Sanctuaries Close, But the Church Carries On

This Sunday, many churches remained closed and a good number closed
their doors for the first time.

Many have adapted through online services, email updates, and other
blessings of technology. But for Christians across the country, Sunday
simply wasn't the same. Believers are asking, how should we
think about mandated closures? And, if the church can't meet,
how can we serve?

Our team has gathered information and stories to give you the answers
to just those questions-and to start the week with some good
news.

How should we think about mandated closures?

First, it's important we all do our part during this last week
of March to stop the spread of COVID-19 so that America can get back
to work and life as soon as possible. For best practices to do your
part, check out the federal "15 Days to Slow the Spread"
guidance.

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Second, we must respect the government's legitimate authority,
while also understanding its limitations. These extraordinary mandates
are a response to extraordinary circumstances, and are designed to
protect life and preserve medical resources to avert the sort of
crisis facing places like Italy. As long as these restrictions are
temporary and evenly-applied (e.g., they do not single out religious
bodies), they may be reasonable. Our friends at First Liberty offered
a few practical guidelines for churches here.

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Finally, church leaders should check out COVID Church Aid. The
website, just launched today, provides churches with resources to
navigate COVID-19, from how to talk about the crisis with congregants
to practical tips on livestreaming worship services. It also provides
a variety of resources and opinions for those interested in funds
available through the new CARES Act.
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If the church can't meet, how can we serve?

Ever since the early days of the Church, the Body of Christ has
ministered to the world around it in dire circumstances -
including many plagues. COVID-19 has been no different. Here are a few
examples:

* Providing food for the needy. Many individuals are finding
themselves out of work, and children who depended on schools for
meals are no longer in class. Churches are filling the gap.
McLean Bible Church has enlisted its congregation to create care
packages for the needy. Legacy Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico
helped distribute 5,000 meals to homeless shelters.
Colorado-based ministry YWAM Emerge donated 2,700 heads of
lettuce to the community when they learned they would not be
able to sell the produce which normally helps sustain their
ministry.

* Offering space and supplies to medical personnel. Due to
hospital capacity issues and social distancing concerns,
drive-through testing centers are an important way to test for
COVID-19. But that kind of operation requires space - and
once again, Christians have stepped in. Alabama Church of the
Highlands used their parking lots as a center and tested almost
1,000 people in just two days. Another church in North Carolina
found over 7,000 N95 masks in its emergency response supplies,
and donated them to a local hospital.

* Giving financial aid to those hurt by closures and support to
local businesses. Economic downturn has created responses at all
levels of government. In some cases, churches are readily
equipped to be financial first-responders. Some have set up
benevolence funds specifically to help those affected, while
others are drawing on existing Deacons' funds. Others have
asked congregants to support one another's small
businesses as they are able. As Christians, we are called to
bear one another's burdens and this is an excellent chance
to do that.

* Running errands for neighbors. For those who are elderly or
immunocompromised, leaving the house can be a scary and
dangerous step during COVID-19. Churches around the nation
- including many of our own churches - have asked
healthy congregants to help by picking up groceries and running
other essential errands for those most compromised.

* Helping moms in need at Pregnancy Resource Centers. As the Left
is pushing COVID-19 as a time and reason to have an abortion,
Pregnancy Resource Centers are all the more important.
They're finding creative ways to continue offering
services to moms in need. Some Louisiana centers are offering
curbside delivery of supplies like diapers and wipes.
They're also offering counseling services over the phone
due to COVID-19 concerns.

* Offering spiritual and emotional support. Many churches are
asking congregants to share any requests for prayer or
encouragement during this challenging time. Churches including
New Life Church in Colorado, and Calvary Church in Albuquerque,
New Mexico are calling every congregant to check in. This is
especially important for the elderly, who are particularly
isolated. Calvary Church is doing this as part of a broader
"Kindness Campaign" which includes meeting physical
needs of the community. One Army couple in Ft. Leavenworth,
Kansas has taken it upon themselves to text individuals
diagnosed with COVID-19. RightNow Media has made more resources
available for Christians who are self-isolating.

Christians, be encouraged. The Church may face new circumstances, but
Christ remains the same. This is a special time to bless our fellow
congregants and those hurting in our communities. We are blessed to
live in a country where we have the religious freedom to openly
practice our faith and bless others in the name of Jesus. Times like
this remind of us of why we at FPA work to defend this precious
freedom.

We'd love to hear from you about how YOUR local body of
believers is serving as a light in the midst of darkness. Click here
to share your story. [link removed]

Joyfully,


Meridian Baldacci
Policy & Communications Strategist

Donate: [link removed]


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