Dear LifeWay Church Family,
We have all been bombarded by the news and events of the coronavirus, which is not only around the world, but obviously right here among us. I know this is of great concern to our community, and to many of you as well — rightly so. The church staff team met on Monday, March 2, to discuss what we felt was the most prudent way to address this illness in light of upcoming church events. Here is what we feel is best for our church right now:
- Youth groups are the main ministry activities this week. LifeWay Youth has a policy of following the local school schedule for all its activities (for example, canceling youth group when the school has called a snow day), and we will continue to do so now. If Federal Way schools are in session, youth groups will also meet. If school is canceled, then youth groups will also be canceled.
- The scheduled worship team will rehearse on Wednesday unless they are personally contacted and told otherwise.
- We plan to begin Multiply! Buliisa this coming Sunday, March 8. At this time we do not believe coronavirus concerns will impact this campaign. But if things change, we will, too.
- The staff will monitor the week as it unfolds and give an update later in the week.
My biggest encouragement to you are these thoughts:
- Follow the real medical advice as described over and over again by real medical people advising us in the news. Behave in ways that are prescribed by those who really know. Don’t panic and don’t live in fear.
- Use this as a witness opportunity. People around you may be fearful. We serve an eternal Savior. What a great opportunity to represent Jesus Christ, who gives us eternal hope during days of panic and fear.
There will be more to come. We are all praying for our community and our world in these days of human uncertainty, knowing we live with assurance in Christ.
Pastor Billy Arnold
and the LifeWay pastors and staff