CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE

Dear Covenant Family—

     As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to get the attention ention of so much of the world, we felt it would be good to communicate with the Covenant family for which we care so deeply, and to both look at it from a theological standpoint as well as discuss some of the plans we are working on to mitigate exposure and spread of the virus at Covenant.

     First of all, we are not aware of any occurrences of the virus in either Covenant church or school, nor any within our extended families.  On a similar note, most authorities emphasize that the risk to the general public is low at this point in time.

Although it is prudent to take the preventative measures we will discuss in a few moments, it is important to remember that as Christians we need to be praying.  Praying for ourselves & our fears, praying for our loved ones and their health, and praying that there will be kingdom-appointed opportunities for the gospel to be spread and bring hope in the midst of the crisis.  Crises tend to point people’s minds away from the things that don’t matter, and to the things that ultimately have lasting value. And even though we don’t want calamities to occur, our prayer should be that in the midst of the trials and difficulties, that the gospel would take hold of hearts, both inside and outside the church.

     We also do well to remember that we do not look at sickness or death in the way that the world does.  1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 reminds us that Christians have hope where others have none. True hope in the eternal, a hope in God’s promises, a confidence in the face of danger, and a courage to boldly live life according to God’s will and the betterment of his kingdom.

All that said, there are a few preventative measures that we can prudently take, both from a church body, and a church structure as well:

Stay home if you’re sick. 

This will keep you healthier as well as those who would otherwise be around you.  Also, all present will have a greater sense of confidence that they have a lower exposure risk.

Cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.  

Use your elbow if you’re tissue-less.

Wash your hands: 

Use soap and disinfect frequently touched articles/surfaces.

DO NOT FEAR... PRAYER IS HERE!  
Finally – don’t give way to fear, and be careful to not simply “accept” the fear and speculation that so many people and news outlets thrive upon doling out despite whatever the truth may actually be, and the consequences of any careless reporting.  Our Father is not up in heaven “biting his nails” about the situation, and we can trust that he is still in control of the situation, and that we are blessed in just being his children.

Blessings,

Pastor Scott

Additional Resources: 

Center of Disease Control: (cdc.gov)

Orange County Health Care Agency: (ochealthinfo.com)