What an unprecedented time. My goodness. It’s in times of uncertainty like this that I lean into the truth of God and His Word. Specifically, resting in the truth of verses such as Psalm 46:1-2a,10, “God IS our refuge and strength, and ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…Be still, and know that I am God.” Please join me in doing so.
We want to give up an update regarding our church services, giving procedures and other pertinent information. If you recall, we told you that we would continue to monitor what the government and medical professionals recommend. As of Wednesday, April 1, the Governor of the state of Florida issued a ‘Safer At Home’ executive order restricting all people and limiting their movements to only those necessary to obtain or provide essential services. It also reiterated a warning of social distancing and limiting group gatherings of 10 or more people. We are deferring to their expertise as Romans 13:1 cites. With that being said…
First, at least for the remainder of April we will NOT be physically meeting for services, Sunday School classes or other groups on campus. However, our church worship service will be streaming online starting at 9:00 AM each Sunday on our church Facebook page or at c3ocala.com/live. If you miss it at 9:00 AM, it will still be available to view at a later time.
Second, our on-going local and global ministry here at Central Christian continues. We ask and encourage you to regularly give financially online at c3ocala.com/give, through our Central APP or by text-to-give. If you prefer to mail a check address the envelope to Central Christian Church, 3010 NE 14th Street, Ocala, FL 34470. We are so grateful for your kind and marvelous generosity as we continue to ‘Go & Be Jesus’ to our community.
Third, let’s all personally take up and live out our church mission to Go & Be Jesus now more than ever! Visit and check on our neighbors, the elderly, as well as our family and friends. In fact the Governor’s order allows caring for or otherwise assisting a loved one or friend. So let’s look for creative ways to serve and assist others, following the lead of Jesus.
Fourth, pray for our church, local, county, state and federal leaders as well as those impacted physically and financially by this crisis.
Finally, as always, please practice good hygiene by regularly washing your hands and face. If you’re sick, stay home. All in all, let’s be wise and listen to what the governing officials and medical professionals are saying and then adjust our behavior to match the risk and reality of the situation.
Thank you.
Doug Reed // Lead Pastor
