Welcome

As the public health stakes of the coronavirus COVID-19 increase, so has the need for what we’re now calling “social distancing.” As people of faith, we feel the tension between fearless faithfulness to God and sound scientific evidence that shows that COVID-19 is contagious, particularly dangerous for people who are medically vulnerable, and easily transmitted by people who have no symptoms.

The temptations of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13) teach us that “fearless faith” does not mean throwing ourselves off buildings, confident that God will suspend the laws of gravity for us, any more than it means we’re free knowingly to put ourselves and others at risk of infection.

The moral question comes down to this: Do we, members of the Body of Christ, love our neighbors, our friends, and our global community more than we love our religious routines and church building?

In the knowledge that God uniquely values human well-being, evidenced by the Incarnation of Jesus Christ and his healing work in the world, our Session with my full support has unanimously voted to suspend all gatherings at the church through Palm Sunday. This includes worship, Sunday School, choir rehearsal, committee meetings, social gatherings, and use of the building by outside groups.

Though we cannot go to church at the moment, we must step up our game being the Church. With motivation, cooperation, and modern and not-so-modern technology, we will maintain our Christian worship, mission, and fellowship. Now, more than ever, we must also intensify our efforts in feeding our hungry neighbors. We need everyone’s creative thinking, faithfulness to Jesus Christ, and flexibility.

In the coming days, the Session and Deacons will contact with you with more information. If you are able, please keep an eye on your email and Westminster’s Facebook page. Those are the fastest and most efficient ways of keeping in touch. If you are willing to call members with updates, please call Pastor Erica as soon as possible: 712-276-3613 or 303-503-3821. The advantage of helping in this way is that you will be among the first to know when new information becomes available!

In the meantime, pray without ceasing (Philippians 4). Pray for healing from the virus. Pray for containment of the virus. Pray for health care workers. Pray for school kids going without meals. Pray for working parents without good childcare options. Pray for people whose jobs and livelihoods are at risk. Pray for each other.

Per the Westminster Confession of Faith, the chief end of humankind is to glorify God in all circumstances. In times of uncertain circumstances, let us remain confident in God. Like Paul, let us maintain our conviction that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, is able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39).