LFC-Huntersville COVID-19 Response

LFC-Huntersville COVID-19 Response

DEAR LAKE FOREST-HUNTERSVILLE:

As shepherds of a flock we care deeply about, there are times when we feel it’s important to weigh in on matters that are dominating conversations in America – and the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic has prompted such a time.

How are we to respond?
First of all, with FAITH instead of FEAR – the Scriptures remind us that God’s “perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18) and death has no sting (1 Corinthians 15:55). Disease is a fact of human existence. We are not to panic, but to trust God. To do so amid trouble is to experience and bear witness to the power of Christ.

Second with PRAYER instead of PANIC. Pray for all affected…for those in the medical field who are on the front lines of the containment…for wise policy decisions from global and national leaders…and for those of us who feel overcome with anxiety. “Lord, may we rest in You as our Great Healer. And may we be those who care for others, even at risk to self (John 15:13).”

Third with WISDOM in all things.
Rest in confidence that your LFC leadership team is paying attention and is following/will follow all prescribed protocols from the Centers of Disease Control and federal/state officials.

Here are examples of ways we are acting:

• In partnership with our cleaning crew, we’re taking extra measures to sanitize, especially in our Kidtropolis/Learning Tree classrooms, Gathering Space and Worship Center.
• We will ensure all bathrooms are fully stocked with hand soap– as thorough hand-washing remains the best defense to stop the spread of the virus.
• For Sunday worship:
  • Let’s be sure to greet one another with a smile and wave, rather than handshakes and hugs.
  • We will not pass the jeans pocket for our offering and prayer requestsand instead use baskets and our “treasure boxes” for you to submit. You can also give online and email your prayer requests here.
  • We will offer individual and self-contained communion elementsat The Table and pause from Sunday morning communion for the time being.
• We encourage all members of our tribe, including staff, leaders and volunteers to consider your personal risk factors andstay at home if you are not feeling well. Instead, worship with us online via Livestream or Facebook.

As we’ve seen, this is a rapidly-evolving situation. Should we need to make adjustments to our schedule or other procedures, we will email you again and also post on our social media channels.

Please let us know if you have any specific questions. And if you are a member of our church family who is self-isolating due to high risk factors, please email Jeff Cook and let us know so we can check in on you.

In Christ,
Your Lake Forest Church Pastors