Hello, RCC Family!

This past Sunday was an incredible Sunday as we worshiped together exclusively online.  We believe God wants to do powerful things in all of us, whether we’re together in the same room or one church in many homes.  We believe as a church we need to walk in faith and not fear. The Bible is clear that God does not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power (2 Timothy 1:7).  I’m so thankful for the power that is available to us every moment of every day. We also believe that because of our faith God helps us to be wise. Sometimes there are decisions that call for wisdom, which in reality can be a test of our faith.

Sunday afternoon the Elders and I met with a medical professional to discuss the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and how we can act in a wise way.  After understanding what is happening in our community and world we believe the wise decision is to close the RCC facility through March 31st.  This is a difficult decision, but we’re making this decision for two reasons.  First, we love you and we love our community. Limiting our contact with others helps aid those who are most susceptible to this virus.  This decision is about putting others first and loving those around us. Second, this decision helps slow the spread of this virus and will assist our medical professionals and facilities.  This decision is not meant to cause panic or fear, but to allow us to be responsible for what happens in our community and with you as members of RCC.

We recognize that this outbreak and our decision to close our facility may cause some inconveniences and a few questions.  Believe me, I have had a few questions myself. So…let me do my best to answer some questions you might have.

What will we be doing for Sunday morning worship?  We will be doing exclusively online worship at 9:15 a.m. just like this past Sunday.  You can join our online service by going to our website at www.rochesterchristian.com/sermons.  We are becoming a church without walls.  We don’t want you isolated from us, and we don’t want to be isolated from you.  Join us online on Sunday mornings so you can see our faces (I’m not the best looking guy you’ll ever see!).  We will have someone available to interact online during our service so make sure you activate the chat option and drop in to say, “Hi.”  If you don’t have access to our live stream and would like to request an audio CD of the morning’s message please contact Laura Welch in our church office.

What about our other current ministry opportunities (Wednesday evening activities, workout classes, weekday preschool, etc.)?  All of our other current ministry gatherings will not be meeting during this time.  Basically we will be using our facility for online worship and to keep our office open.  I do believe, however, that God is giving us a very unique opportunity to do ministry through RCC.  Our staff is working hard putting together a plan to help meet some of the needs that will be very real for the next few weeks.  Be watching your e-mail, our Facebook page, and the mobile app for some of the different things we’re putting into place and how YOU can get involved.

Could our facility be closed beyond March 31st?  As you’ve probably noticed things have changed rapidly with this virus outbreak.  We will continue to monitor regulations and guidelines and will notify you as soon as possible if things change.

Should our small group continue to meet?  This is a decision for each group to make.  Groups are welcome to meet at an off-site location if they desire to do so.  I would definitely encourage you to stay in touch with one another during this time.  Shawn Smith, our Discipleship Pastor, is working on a plan that will allow groups to keep in touch through various tools.  I would also encourage you to think of ways you can be serving one another in your group, and talk about how you can serve others in our community, too. (OVER)

Could this create financial challenges at RCC?  If we don’t commit to being faithful managers of all that God has given to us, then yes it could.  But, if there’s one thing I’ve learned about RCC in my 7 ½ years as your Lead Pastor it’s this: you are extremely generous!  We don’t give because we’re committed to a building we give because we’re committed to God and living the way He wants us to live.  I would encourage you, if you haven’t already done so, to set up online giving. This can be done through your bank’s bill pay system, our mobile app, or our website.  Feel free to mail in your gift, or you can stop by our office to give your gift in person. If you need help with online giving please contact the church office and we’ll be happy to assist you.  I know God is not surprised by this, and He will take care of us during this time. He is always faithful!

What else can we do, as a church, during this time?  We need to pray.  A couple of weeks ago I mentioned during Vision Sunday that we wanted to be a family at RCC that is devoted to prayer.  Here we go! Pray for our government leaders, our medical leaders, and our spiritual leaders. Pray for God to be the source of peace that our world and community needs right now.  Pray for God to restore health to those infected with this virus. Pray for families who are making difficult decisions about loved ones with this virus. And let’s pray with thanksgiving because He is a sovereign God who is always in control.  You can also “like” RCC’s Facebook pages to stay connected. Search for Rochester Christian Church, RCC Kidzone, and RCC Student Ministry. Our Kidzone and Student Ministry pages will have resources and special opportunities for your children and teens.  Hit the “like” buttons on all of these pages today!

Is there a way for me to get up-to-date information on what is happening at RCC?  Yes.  First, you can join our e-newsletter list by emailing Laura in our office at office@rochesterchristian.com.  Second, take a moment and download the RCC mobile app by searching Rochester Christian Church in your app store.  We will also be sharing current information on the Facebook pages listed above.

Is there trustworthy information I can get about COVID-19?  I asked our medical professional to provide us with some credible information that we could share with you about this virus.  You can visit the Illinois Department of Public Health for information: www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus.  You can also visit the CDC for their guidelines: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. For general questions about COVID-19 and Illinois’ response and guidance you can call 1-800-889-3931 or you can email at DPH.SICK@ILLINOIS.GOV.

This is a challenging time.  Let me stress that we aren’t going anywhere!!  I encourage you to stay engaged with us and let us know how we can serve you.  Do you have a prayer need? Do you need some food? Need a babysitter? Need an errand done?  Need someone to give you a ride? Know of another need we might be able to meet? Please give us a call in our office at 498-9264 and we’ll do what we can.  There’s no shame in asking for help.  

Peter says:  …be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.  (1 Peter 4:7—10, NIV)  We may be a church without walls for a few weeks, but we’re still the church.  Right now, we can live out these words from Peter better than ever before. We’re still here for you.  We still care about you. We’re still serving you. We still love you. None of that has changed! Let’s join together as a loving and authentic Christ-centered family and watch God ignite a revival in us and through us in these next few weeks.

Love and blessings…

Brad Ferris, Lead Pastor