The Lord Be with You Journey of Faith Church Family, 

Pastoral ministry can present some of the most challenging realities at times especially when it means having to make decisions for the congregation that will be met with both appreciation and trepidation. The following may be one of those decisions:  

I have spent considerable time in consultation with the Missional Leadership Team and other clergy (including our own Bishop Scott Jones of the Texas Annual Conference) regarding how best to respond to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) which has become a pandemic with some 103 Million+ reported cases worldwide.  Howbeit, anyone no matter their age can carry the virus for up to five days before they experience any symptoms, we understand from health officials that our elderly population is most at risk.  

For this reason, we have decided to suspend ALL of our regular campus activities at Journey of Faith UMC during this challenging time to ensure we do not unintentionally expose one another to any sickness or disease. As of, March 12th, our church campus remains closed to ensure that our church family is kept safe to the degree that we can secure such safety. We will make follow-up determinations each week, and as soon as we feel it is wise for us to return to our weekly activities, we will do so. 

Finally, know that whether you receive this note with appreciation or trepidation, I’m asking you to pray in everything, petition God in everything, and give God thanks in everything for one another during this time (Phil. 4:6-7). Let’s pray for our congregational and governmental leadership as decisions continue to be made with regard to this pandemic. This is a most sensitive time, and Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. (Luke 18:1). 

Let’s trust our God to bring us through these challenging times, as He has done so many times before. And rest assured, your pastor is praying for you! May our God give us surpassing peace as we safeguard our trust in Him! 

With pastoral care, 

P.G.