A message from Pastor Josiah on COVID-19
Hello Rock Church family,
Our eldership team has been praying for you as we monitor the coronavirus crisis. We appreciate each of you and are committed to working through this together.
It is in moments of turmoil that the church of Jesus can stand up and shine the light brighter than ever. Thank you so much for your participation and investment in our church, it is helping to increase the light of the gospel of grace.
God’s word says “…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). Let the confidence of God stabilize you and sustain you during this uncertain time as you seek Him.
For those facing work and financial loss, we want to give you some spiritual encouragement and also some practical steps. Over and over again the Bible tells us to not trust in riches. God knows your need and can supply it. With as much faith as you can, plead with God for His provision. We are praying too.
Practically, we encourage you to put the majority of your energy into searching for work. Do something everyday to explore opportunities. Reach out to people inside and outside the church for networking. Even if you have a season of austerity, God will get you through this. Please reach out to us if you exhaust your means of support and are in financial despair. Our benevolence ministry may be able to help.
For those whose work and income is currently unaffected by the coronavirus, we want to give you some spiritual encouragement and also practical steps. God’s word says…
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. ~ 1 Timothy 6:17-19
During a crisis like this, if you continue to have an income, you might not be “rich” compared to some, but you certainly are compared to those who have lost work and income. Therefore “be generous and ready to share”. We have two great opportunities…
Firstly, find ways to help those who are in financial trouble. Whether it’s sharing a meal, some quality time, networking opportunities, buying some groceries, or covering part of an important bill, consider the best way to serve. Meeting even a small practical need for someone (be it financially or socially) could go a long way in serving and benefiting them.
Secondly, review your giving at The Rock Church. Are you bringing in the full tithe and giving regularly? If not, now is an amazing opportunity to put God in first place and support our mission. We want to make sure The Rock can meet its obligations and bless those in need during this pandemic. You can give online, and even set up automated giving which helps to reduce paperwork and increase consistency. Visit http://www.rockchurchqc.com to set up giving!
Since we are temporarily moving our services online, this has opened our eyes to a need and an opportunity. We have people in our community and our city who would struggle to be physically present on Sundays. This includes the elderly, those with mobility issues, as well as those with social anxiety. Some not-yet-believers may feel more comfortable exploring a livestream than stepping foot inside a church building. So please take this opportunity to invite your sphere of influence to tune in!
Please join our livestream on Sundays at 10am by visiting http://rockchurchqc.com/sermons/livestream We encourage you to be prepared to take communion during the service, which our livestream team will also do. Bread or crackers, and wine or juice, are the best elements to use. Please pray for our livestream to be effective at serving our church and reaching the lost. Also, go ahead and share it to bless others who can’t attend church during this time.
Finally, please join us on our Rock Church Facebook family page, so we can stay connected during this time.
Many blessings to you,
Pastors,
Dan and Josiah