Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi sent the following message to church leaders and pastors regarding the coronavirus on March 11, 2020.
PSALM 46
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
God will help it when the morning dawns.
The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Come, behold the works of the Lord;
see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Periodically there are times when viruses and bacteria shake our world. We are in such a time. Nations like China and Italy are in an uproar. The self-proclaimed kingdom of “Wall Street” is tottering. During times like these I want to remind all of us that: “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” God speaks to us: “Be still, and know that I am God!”
Many have asked if they should cancel worship or other church activities. During times like these God has provided us with health professionals and epidemiologists who can provide us with counsel and wisdom in making these decisions. Please read the attached information and guidelines prepared by Dr. Jessica Price who leads our Abundant Health Team. It will give you some valuable information. (The same document is attached in PDF and Word format.)
Because our annual conference covers many different communities with different levels of potential risk, it would not be prudent for us to make a unilateral decision about church activities. Please pay attention to the recommendations of your local government and health department officials and use common sense and a spirit of consultation in making those decisions.
Here are some issues to consider as you make decisions about whether or not to cancel or postpone church activities:
The Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania are reaching out to our local government and health officials to ask how we as churches can be helpful to them. If they offer some recommendations or make some requests of us, I will pass those on to the appropriate churches.
Let me remind you again that we have faith in God, so we do not need to panic as the world panics. We also have the gift of the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, so we can make sound decisions about our own safety and the safety of those around us. I urge pastors and laity not to make decisions in isolation, but consult with each other and seek God’s wisdom in order to make the best choices for your community. Please use your District Superintendent as a sounding board if you need to do so.