Churches closing due to pandemic

[reddogs]

Well its happening...churches are closing and it is kind of jolting to say the least.

Our pastor called us and talked to those in the church board for our church over closing and then texted us of the decision. The other churches in the area also seem to closing so we are going out to one of the members solar panelled place in the woods.

 

[thelord's_pearl]

I know, my church is closed until further notice too! I looked forward to church! but we should trust God that He'll take care of us during this time.

 

[mama2one]

yes, we got an email from one of the churches we attend and it is closed this weekend

 

[Heavenhome]

We must remember all those Christians in countries where they are persecuted for being Christian, many in prison cells alone, many without even a Bible, yet are often the very strongest Christians.
This puts things into perspective when I am unable to attend church, we don't really realise how privileged we have been.
There are many worse things than just being you alone with God: it may be just what we need!

 

[Heavenhome]

cont....and may very well be a truly blessed special time.

 

[BobRyan]

Our city and even our county - has reported no cases of the virus so our church is open - however we have neighboring counties where SDA churches are closed.

Zoom.com has a free feature for teleconferencing up to 100 people for up to 40 min. They can do up to 100 people for unlimited time if you pay a 15$/month license fee.

 

[Tigger45]

I visit many churches but only three haven’t announced closures. It will be interesting if any of the three will announce closures before morning.

 

[reddogs]

Our city and even our county - has reported no cases of the virus so our church is open - however we have neighboring counties where SDA churches are closed.

Zoom.com has a free feature for teleconferencing up to 100 people for up to 40 min. They can do up to 100 people for unlimited time if you pay a 15$/month license fee.

Will have to check it out.

 

[BobRyan]

The Gov of our state has just asked that all churches (and all faith-based houses of worship) remain closed until further notice

 

[Gary K]

Our local church hasn't been closed, but the pastor called the members individually and said that the elderly, those with medical vulnerabilities, immune system problems, etc... need to stay home for those of us that have these types of problems are the people that are at high risk of serious consequences from the coronavirus.

 

[reddogs]

The Gov of our state has just asked that all churches (and all faith-based houses of worship) remain closed until further notice

I just looked at the news, and they are closing across the country even if no order to close.

 

[RDKirk]

Well its happening...churches are closing and it is kind of jolting to say the least.

Our pastor called us and talked to those in the church board for our church over closing and then texted us of the decision. The other churches in the area also seem to closing so we are going out to one of the members solar panelled place in the woods.

Your church actually closed? It's no longer in operation at all?

Our church won't be holding normal services today or in the near future (to be determined week-by-week), but they have figured out how to stream services (that was already in the pipeline). In fact, they will actually be delivering even more services and a greater variety of services by streaming. The streaming services are still coming from the church facilities, so small numbers of people are still welcomed to attend in person (where they can maintain distances within the auditorium).

They are actually starting some new types of services, such as a free lunch program for kids who had been getting free meals from the schools that are now closed. They are also delivering food, communion, and other services to seniors who have been warned to stay home.

 

[BobRyan]

Your church actually closed? It's no longer in operation at all?

Closed vs shut down. Churches are closed in my county when it snows.

Our church won't be holding normal services today or in the near future (to be determined week-by-week), but they have figured out how to stream services (that was already in the pipeline). In fact, they will actually be delivering even more services and a greater variety of services by streaming. The streaming services are still coming from the church facilities, so small numbers of people are still welcomed to attend in person (where they can maintain distances within the auditorium).

So then all the people are there to conduct the service they just have fewer people in the pews and that is "not normal services". Interesting.

 

[RDKirk]

Closed vs shut down. Churches are closed in my county when it snows.

Reddogs said:

The other churches in the area also seem to closing so we are going out to one of the members solar panelled place in the woods.

That suggests his own congregation and others in his area are doing nothing at all.

So then all the people are there to conduct the service they just have fewer people in the pews and that is "not normal services". Interesting.

You're trying to quibble about semantics, but when the pastor is encouraging people to stay home instead of urging them to come to the servicve, then it is not a normal service.

 

[BobRyan]

BobRyan said: ↑
Closed vs shut down. Churches are closed in my county when it snows.

Reddogs said:
That suggests his own congregation and others in his area are doing nothing at all.

I think that is true when they are closed.

But the "new model" may be video conferencing for Sabbath School classes interaction and some form of online streaming as you point out.

 

[Mountainmanbob]

In wrong section -- sorry.
Please delete.
B

 

[reddogs]

Your church actually closed? It's no longer in operation at all?

Our church won't be holding normal services today or in the near future (to be determined week-by-week), but they have figured out how to stream services (that was already in the pipeline). In fact, they will actually be delivering even more services and a greater variety of services by streaming. The streaming services are still coming from the church facilities, so small numbers of people are still welcomed to attend in person (where they can maintain distances within the auditorium).

They are actually starting some new types of services, such as a free lunch program for kids who had been getting free meals from the schools that are now closed. They are also delivering food, communion, and other services to seniors who have been warned to stay home.

To clarify, we went to one of the members place in the woods which is a standalone off the grid, gas and solar place with a open air pavilion for the church members and held our church.

Now how long our regular church meeting in the regular building is suspended or closed, we shall see.

 

[Dave-W]

A week ago the state banned any groups of 250 or more. So last Sabbath we had visitors from some of the larger congregations.

CDC over the weekend lowered that to 50 so now we will have to be closed as well.

 

[reddogs]

A week ago the state banned any groups of 250 or more. So last Sabbath we had visitors from some of the larger congregations.

CDC over the weekend lowered that to 50 so now we will have to be closed as well.

Never thought the struggle to worship on Sabbath would come to this...

 

[reddogs]

This was a post that I came across...

The 16th-century theologian Martin Luther had this to say during the bubonic plague, offering his thoughts in a letter titled "Whether One May Flee From a Deadly Plague" on how best to practically and spiritually overcome. His advice is prudent for all to follow during this Coronavirus pandemic, especially Christians.

"I shall ask God mercifully to protect us.

"Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine, and take it.

"I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance infect and pollute others, and so cause their death as a result of my negligence.

"If God should wish to take me, He will surely find me, and I have done what He has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others.


If my neighbor needs me, however, I shall not avoid place or person, but will go freely."

I also found it at this site..

Martin Luther on Responding to Pandemics