COVID-19 Update
*We’ll continue to update this post as needed when there is new information to communicate.*
March 17
Hello First Family!
This will be a little long, but don’t quit reading. Hang in there with me, ok?
Many of our leadership met last night to discuss the most prudent way for FFC to celebrate, grow, and serve in light of new guidelines from both the IDPH and CDC. We want to be careful to honor our governing authorities (Romans 13) and at the same time be faithful to biblical priorities (1 Cor. 11-14; Heb. 10:24-25). We are committed to both a theological and practical understanding of our responsibilities as God’s people.
We Are No Exception
As you’ll see in the coming paragraphs, we’re advocating for a continued posture of prioritizing both our large and small group gatherings and pursuing missional opportunities. In a nutshell, this is exactly what the church has done for centuries. Historically, God’s people have fought hard to figure out how to stay connected, even meeting together when it was costly and risky. Admittedly, how they met together changed at various times. From homes and Solomon’s Porch in its initial beginnings to caves and secret places during the persecution to buildings and public spaces in more modern times. At no time was location the issue. Rather, mission was always front and center.
We are no exception. Our methods may need to change in this current health crisis; frankly, they may need to change for a lot longer period based on what unfolds. But God’s mission never will. He is redeeming a people unto himself from every nation, language, tribe and tongue (Rev 7:9-10), and his primary means of accomplishing that is his church—his gospel-believing, cross-embracing, Spirit-filled, biblically-based, mission-minded, others-conscious, risk-ready, and God-glorifying disciples who have taken up their cross and followed him.
The Broader Explanation
Here are the adjustments FFC is making for the next three weeks (through the week of April 5), with re-evaluation occurring at that point.
Celebrating the Gospel
FFC will continue the rhythm of our weekly Sunday services at 8:30 am and 10:30 am but with no actual physical gathering at our facility through the week of April 5. Instead, we will stream our service online, and in this short-term adjustment, we’re asking all FFCers to continue to prioritize the time slot you’ve already carved out for gathering to celebrate the gospel and come together in a digital fashion online. Though in the immediate next two weeks this will probably be limited to just your family, if/when CDC restrictions loosen, consider meeting with your small group, friends, or even inviting neighbors to your “watch party.” Whatever the scenario, refuse to release your habit of intentionally connecting with the body at the time you normally attend service. It will be different for at least a few weeks, but don’t delete it for these weeks.
Additionally, our leadership will be creating supplemental avenues for interacting digitally during this time. We anticipate having prayer partners available while the service is streaming, as well as online Q and A/chat options. We are also working on other digital connection points that will serve to keep us “together” in this time of disruption.
We admit this scenario isn’t ideal, nor does it adequately replace the collective unity experienced when all the body “comes together” (1 Cor. 11). But it is the necessary and responsible step currently in order to aid our civic leaders as they address this pandemic and lead our communities.
Growing in Community
We are also encouraging our Small Groups to continue to meet as long as your meeting is in conjunction with the CDC guidelines. We know some Small Groups may have vulnerable populations in them, so please be creative in how you “connect.” Some will still meet in person at their host home; others may utilize an online format, such as Zoom, FaceTime, or another social platform that connects multiple users. Some Small Groups may elect to multiply into more Small Groups so that they can still engage for spiritual growth but with potentially less risk of further spread. Your Small Group leader will inform you on how they plan to proceed.
Serving the Mission
Change and crises always mean opportunity and open doors. Especially for the gospel! Please don’t underestimate how stirring your example of compassion and service could be in these times. People are admittedly fearful and uncertain; the idea of control is proving to be a mirage. Consequently, eyes and ears are wide open to those who can navigate these waters differently. Confidently. Courageously. Not based on who we are, but based on who God is. As a follower of Jesus, we urge you to remain committed to serving others humbly and sharing your faith boldly.
Additionally, we have mobilized many of you to help with needs among the vulnerable in our congregation, and I so appreciate your quick response to serving in this way. Please know that if you are struggling with specific matters in this time, whether economically, emotionally, spiritually, or logistically, we have teams ready to assist. It’s my prayer that we will see a chain of concern grow all across our faith family that will actually help keep us linked together in a time when isolation and distance could become the norm.
Carefulness and Faithfulness
With clarity and conviction I call our church to humbly hold both carefulness and faithfulness in the same hand. Granted, we will need to develop some temporary, out-of-the-box approaches. But it will be worth it in order to maintain a fervent commitment to our Lord’s mission.
The Finer Details
A more complete listing of FFC’s adjustments during this pandemic is at firstfamily.church/covid-19-update. It is updated regularly, and provides the most comprehensive place to stay informed concerning FFC’s response to COVID-19.
On behalf of our leadership, thank you for your flexibility, intercession, and commitment. By God’s grace we will lean into this opportunity with carefulness and faithfulness, reflecting God’s infinite greatness and sovereignty in a time when we are realizing more and more how we’re neither.
For the fame of Jesus,
Todd
March 16
Like you, our church is following the almost hourly COVID-19 updates from various governing departments. And like you, we’re thinking through what further adjustments we need to now make. That’s why I’m writing you — our elders are meeting tonight to pray and decide our best next steps, and we would appreciate your prayers.
More than likely, the adjustments we make for the immediate future will need to be adjusted again, perhaps often. So, I ask you to remain flexible. We will communicate quickly and compassionately, providing the necessary information you need to navigate how you and your family can be faithful even while you are being careful. Your leaders are committed to the three biblical values that mark us: celebrating the gospel, growing in community, and serving the mission. Likewise, we, too, must now figure out how FFC can do that corporately for the near future in a way that is faithful and careful.
Remember, when there are adjustments, there are always opportunities. Change always highlights open doors that weren’t seen before. Throughout history, God has sovereignly moved His church forward, usually exponentially, in crises, difficulty, and uncertainty. Just read Acts 8. In these kinds of times, we more quickly see our own inability and are aware of the uncertainty around us; our dependence upon the Lord rises. Deepens. That’s exactly what God is looking for! Join me, would you, in looking at these current times with eyes that see doors God is opening, not just the doors man is closing? Yes, pray that the coronavirus would end quickly, but also that God’s work would spread rapidly through new opportunities.
If you are among our vulnerable, know that our staff and various volunteer teams are being mobilized to help. Feel free to contact us if there are areas where you need assistance. We are brothers and sisters in this spiritual family, and we will be there for one another.
Thank you for your commitment to the Lord and this body of believers. You’ll hear from our leadership soon.
March 14
IMPORTANT COVID-19 UPDATE
Governor Reynolds has recommended in an address that there be no gatherings of groups larger than 250 people. In an effort to stay under that number, we will not be offering childcare (birth–5th grade) at tomorrow’s services.
If you won’t be at our services tomorrow, you can watch online at https://firstfamily.church/watch. Don’t forget that you can also give online at https://firstfamily.church/give.
Thank you for being flexible during these special circumstances. We’ll continue to update you with any changes that occur.
March 12
With COVID-19 continuing to spread across the nation and affect various levels of large group gatherings, we want to assure you that our leadership will continue to follow what health officials are saying and make any changes that are required.
At this time, the only change you’ll notice on Sunday is that we’ll be combining the Communion bread and cup into two stacked cups, so you’ll be able to simply grab a stack and go. We will still rely on you to make the best decisions for yourself and your family. If you or someone in your family is sick, please stay home and watch online. FFC Kids will continue to institute our illness policy for children and volunteers.
When you are at church, please continue thoroughly washing your hands, utilizing the hand sanitizer stations, and avoiding physical contact. We will continue our weekly cleaning and sanitizing. Here are some helpful tips to help prevent the spread of illness.
We will still, Lord willing, continue to meet each week to celebrate the gospel, grow in community, and serve the mission. Let’s continue to pray for all those that are being affected by the coronavirus and do our part in preventing the spread of it.