March 12, 2020
Dear Villa Family and Friends,
We are closely monitoring the news and the growing concern over the Coronavirus (COVID-19). This global outbreak provides us an opportunity to love and pray for those within our community, while caring for one another. I believe that we should educate ourselves with facts, and not be led by fear.
At this time, Villa Baptist Church will continue with all scheduled Sunday services, classes and small groups. Our Wednesday evening classes will also continue uninterrupted. However, we have made the following alterations for our Wednesday evening Awana and ONE:TEN Youth ministries for the remainder of March:
Be Calm
We can find hope and comforting truths throughout scripture to guide us through times like these. For example:
Be Careful
One way to demonstrate our love and care for one another, and for our community, is by being vigilant about everyone’s health. In response, we have increased daily sanitation protocol within the church building, and will add additional cleaning to ensure facilities are well prepared, especially on Sundays. In addition, we will have hand sanitizer available throughout the building for your added protection.
Here are a few things that we respectfully ask your cooperation on to ensure the continued health and safety of one another:
Be Compassionate
God’s word instructs us to “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).
Be Contemplative in Prayer
If our pastors, staff, or deacons can serve you in any way during this time, please do not hesitate to contact us. As this public health situation continues to unfold, we will continue to prayerfully watch and communicate any further updates as needed.
In Christ,
Pastor RT Stringer
At this time, Villa Baptist Church will continue with all scheduled Sunday services, classes and small groups. Our Wednesday evening classes will also continue uninterrupted. However, we have made the following alterations for our Wednesday evening Awana and ONE:TEN Youth ministries for the remainder of March:
- Awana will be held from 7-8 pm at the church (verse and lesson time only, no games). Puggles and Cubbies will meet in the South Basement, and K-5th Grades will meet Upstairs.
- ONE:TEN Youth Group will meet from 6:30-8 pm on Wednesdays, with no afterschool game-time or dinner provided.
Be Calm
We can find hope and comforting truths throughout scripture to guide us through times like these. For example:
- I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust (Psalm 91:2).
- For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).
- Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
Be Careful
One way to demonstrate our love and care for one another, and for our community, is by being vigilant about everyone’s health. In response, we have increased daily sanitation protocol within the church building, and will add additional cleaning to ensure facilities are well prepared, especially on Sundays. In addition, we will have hand sanitizer available throughout the building for your added protection.
Here are a few things that we respectfully ask your cooperation on to ensure the continued health and safety of one another:
- Practice common sense health habits like frequent and thorough hand washing and proper covering of any coughs.
- Feel free to refrain from handshakes and other forms of physical greeting.
- If you or a member of your family feel sick, please stay home. Our sermons will be posted online (villabaptist.com/sermons) by the end of each Monday.
- If you are elderly, or your immune system is compromised, please use your best judgment in determining if the risk of public gathering is wise for your health. If you would like a pastor to visit you at your home, or if you need help in any way, please call the church office (317-787-9378). We want to ensure that all of our Villa family stays connected, and feels loved and cared for during this time.
- If you have visited an area within the last 14 days identified by the CDC as Level 3 Travel Health Notice, please stay home and listen to the sermons online.
Be Compassionate
God’s word instructs us to “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).
- It’s likely that your family, friends, coworkers and/or neighbors will need help during this time. Be sure to check on one another and be proactive about serving your friends and neighbors however and whenever possible.
- Stressful situations can result in harsh words, so please keep your social media comments and interactions within the spirit of Christ-like love.
Be Contemplative in Prayer
- Pray for healing of those impacted by the Coronavirus.
- Pray for God’s protection of caregivers, medical professionals and public safety officers.
- Pray for gospel opportunities through this outbreak.
- Pray for our missionaries.
- Pray for wisdom for our leaders at the local, state and national levels as they make decisions.
If our pastors, staff, or deacons can serve you in any way during this time, please do not hesitate to contact us. As this public health situation continues to unfold, we will continue to prayerfully watch and communicate any further updates as needed.
In Christ,
Pastor RT Stringer
