Dear Church Family and Friends,

 

Peace and grace in the name of Jesus Christ!  The past few weeks have been challenging, and information and protocols about COVID-19 have changed rapidly, almost hourly at this point.  CDC recommendations have been clear about handwashing with soap and water, covering a cough or sneeze, staying home if ill, etc.  The first recommendation for crowd size was 500, then 250, and as of this writing the official number is no more than 50 – and that is assuming the social distancing standard of no less than 3 feet and preferably 6 feet.

 

I attended the Medina County Emergency Services meeting regarding COVID-19 on Tuesday, March 17 at the Medina County Courthouse.  We had to use hand sanitizer before entering the courtroom and were individually escorted to our seats, spaced at least 6 feet apart.  Our local health officials and emergency responders were modeling for us what is expected of us!

 

The City of Hondo has issued a mandate (legally binding) of no gatherings in excess of 50 people.  When asked about the county as a whole, Judge Schuchart responded that both the CDC and Governor Abbott have recommended that there be no gatherings of more than 50 people.  It was his hope that all groups and organizations would adhere to these guidelines.  Failure to do so could lead to more stringent mandates, stressing the medical system, and possible loss of life.  The first Medina County COVID-19 case has been confirmed, and we can expect that number to increase.

 

After much prayer, and in consultation with our church leadership, we are asking you to make a small sacrifice now for longer termed benefits for everyone.  We are going to cancel  worship at the church this Sunday, March 22, and ask that we all use that hour from 9 AM to 10 AM in prayer – prayer for our world, our country, our county, our community, our families, those already affected by COVID-19, and those who will be affected.  Our plan is to provide alternative worship opportunities, including live streaming on Facebook, beginning March 29. We also have canceled all activities at the church through the end of March.

 

Church is not the building, but the people – and we have the opportunity in the coming weeks to be the best example of the Body of Christ we can be.  There are many opportunities to serve as Jesus would by writing letters to our nursing home residents and calling our homebound members.  We can make doorstop deliveries of food or medicine or other necessities.

 

We will do everything we can to keep people connected and give weekly updates about when “regular” worship and activities at the church will resume.  These are unprecedented times and the situation is constantly changing.  For now the church office will remain open, and you can reach me anytime by my cell phone --  512-229-8868.

 

Remember Romans 8:35, 37-39:  “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

 

Stay strong in Christ’s love!

Pastor Joyce

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