March 7th Update

At Surprise Christian Church, we want to care for our congregation in all respects, including the physical well-being of our community. To that end, we are asking you, our congregants, to take precautions to keep yourself and others safe, especially in light of recent developments with the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The uncertainty of this outbreak is creating anxiety in our workplaces, schools, and day-to-day activities. Yet we remain confident of God's constant presence and careful attention to all that is happening. We must lean on God as our refuge and protector. Please join us in praying for those who are affected by this illness, as well as for their caregivers and those who are working around the clock to minimize the impact of this virus.

We must not respond in fear "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment." -2 Timothy 1:7. However, notice the last portion of that verse in responding with sound judgement! While we cannot control the virus, the spread, or the impact it has on our church, we're doing everything we can to make the church as safe and clean as possible. We appreciate your cooperation and commitment to help us do just that.

During this time, here's how we are committed to keeping our church clean:

1. We will sanitize frequently touched surfaces after service such as doors, handles, tables, water fountains, check-in stations, and sinks. (We would appreciate additional volunteers to help us in our effort to sanitize the facility. Please stick around after services and help us keep our facility clean.)
2. Our staff and volunteer teams will wash their hands frequently and will be asked to stay home if they are sick.
3. Offering buckets will be relocated to the back of the auditorium, so you don't need to pass them down the row. Remember, you can also give online.
4. Communion will be moved onto tables on each side of the gym. This will remove the need to pass the communion down the aisles. Additionally, communion wafers and juice will be put in individual cups.
5. Imagine Prep has participated in the necessary sanitation measures required by the CDC. Their cleaning crew is doing a deep clean with sanitization every Friday so the facility will be well sanitized before we arrive.
6. In addition to keeping our campus clean, we will be taking extra care of our kids' spaces. Kids' toys and rooms will be sanitized before and after every service.

During this time, we are asking you to help stop the spread of the virus in the following ways:

1. Stay at home when you or a family member are sick. (Services are posted online each week so that you don't miss the service).
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
3. Cover your sneeze or cough with a tissue or your arm.
4. Get in the habit of NOT touching your face so often.
5. Substitute shaking hands at church with a wave or a friendly smile.
6. If you or someone you know tests positive for COVID-19, please let us know so we can find a way to help, pray for everyone involved, and take any necessary precautions here at Surprise Christian Church.

We are keeping track of COVID-19 and it's spread in our community. We will make you aware of any changes via email, social media, and at the services on Sunday. If COVID-19 spreads into Surprise, we will take the necessary precautionary measures and, if need be, cancel services. If we do cancel services, you will be notified. In addition, we are working on a plan to have digital services as well as small house gatherings and viewing parties that will allow for the continuation of our community in a safe environment if we do have to cancel services.

Be thinking about ways to serve and assist your neighbors in the case of an outbreak in Surprise. Times of fear and challenge are when Christ followers should be the most engaged with the community! Let's show the love of Christ to our neighbors by having extra supplies (food and medicine) on hand as well by taking the necessary precautions to prevent any further contamination.

I appreciate you taking the time taking the proper precautions to ensure the safety and well being of those around you. I want to encourage you to respond to this virus neither in fear nor in recklessness. We do not fear, for Jesus is King even over Corona virus (Ephesians 1:20-23). Yet, we are not reckless, for God gives us a Spirit of wisdom not foolishness (Ephesians 1:17). Join me in prayer for our community and our world. God has a purpose in this, His plan is Wise beyond measure. Pray for the Faith to preserve in the face of challenge. Pray for the Love of Christ to be poured out and to shine brightly in this time of trial. Pray for the continuing work of the Spirit in hearts of your fellow believers. I hope to see you all tomorrow!

Sincerely, 

Drew Carroll 

Lead Pastor