Dear Church Family, 3/31/20
As I’m sure most of you know by now, our Mayor declared a state of disaster and public health emergency for Amarillo, effective from 11:59pm on March 30, 2020, until 11:59pm on April 14, 2020. I wanted to take a moment to update you on how this declaration affects Trinity Baptist Church. Please help us get the word out by sharing this information with people you know that may not check their email or Facebook page regularly.
- We understand that this decision was made in conjunction with much prayer and wise counsel. We are grateful for the people who the Lord has placed in authority over us here in Amarillo and are committed to praying for them. While the idea of shelter in place seems radical, it falls in line with the strong recommendations that we’ve already heard from multiple places.
- In my communication with the Office of the City Manager, it was clear that the city’s desire is not to put undue or unnecessary restriction on churches. They do not want to infringe upon our right to worship God, nor do they desire to make life more difficult for anyone, churches included. They did ask that we abide by the social distancing guidelines that have been emphasized by our federal, state, and local government.
- The city is encouraging people to work from home if possible. Again, while the city is not trying to put restrictions on churches, we have determined to close our church offices for the time being. While there will be people at the church building on a limited basis in order to carry out essential functions, including preparation for worship services, the doors will be locked. Should you have a need, we encourage you to email or call the person you are trying to reach directly, or to leave a message on the church’s answering system. We will do our best to get back with you as soon as possible. We will notify you when we are able to go back to normal office hours.
- While our desire is to continue with a livestream worship service as we have in previous weeks, we will continue to evaluate our best options on a weekly basis. However, based on the Amarillo Area Coronavirus (COVID-19) Status Level being elevated to RED, we have decided to reduce the number of volunteers who will be participating in the livestream for the time being.
- As much as we had hoped to physically gather on Easter Sunday (April 12), this is not going to be possible. We will continue with our online worship services for the foreseeable future. Along with all of you, our ministry staff looks forward to the day when we can physically gather for worship again.
- During this time of sheltering in place, it’s very likely that we have neighbors and friends who are anxious about life and perhaps even afraid to get out of their homes. What an opportunity we have been given to love our neighbors! If you are able, we encourage you to check on your neighbors to see if they need anything. Of course, we need to use wisdom in our interactions, but let’s show God’s love by caring for the people who live near us. Some may be in desperate need for groceries or other household items. Perhaps you can bless your neighbor by doing some yard work for them. Others just need to know that they are not alone. Ask people how you can be praying for them. Let’s initiate conversations and trust God with the results. Perhaps God will allow you to share the gospel with someone this week!
- Please let us know how we can be praying for you. We care for our church family, and in this tumultuous season, we need your help to know how we can best serve you. Please let us know your needs. If you’ve lost your job or have been furloughed during this time, please let us know. If you have physical or emotional needs, please let us know. We are committed to praying for you and doing what we can do to serve you and your family.
- As a church we are committed to supporting our staff and employees for as long as we possibly can. Initially, we determined that we would continue to support ministries and missions – both local and abroad – and to pay our staff and employees regular pay at least through Easter Sunday. Because you have continued to steward the resources that God has entrusted to you faithfully, we are able to continue with this support through the of the semester (May). Thank you! We appreciate your continued generosity and desire that the gospel not be hindered. That said, we want you to know that we have intentionally put a hold on non-essential spending, including previously approved updates to our building. While we will complete the work that has already begun, we will not begin other projects for which the church had previously voted to set aside money.
Finally, I want to reiterate my gratefulness to God to be part of this church family. We thank God often for the privilege to serve Trinity Baptist Church. And what a blessing and encouragement it is to serve with the team that God has assembled here. Every member of our ministry team has a passion for God’s glory and a deep love and concern for God’s people. I am blessed. Our church family is blessed!
Be Strong and Courageous!
Pastor Nate