March 19, 2020

Dear MBC Family,

As you are well aware by now, the Corona Virus (COVID-19) has made its presence felt here in the United States and throughout the world.  Weeks ago, who would have thought that we would be living through a global pandemic, quarantining ourselves in our homes and maintaining a six-foot clear zone called social distancing. The Corona Virus has hit us hard, emptying grocery shelves, closing businesses, shutting down venues, restricting gatherings of 50 or more people and closing the doors to thousands of churches. It has disrupted our lives and set us all on edge. 

I think the worst part is that we don’t know where all this is headed. During this time of uncertainty, I’m asking our entire church to pray. I was thrilled when President Trump announced Sunday, March 15, 2020 as a National Day of Prayer for all Americans affected by the Corona Virus Pandemic and for our National Response efforts.

Here is in excerpt from our President Trump’s speech, “In our times of greatest need, Americans have always turned to prayer to help guide us through trials and periods of uncertainty as we continue to face the unique challenges posed by the Corona Virus pandemic.  In this time, we must not cease asking God for added wisdom, comfort and strength and we must especially pray for those who have suffered harm or who have lost loved ones. I ask you to join me in a day of prayer for all people who have been affected by the Corona Virus and for God’s healing hand to be placed on the people of our nation. As your President, I ask you to pray for the health and well being of your fellow Americans and to remember that no problem is too big for God to handle. We should all take to heart the holy words found in 1 Peter 5:7 “Casting all your cares upon Him, for He careth for you.” Let us pray that all affected will feel the presence of our Lord’s protection and love during this time. With God’s help, we can overcome this virus. As we unite in prayer, we are reminded that there is no burden too heavy for God to lift or for this country to bear with His help. Luke 1:37 promises that “For with God nothing shall be impossible” and those words are just as true today as they have ever been.”

Wow, good advice for all of us. As we move forward and navigate through this crisis, I wanted to be as informative as I can. As you know, the Ohio Department of Health has banned gatherings of over 50 people. This ban does not include religious meetings as of now.  Here at Millheim we want to care for our church family. And so with that in mind, we have made the difficult decision to cancel all of our upcoming weekend activities.

ALL OF OUR WEEKEND SERVICES AND MID-WEEK GATHERINGS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED FOR THIS COMING WEEK.

We are also cancelling all of our mid-week meetings including Bible Studies, Kids and Awana Ministries on Wednesday night.

While I know it will be difficult to cancel our services, and potentially financially difficult for us, I am confident of the Lord’s leading in this direction for a few reasons.  God’s highest priority is people; that are our highest value as a church as well. With that in mind, I want to protect our elderly who are the most at risk right now and also our children. By not meeting, we are actually serving our community and caring for those that might be at risk.

We also want to adhere to the wisdom of our government officials and their recommendation that faith-based gatherings explore other means of having services such as online streaming.

Live stream this Sunday at 10:45 a.m. at www.mbc316.com  or www.facebook.com/millheimbaptistchurch

Our online live stream will begin at 10:45 a.m. it will be on our website and Facebook live.  It will be very easy for you to join us by clicking on one of the links above so we can worship together.

Please continue to pray for and support your church during this season.  While we will not be able to take an offering, we want to continue to support the ministries here and around the world.  We cannot do these things without you. Giving online will make the greatest impact during this time. You will be able to give online beginning Sunday March 22, by accessing our website at www.mbc316.com.  As we navigate through this time, God will take care of us, we can trust in Him. Let us remember who is really in control when things seem chaotic and out of control.

Let us pray for those who are directly impacted by the virus and live out Christ’s love to those around us.

If you would like to share your thoughts, concerns, questions and ideas with us as we navigate our response to this situation, I would like to hear from you. Your input is important. Please email me at kimwlawrence@yahoo.com, or

millheimbaptist@yahoo.com, or call 330-699-3600.

Pastor Kim Lawrence