Dear Holland Church Family,
While only a few cases of coronavirus COVID-19 have been confirmed in our state, government and community leaders are taking steps to limit its spread. This week the governor of Michigan declared a state of emergency and outlined community mitigation strategies to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, including a request that all public gatherings of more than 100 persons be canceled. As good citizens respectful of governmental guidance (Romans 13:1–3; 1 Timothy 2:1–4) and intentional in our responsibility to the community, we will make the following adjustments to church life through the end of March:
- Effectively immediately, our weekly Sabbath worship services will be online only. Instead of attending church in person, please watch the live-streamed weekly worship service via via our YouTube channel beginning at 10:50 a.m. each Sabbath. Only worship leaders/participants and their families should come to the church on Sabbath mornings.
- All Sabbath School classes are canceled. An email will be sent to the church family tomorrow with resources for engaging in a Sabbath School experience at home.
- Please continue to support God’s church during this time by faithfully returning tithes and offerings. You may use Adventist Online Giving or bring your tithes and offerings to the church office during normal office hours (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.).
- Most weekday church events will continue as scheduled for the time being. This includes Prayer Meeting and the Depression & Anxiety Recovery seminar, both continuing on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. An exception is Men’s Basketball on Sundays and Thursdays; it is canceled until further notice.
Please incorporate into your daily routine the commonsense recommendations from the CDC to inhibit the spread of COVID-19 and prevent illness. Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds at time. Stay home when you’re sick. Regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home and work. View the complete list of recommendations here. Additionally, this is a great time to enhance your immune system by renewing your focus on simple biblical principles for optimum health—eating well, exercising regularly, drinking plenty of water, spending time outside in the sun breathing fresh air, getting adequate rest, and trusting in God.
Let’s not forget to reach out to each other during this time of interrupted church fellowship. While we won’t enjoy in-person corporate worship during the next three Sabbaths, we can still encourage one another with a quick phone call, text, email—or even personal visit, if everyone involved is feeling well.
Our faith in Jesus Christ gives us confidence even when the world around us is anxious. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…” (Psalm 46:1–2). We need not worry—God is the ruler yet.
God bless,
Pastor Sean
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”
JESUS (John 14:27)
We encourage every member to adhere to the recommendations provided by the State of Michigan and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).