Dear Hopians

As we find ourselves in health, political and financial uncertainty I encourage you to look unto Jesus who promises never to leave or forsake us.

Let us look unto our God who is Jehovah-Nissi, our banner, the one that fights for us.  He is Jehovah Rophe the God that heals us.  He is Jehovah Jireh the God that provides and the El Shaddai, God almighty. 

With all the concerns with gatherings of people, due to the transmission mode of the now pandemic COVID-19 I thought it best to address our gathering for worship and Bible study.

First let me state that at times like these it is important that we still love and look out for one another.

In doing this we must be prudent and wise.  While it is good and important to gather for worship and Bible study, we most weigh the risk of causing increased risk to, especially our elders, vulnerable young and those whose immune systems are already compromised due to other health issues.

I ask that you be prudent seeking wisdom from God and perhaps not attend the worship service or Bible study if you have ailments that have weakened your ability to fight off infections.

This is not a matter of faith and coming to the church for healing but because the church gathering may be a source of your sickness.  We ask that if you have flu like symptoms that you refrain from attending service.

For those who do attend:

1.  There is a Hand sanitizer present outside the sanctuary please use.

2.  let us use holy arm bumps instead of hand shakes and hugs.

3.  We will ask all to remain at their seats for altar prayer as we will not be holding hands.

4. Let us encourage one another through even more phone calls

Please listen and keep abreast of information that comes out of reliable health agencies and government directives.

Hand washing is and will continue to be the primary preventive methods against the virus, along with covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

There is an issue at times with getting hand sanitizers, but plenty of soap and water with vigorous rubbing of hands can be just as effective.

I am in contact with our audio/visual ministry and hoping that we will be able to stream our services and Bible study to those not in attendance.

Let us consider Jesus the perfecter of our faith, our eternal high Priest and offered up the perfect eternal sacrifice for our  deliverance and adoption into the family of God. Let us not be anxious but trust and lean on the lord.

I encourage each of  you, even more, to join us in the reading of the New Testament using the 5x5x5 reading plans previously distributed.

Finally let us be faithful in our tithing  and offerings for as we do ministry, as even in our absence the cost of ministry remains and this can be accomplished online through the church website.

We shall continually seek to keep you informed as we continue to run and not be distracted from the joy that comes with victory.

May he that loves you eternally and gave his son a ransom for you keep each of you

Pastor Tilghman