Hello church family,
As the situation related to the coronavirus continues to change day by day, we have been at work considering how to respond as a church. We remain committed to the safety and well-being of our church family and our community.
If you are not already aware the CDC is currently recommending older adults and those with serious chronic medical conditions to avoid large crowds. This includes not attending church! If you are in one of those groups, or if you are feeling sick in any way, please do not come to any church activity.
The following represents our response at this time.
All Large Group Activities Including Sunday Services are Canceled for the Next Two Weeks
Due to the fact that all public schools in the state of Pennsylvania have closed and in accordance with guidance issued by the governor strongly encouraging the suspension of large gatherings, events, conferences of 250 individuals or more, Cornerstone will cancel all large group activities through Saturday, March 28. Committees and small groups are free to meet at their discretion but please use wisdom and be cognizant of those who might be in a compromised physical condition.
Instructions for Livestream
Beginning this Sunday we will be livestreaming our worship service. Because of copyright laws, the entirety of the service will only be available if you tune in live on Sunday at 10am. As always you can find the sermon blog and the sermon audio on our webpage. Because we are still learning this new livestream technology, we expect there might be some bugs to iron out. We are making the choice to release the livestream now and asking for your patience as we make improvements. Use this link to view the livestream on Sundays at 10am. If you tune in at other times, we expect to be able to post a video recording of the sermon only.
If your household feels comfortable doing so and does not consider itself to be a health risk to others, consider joining another household to watch the service at home. Sing along with the praise team, listen to the prayers and sermon, and take time afterwards to pray for each other and discuss the sermon.
Decision-Making Principles
I remind you that we laid out the following principles to guide our decision-making process:
- The safety and well-being of our church family and the community
- The continuity of the ministry of the church
- The continuity of our fellowship with one another
3-Phase Contingency Plan
We have developed a three-phase contingency plan and expected to be on Phase 1 this Sunday. However, due to the governor’s closure of all public schools, we are now in Phase 2.
- Phase One – Doors Open
We scale back our worship service and encourage the congregation to tune in to the livestream, but will keep our building open for those who desire to come.
Criteria: We will move to Phase 1 if government recommendations allow us to do so.
- Phase Two – Doors Closed
We close the doors to the church and conduct only a livestream service. Only essential staff and volunteers will be allowed in the building during the livestream. We enter Phase 2 this Sunday, March 15
Criteria: We move to Phase Two if (1) government authorities adjust their recommendations, or (2) Avon Grove School District is closed for an extended period of time, or (3) we believe it is prudent to do so based on unforeseen circumstances.
- Phase Three – Further Restrictions
We close the building entirely to even essential staff and volunteers. Only the sermon is livestreamed.
Criteria: We move to Phase Three if (1) government authorities adjust their recommendations, or (2) someone is known to have contracted the virus in the building, or (3) we believe it is prudent to do so based on unforeseen circumstances.
Texting Now Available
We sent out an email today in the “Notes from the Office” with instructions on how to sign up to receive text announcements from us. If you did not receive an email from the church, please email the office at office@cornerstonepca.com and we will send you instructions on how to sign up for texting announcements.
More Resources Coming Soon
We are at work now developing resources for you to use at home including a digital “order of service” for Sunday worship. Stay tuned for more information on that.
Prayer Requests
Please know that your church family is here for you. We want to know how we can pray for you or help you in any way you might be affected by this situation. You can submit a prayer request here.
Final Thoughts
Our current global crisis is an opportunity for Jesus’ Church to shine. Let’s be faithful in prayer and actively looking for opportunities to serve and love our communities!
Grace & Peace-
Pastor Billy
