Grace to you and peace from our Lord Jesus Christ! In these uncertain times, it is comforting to know we trust in a sovereign God who is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
On March 11th, we announced that we would be having our regular worship gathering on Sunday, March 15th. Our leadership continued to monitor the situation nationally and locally. Since the announcement, the government and organizations have taken unprecedented steps to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The NCAA tournament was canceled. The NBA, NHL, MLB, PGA, and other sports organizations have all suspended their seasons. The KHSAA canceled the Girls and Boys Sweet 16. Broadway is shut down until April 12. School systems in Kentucky have closed until mid-April. President Trump declared a national emergency over the spread of the coronavirus.
As a result of these circumstances, we have decided to change course and cancel all in-person activities at Lakeville for the forseeable future. We will, however, livestream a service via Facebook Live. We will have singing and I will continue the current sermon series through Galatians. We understand that online services are no replacement for actual gatherings, but this is an unprecedented situation. As soon as federal, state, and local governments approve of our gathering together again, we will.
The decision to cancel our worship gathering was not an easy one, but one we believe is necessary for two main reasons:
First, we want to obey the recommendation of our government leaders. On March 11th, I felt like churches were the only groups being asked to sacrifice, but that was not the case. Everyone is being asked to sacrifice for the good of their fellow man – and they are. Romans 13:1 teaches us to submit to the governing authorities. To rebel against our governing authorities is to rebel against God. Christians, however, may be called upon to disobey the government if the government is attempting to silence the gospel (e.g. Acts 5:17-42). Such is not the case with this recommendation. We cannot emphasize this enough: the government IS NOT attempting to silence the gospel. They are encouraging church to broadcast their services online. The government – local, state, and federal – is doing everything in their power to keep people safe. This is not the first time churches have been asked to cancel weekly gatherings to help stop the spread of a pandemic. In 1918, when the Spanish Flu was rapidly spreading through the District of Columbia, officials banned public gatherings. Pastors, in response to this ban, voted unanimously on October 5, 1918, to follow the request of the District Commissioners. When the number of cases declined, the churches were permitted to gather together again as of October 31, 1918.
Second, we want to obey the Lord’s command to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). The virus attacks the most vulnerable among us: the elderly and immunocompromised. While a younger, healthier person may not be fatally affected by the coronavirus, they can carry the virus and infect others, including the most vulnerable.
We do not know how long this will last. During this time, let us pray. Let us pray for our leaders: President Trump, Governor Beshear, Judge Wireman, and Mayor Shepherd. Pray that God will give them wisdom. Let us pray for our churches, that we will love and serve others. Let us pray for the hope of the gospel to shine forth during this difficult time.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26
In Christ,
Pastor Justin on behalf of the LBC Elders
