March 5, 2020
On February 28, 2020, GCC announced precautionary measures in light of the recent COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. We encouraged all members to remain home if they exhibited any signs of illness. Since that time, there are at least two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Bergen County.
Corporate worship is a vital part of our Christian Faith (Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:42-47; Ephesians 5:19-20). Because of this we will continue to gather to worship regularly. However, because of the growing concerns and many unknowns about COVID-19, we will be canceling all non-essential meetings at this time.
We continue to encourage all those who exhibit any signs of illness to remain home for the safety of others. Please follow the guidelines provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Live video streaming of Sunday Services will be provided via facebook live for both EM and KM services as of March 7, 2020. Please find the link to our Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/gracecommunitychapelnj/
Effective today, March 5, 2020 we will continue with essential meetings only. This includes:
• Sunday Service
• Early Morning Prayer
• Tuesday Night Prayer
The following meetings are canceled until further notice:
• Cell Groups
• Committee Meetings
• Leaders Meetings
• Quarterly Huddle
• AWANA
The following classes/events are postponed until further notice:
• Membership
• Baptism
• Seekers
• Cell Group Leaders Training
Finally, as Christians, we do not need to fear. God is not surprised by this viral outbreak. We are reminded that our hope is not found in what we have on this earth or our physical health, but what we have in Jesus Christ. Our greatest fight is not in this physical realm, but in the spiritual realm. Satan lurks around like a roaring lion ready to devour (1 Peter 5:8). It is during this time that we must stay sober-minded and vigilant. Although our meetings will be less frequent, we should do all that we can to maintain our fervor for the Lord.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:10-12)
As Christ followers we want to be prepared to offer help to our community in dire situations. Especially in times when the world panics, we have an anchor that keeps us at peace and secure. We are collecting food items for possible future distribution to those most in need. The church will reimburse you, but we need man power to gather items such as bags of rice, canned foods or other food items with longer shelf life. Please reach out directly to site pastors for any questions and concerns about this matter. We will continue to make updates via social media and the GCC App as things progress.
In Christ,
GCC Pastoral Staff