***UPDATED MARCH 12th @ 9:30pm***
Seven Mile Road Family,
As a church family, the events of this week have brought us into uncharted territory. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is now a global pandemic. Governor Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency on Tuesday. The Stock Market has taken a massive hit. And with every passing hour, more news is coming in of civic, school, university, and other closures.
Though it is unnecessary and unhelpful to panic, it is wise to understand the seriousness of the situation and consider what it means for us as a church family to respond in a way that reflects the wisdom, hope, and love of the Gospel. Everyday -- including this one -- we stand on the firm foundation of a sovereign and loving God who is in control and a very present refuge in times of distress (Psalm 46:1)
SUMMARY
Read below for a more thorough explanation -- but here’s the quick summary:
The Sunday Gathering is canceled for this Sunday, March 15 -- Consider this HOME LITURGY as you worship at home.
Gospel Communities and DNA Groups will be assessed in the coming days.
Let us know if you are sick so we can offer prayer and help.
We will continue to keep everyone updated as we know more and make decisions.
God is Sovereign -- Let us be fervent in prayer.
THE SUNDAY GATHERING
Given the information currently available to us, Seven Mile Road Church in Waltham will not gather this Sunday, March 15 at the Boys and Girls Club.
We take seriously the Biblical and historical reality of gathering as a church family --
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near (Hebrews 10:24-25)
At the same time, this passage also exhorts us to consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. One way to love our neighbor during this global pandemic is to follow the advice of infectious disease experts, civil agencies, and to do whatever we can to stop the spread of this disease. Biblical wisdom in our immediate context is knowing how to navigate both the reality of regular gathering and the health implications with COVID-19. In thinking through our response, we’ve sought to consider how to protect those most vulnerable to COVID-19 -- the elderly, sick, and pregnant. Think about our church family. We work in nursing homes, have a multigenerational church, and we are involved in the community -- so one way we can love our neighbors is by doing our part not to further spread the virus.
Please know that we did not make this decision lightly. Your pastors have been in communication with the Boys and Girls Club, the Director of Public Health in Waltham and they have asked organizations to follow the recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC). While all of their recommendations should be followed two have particular relevance for us as a church family:
POSTPONING LARGE GATHERINGS -- The CDC recommends organizations to “consider adjusting or postponing large meetings or gatherings.”
MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING -- The CDC recommends that people stay at least 6 feet from other people, do not shake hands or make other bodily contact, cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, and don’t go to public events if you have a cough or fever.
In addition, the Boys and Girls Club have decided to close their facility both for their activities and for all rentals -- which includes us for this weekend. Going forward, they will closely follow the decisions that are made by the Waltham Public Schools. You can stay up to date on their communication here - WPS.
Given the novelty of COVID-19, there are still many unknowns. But what we do know is that the virus spreads exponentially at a rapid rate and that many people unknowingly carry and spread the virus during the incubation period before showing symptoms. Given these realities and the recommendations from the City of Waltham and the CDC, we believe that wisdom is postponing the Sunday Gathering of Seven Mile Road until we are given the go ahead from The Boys and Girls Club of Waltham.
In lieu of our regular Sunday Gathering, we have put together a Home Liturgy for this Sunday. While we are unable to gather together for corporate worship, we encourage you to take this time to meet with God in his Word in your own home. Let the following liturgy be a guide to you in your personal and/ or family worship.
THE DAYS AHEAD
What about upcoming Sundays? Right now, we are in uncharted territory. Some of the decision is out of our hands. Let’s replace anxiety and speculation with fervent prayer. We will continue to monitor the situation and as soon as we are able to gather again -- we will. In the meantime, your pastors are meeting this week to consider other means of spiritual connection and devotion for our church family.
What about Gospel Communities? Since our GC’s all just met this last week, we will assess the state of affairs as they unfold over the next couple of weeks.
What can I do about it? While it can seem like there’s nothing we can do, there are still a few things you can do to love your neighbor and minimize the risk of illness:
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
If soap and water are not readily available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
What if I am sick? Out of love for neighbor, please don’t compromise the health of others by exposing them to possible illness. If you or your children are sick, stay home from regular activities and seek medical attention. Remember, the basic symptoms of COVID-19 are fever and a cough. If you are diagnosed with coronavirus, or are in proximity with someone who has been, or have been quarantined, please update Clint Patronella so the elders are aware of your situation and we can be praying for you or serve you in other ways as needed.
Finally, remember that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Ps 46:1). While it is right to be concerned and cautious as the virus spreads, let’s rest in the goodness and sovereignty of God who is over and in and through all things. He tells us that “I am the LORD, your healer” (Ex 15:26). So let us be the church together, praying for the sick, serving the weak and needy, demonstrating our calm faith to a watching world in this unique, though unanticipated and inconvenient, opportunity. And let us be steadfast in our blessed hope -- the return of Christ to bring about a day without sickness, suffering, and death.
Christ is All,
Clint Patronella and Kevin Sanders
For Further Reading