Greetings GracePoint family,
The Elders of GracePoint Church met Thursday evening and prayerfully made the very difficult decision to immediately suspend all public gatherings and meetings at the GracePoint building. As Elders we are to “Shepherd” the flock of God among you, exercising oversight (1 Peter 5:2). This “shepherding” includes leading, feeding and protecting God’s people. Therefore . . .
These temporary cancellations include:
- Sunday morning worship & related ministries
- Children’s Church
- Nursery
- AWANA
- Stephen Ministry Training
- The Wednesday Classical Conversations homeschool group
- Life Groups
- Worship Team rehearsals
Other scheduled committee meetings Two areas of reality led the Elders to this decision:
- The care for one another and especially the vulnerable within GracePoint.
- The care and concern for the communities in which we live. We also have a responsibility to be socially responsible and should not be the source of spreading the virus.
Please note that just because we are not meeting together in our building this does not mean that we cease to be GracePoint Church. We are now the church scattered, for this time, and we look forward to the day when we can gather again physically. Until then we are still united in Christ and continue to be the church.
In a time when it is tempting to be driven and controlled by fear, be reminded that God is our source of strength and courage. Isaiah 41 is a reminder of our great God.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isa. 41:10)
We encourage all of us, within our hearts and in our unique life contexts, to trust in God’s faithfulness. He is with us and will strengthen us. This Sunday the 15th read Colossians 1:1-14 and reflect on the hope we have (1-8) and the growth Paul prays for (9-14). This should lead us to a response of worship of our Savior.
We see this is a great opportunity for our God to show us how to be the church in perhaps new and creative ways. Our mission remains the same even though our normal patterns are interrupted temporarily. These are gospel moments. We can spread love, not fear, nor the virus. Let’s not waste this epidemic.
Praying for you all,
The Elders of GracePoint Church, Ephrata Washington
Note: The GracePoint family can still support this ministry though prayer, and financial giving through the GracePoint app, direct donation through your financial institution, or check by mail.
Also, the office will still be available hours 8 a.m.-noon, Monday through Thursday. And the Elders and Deacons are available by phone, text, and or email.
