Pastoral Letter from Eric Smith of Front Range Alliance Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
IS FRONT RANGE ALLIANCE CHURCH (FRAC) CONTINUING TO GATHER ON SUNDAY MORNING?
Yes, at this point both FRAC campuses will gather for Sunday morning worship at the normal times and locations.
Our FRAC East campus that meets at Springs Ranch Elementary School is subject to the directives of the school district. We are aware that District 49 has closed all campuses from March 16-27. We are not yet certain if that will impact our March 15 worship service. We will notify all FRAC East members and attenders as soon as we have more information.
If anything changes at either campus, we will update this page immediately and share our contingency plans.
IS THE FRAC WEST BUILDING OPEN ON WEEKDAYS?
Yes. At this time, the FRAC West building is open as usual. Certain ministries in the church may decide not to meet at various times for various reasons. For more information on individual ministries and/or meetings, please contact your ministry leader.
WHAT PRECAUTIONS CAN PEOPLE TAKE WHEN THEY COME TO FRAC GATHERINGS?
While we place a high priority on gathering together for worship and other activities, if you are feeling sick or running a fever, the best way that you can love the FRAC Family is by staying home! Additionally, we encourage everyone to take certain steps to protect themselves and others from the coronavirus, flu, and other illnesses, including:
-Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
–Using hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available;
-Skip handshakes and hugs for the time being in favor of a friendly smile;
-Not touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands;
-Avoiding close contact with people who are sick;
-Staying home if you are sick;
-Covering your cough or sneeze into your arm or a tissue;
-Disinfecting objects and surfaces regularly. If you or someone in your family tests positive for the virus, please let us know so we can find ways to help, pray and take any necessary precautions.
WHAT PRECAUTIONS IS FRAC TAKING TO MAKE GATHERINGS AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE?
At the FRAC West campus, we are continuing our exceptional cleaning procedures and adding extra precautions including:
-Additional passes around the building disinfecting all common area touchpoints (e.g. doors, entry keypads, light switches, countertops, bathroom fixtures, etc.).
-Placing hand sanitizers in common areas throughout the buildings.
At both campuses, our nursery & FRAC Kids volunteers will continue to sterilize various surfaces used by our children. Children who are sick or running a fever may not participate in the nursery or children’s programs. During our worship services, we will enact special procedures for collecting the offering and serving communion to avoid passing items from person-to-person. You may also consider giving online as a safe and efficient way to continue your faithful contributions to the ministry of FRAC – https://www.frontrangealliance.org/giving.
WHAT ABOUT HIGHER RISK INDIVIDUALS?
Indications are that older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease have a higher risk of getting very sick from this virus. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that higher risk individuals avoid crowds as much as possible. FRAC small groups and elders will continue to stay in contact with any FRAC members who may be at higher risk and who choose to stay away from Sunday worship until the risk subsides.
HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS?
For more information on the issues surrounding the coronavirus, visit El Paso County Public Health https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/services/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
A WORD FROM PASTOR ERIC SMITH
The coronavirus (COVID-19) is yet one more reminder that we live in a fallen world. Ultimately, none of us are immune to any of these things. But that’s why the gospel is such good news. God has not left us alone in this world of sin, sickness, and death. The greatest news in all the world is that Jesus lived a life with no sin, died on a cross to pay the price for our sin, and rose from the grave in victory over sin and death. Now anyone anywhere who turns from their sin and trusts in Jesus will be forgiven of all their sin and restored to relationship with God forever. That means that through Jesus, we never have to fear sickness or death because we know we have eternal life with God.
We should be prudent, but not panicked. We should count our blessings in place of worry. For us who believe the good news, we urge you to share your faith in Jesus with others. Times like these remind us all of the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. So let’s spread the greatest news that death has been defeated, that God is present with his people, and that eternal life is available to all who trust in Jesus.
In addition, here’s some other ways you can respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19):
-Trust in God as the good and sovereign Creator and Sustainer of life upon whom we all depend.
-Pray for opportunities to show and tell the love of God to those with whom you speak.
-Pray for mercy for the sick, strength for doctors, insight for researchers, and wisdom for officials.
-Look for opportunities to love and care for others, whether they are sick, isolated, marginalized, poor, or oppressed.
-Avoid every semblance of prejudice or racism.
-Even if we are unable to gather at certain times, stay closely connected to the church family. Gather with smaller groups as appropriate, and participate in worship gatherings online if that’s the only option.
