GCCLB for Week of March 22
Hello dearly beloved in Christ,
I do trust that you are rejoicing in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4), thanking Him in every circumstance (1 Thessalonians 5:18), and giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20).
This is uncharted territory for many if not all of us, but by God's grace, we will endure.
Please let me offer a few thoughts and encouragement to you.
A Matter of Wisdom
Because of the nature of the situation and the command to love our neighbor, GCCLB is willing to comply with the limitations set for the safety of everyone involved. As of this newsletter, only families are expected to be in the same proximity. Therefore, we will no longer be meeting in homes until further notice. Previously we wanted to invite a couple of families to attend our services, but this new proposal limits us from pursuing that goal in the way we first intended.
We are obligated to do what is right and wise, and this is one of those instances. It would have been one thing if the government requested the closure of churches only, but the economy is suffering and businesses are at risk because of the decision to limit public events. This is having a profound impact on people's livelihood and overall well-being. We want to serve our community to help control this fast-spreading virus, by helping in any way we can in a way that does not violate Scripture but rather fulfills the law of love. Aware that the end of this virus is in the sovereign counsel of God's will, that does not negate our duty to actively pursue prudent avenues to help mitigate the impact of the virus. As always, we are comforted in knowing that our times are in His hands (Psalms 31:15).
Your Love for the Well-being of Others
Beloved, we are still committed to abiding by Scripture, so, love of God and neighbor overrules anything that may harm that goal. We have several people in our congregation who are vulnerable to this virus, plus we are presently not able to meet at the community center. Grateful to the Lord we do have a place of worship to meet on Sundays along with the use of technology to assist us. My goal is to continue preaching the word live on Sundays, but we leave it up to the Lord and will plan on a week to week basis.
Plans in Light of the Circumstances
Please stay tuned for regular updates but do know that we are not meeting at the community center until the end of April. So, we will provide a link to Sunday's Livestream here (https://graceoflongbeach.org/live-stream). The link is on the church's website, app, and we are working to include live streaming on Facebook.
The annual meeting is on schedule. We are working on using technology to assist us. I think it is important for us to update everyone on where we are and how we can best move forward in the gracious will and love of our God. The meeting on the 22nd of this month, at 6 pm will help us. Once we have established the means of communication, members will be notified via personal email by Sunday afternoon.
Local outreach will be canceled until at least June of this year, and our Grace@Home is being pushed out until May. All of these plans we submit to the Lord and agree that it is wise to approach this without fear but in an abundance of caution.
Meet in Small Groups
If you were considering hosting the Livestream at your home, the law has changed and only family members can be at home. We are encouraging everyone to do their best to comply with those changes and find ways to spread the word that we are still working to conduct a live online service this Sunday.
Faithfulness in Giving and Caring
Please remember beloved, your giving is as important now and is still a part of your act of worship to God. You can maintain this act of worship by giving of your offering using our online giving feature (https://graceoflongbeach.org/give-online). For any of you who have issues, please email us at [email protected]. Although I have been reluctant to offer the option of mailing, if you must mail your offerings, you may do so by mailing it to P.O. Box 15690 Long Beach Ca 90815. Your financial support is still a vital part of your worship to God and service to the church.
If anyone needs prayer, please call 562.596.8229. Or if you have personal needs that we may be of assistance, you can email us at [email protected].
Again, beloved, I am praying for you. Do know that this is not a right or wrong decision; it is choosing what is best for everyone and submitting to our leaders "that by doing good [we] may put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God" (1 Peter 2:15-16).
I am praying for the GCCLB family, our nation, and the rest of the world. I am praying that through His saints, Christ who is our hope, would be seen in us. For the glory of Christ beloved, let us remain united for Him so that our testimony and witness is firmly upheld as we do what is best for our neighbors.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Seymour Helligar
Your Servant in Christ
I do trust that you are rejoicing in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4), thanking Him in every circumstance (1 Thessalonians 5:18), and giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20).
This is uncharted territory for many if not all of us, but by God's grace, we will endure.
Please let me offer a few thoughts and encouragement to you.
A Matter of Wisdom
Because of the nature of the situation and the command to love our neighbor, GCCLB is willing to comply with the limitations set for the safety of everyone involved. As of this newsletter, only families are expected to be in the same proximity. Therefore, we will no longer be meeting in homes until further notice. Previously we wanted to invite a couple of families to attend our services, but this new proposal limits us from pursuing that goal in the way we first intended.
We are obligated to do what is right and wise, and this is one of those instances. It would have been one thing if the government requested the closure of churches only, but the economy is suffering and businesses are at risk because of the decision to limit public events. This is having a profound impact on people's livelihood and overall well-being. We want to serve our community to help control this fast-spreading virus, by helping in any way we can in a way that does not violate Scripture but rather fulfills the law of love. Aware that the end of this virus is in the sovereign counsel of God's will, that does not negate our duty to actively pursue prudent avenues to help mitigate the impact of the virus. As always, we are comforted in knowing that our times are in His hands (Psalms 31:15).
Your Love for the Well-being of Others
Beloved, we are still committed to abiding by Scripture, so, love of God and neighbor overrules anything that may harm that goal. We have several people in our congregation who are vulnerable to this virus, plus we are presently not able to meet at the community center. Grateful to the Lord we do have a place of worship to meet on Sundays along with the use of technology to assist us. My goal is to continue preaching the word live on Sundays, but we leave it up to the Lord and will plan on a week to week basis.
Plans in Light of the Circumstances
Please stay tuned for regular updates but do know that we are not meeting at the community center until the end of April. So, we will provide a link to Sunday's Livestream here (https://graceoflongbeach.org/live-stream). The link is on the church's website, app, and we are working to include live streaming on Facebook.
The annual meeting is on schedule. We are working on using technology to assist us. I think it is important for us to update everyone on where we are and how we can best move forward in the gracious will and love of our God. The meeting on the 22nd of this month, at 6 pm will help us. Once we have established the means of communication, members will be notified via personal email by Sunday afternoon.
Local outreach will be canceled until at least June of this year, and our Grace@Home is being pushed out until May. All of these plans we submit to the Lord and agree that it is wise to approach this without fear but in an abundance of caution.
Meet in Small Groups
If you were considering hosting the Livestream at your home, the law has changed and only family members can be at home. We are encouraging everyone to do their best to comply with those changes and find ways to spread the word that we are still working to conduct a live online service this Sunday.
Faithfulness in Giving and Caring
Please remember beloved, your giving is as important now and is still a part of your act of worship to God. You can maintain this act of worship by giving of your offering using our online giving feature (https://graceoflongbeach.org/give-online). For any of you who have issues, please email us at [email protected]. Although I have been reluctant to offer the option of mailing, if you must mail your offerings, you may do so by mailing it to P.O. Box 15690 Long Beach Ca 90815. Your financial support is still a vital part of your worship to God and service to the church.
If anyone needs prayer, please call 562.596.8229. Or if you have personal needs that we may be of assistance, you can email us at [email protected].
Again, beloved, I am praying for you. Do know that this is not a right or wrong decision; it is choosing what is best for everyone and submitting to our leaders "that by doing good [we] may put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God" (1 Peter 2:15-16).
I am praying for the GCCLB family, our nation, and the rest of the world. I am praying that through His saints, Christ who is our hope, would be seen in us. For the glory of Christ beloved, let us remain united for Him so that our testimony and witness is firmly upheld as we do what is best for our neighbors.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Seymour Helligar
Your Servant in Christ
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