Greetings, Tree of Life Church,
All praise to God for His everlasting joy, His abiding love, and His guiding hand of protection through these turbulent times. As you are aware, there has been a sustained uptick of new COVID-19 cases in our city, state, nation, and throughout the world. We should respond to this news in a way that reflects both our faith in God and the wisdom He expects us to practice.
As much of life returns to normal, it is easy to let our guard down. It doesn’t help that this virus is hard to understand, due to the varying ways it has affected people. Most of the infected people I know simply lost their ability to taste, had a few aches and pains, or suffered what seemed like a severe case of the flu. Other people I know have had extended stays in the hospital, and some have sadly lost their lives. I am not writing this to frighten you. We must not succumb to fear, but neither should we label as fear the noble qualities of prudence, wisdom, and discretion.
In 1 Peter 5, the apostle Peter told us that we have an adversary, that he walks about seeking whom he may devour, and that we are to be sober and vigilant in order to resist him. To be sober and vigilant involves being serious and watchful. As we continue to gather for in-person church services, I’m asking each of us to be mindful to practice the recommended guidelines that have been set forth by public health professionals, particularly over the next couple of weeks. We encourage you to practice physical distancing, fist bumps and waving over hand shakes and hugs; and as much as possible, per Governor DeWine’s mandate for Hamilton County, we encourage the wearing of masks as you move throughout the building.
This is new territory for all of us, and while there doesn’t seem to be a perfect way to approach it, I believe it makes good Christian sense for each of us to continue doing our part in protecting one another. In spite of these unusual times, we continue pressing forward, knowing that God will keep us and anoint us for His purpose and glory.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and for your faithful consideration of these matters.
Sincerely in Christ Jesus our Lord,
Pastor Joel Urshan
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