hillsborough County has issued a directive that there are to be no gatherings of more than 10 people, including faith-based organizations. Also, the FL-GA District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod has asked all churches to follow the 10 person guideline. Pasco County has, yet, to issue any such directive and our District, the SELC, has not either. However, it’s good to pay attention to what our neighbors are doing and, in light of the current situation and after much prayer, the Council and I believe it’s best to move to online services at this time.

Online Prayer:
At 7:30pm, tonight (Friday), I’m going to do a live stream on our Facebook page to have a short time of prayer. I invite you to join me for prayer. https://www.facebook.com/FaithWesleyChapel/

A Plan for Ministry:
The council and I will be meeting tonight to develop a ministry plan for the pandemic. I’m sure we will still have a worship service on Sundays (online), but we’ll figure out what that will look like. We will also be discussing other ways we can aid each other in our faith, care for each other, and help each of us care for our neighbors.

We Are Still the Church:
Just because we can’t gather in person, doesn’t mean we stop being the church. Remember, the church is the people, gathered or not. God is still with us and will continue to work in this situation and work through the church, you.

This is a great time to strengthen or build our personal and family devotional practices as well as our personal/family ministry to our neighbors.

I will send more information out as we have it.

Do Not Fear.
This situation may, at times, seem out of control, but it is not. God is in control and is working through this. We can trust that He will continue to care for His people, give us strength, and lead us. Lean into Christ and His Word and I encourage you to continue to pray for your fellow members, the church leadership, me, and your neighbors.

Thank you and may the peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus!