Dear Salem family,
In the past week, many of you have seen many rapid changes to your normal routine. Some of you find yourselves suddenly without work while others continue on as normal. Some of you have had to make a few changes to your daily routine while others' lives seem to have come to an abrupt halt. Some of you continue to work to serve our community while others have been asked to withdraw completely from society in a physical sense.
In this time of uncertainty and many unknowns, the one thing that we do know is that we can cling to the steady rock, the firm foundation we have in the unchanging love and power of Jesus Christ.
Last week, we gathered for worship and tested out live-streaming our Contemporary service on Facebook with great success.
However, given the current government recommendation to avoid social gatherings of any size, we will be switching to providing you with online services through the end of the month and will evaluate the situation moving forward.
This decision was not reached lightly or without much prayer and consideration. Our greatest desire is to continue to provide spiritual care for our congregation and community. However, we feel that this is the most loving step we can take for our community at this time in order to minimize any chance of transmission of COVID-19.
This currently ISN'T an Acts 5:29 thing: "We must obey God rather than man."
This IS a Romans 13:1-4 thing: Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God's servant for your good.
This is ALSO a Philippians 2 thing: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
We invite you to join us to view our service on Facebook at www.facebook.com/salemorange this Sunday at 10:30am. Be sure you've clicked "Follow," select "See first," and make sure notifications are set to "on" to receive notification when the video is shared. The link to the video will also be shared afterward so it can be enjoyed at other times. If you need help signing up for Facebook, please contact Christel: cwoody@salemorange.com or 714-349-9141.
We also want to remind you that you have the option of giving online at salemorange.churchcenter.com/giving or with your Church Center app. You also have the option to set up an automated tithe. Checks can still be mailed to Salem, too. Keeping up with your tithe will continue to allow Salem to pay our mortgage and utilities and to pay our staff as they continue to work behind the scenes to keep our community connected and spiritually nurtured.
We want you to know that Salem is committed to caring for our community during this time of upheaval. If you or someone you know needs help with shopping, medication pickup, or paying bills, please let us know, and we will do our best to support them as we are able.
Even though we are disconnected physically, we are exploring options to stay connected virtually using various digital platforms. If you are on Facebook, check out our new Salem Group to stay connected in a private group where we can encourage one another, share prayer requests, and share ideas. We encourage you to check in on each other via text messages, emails, and phone calls as you are able.
As always, I am praying for you. Our Deacons are praying for you. Our Prayer Team is praying for you. We hope you will join us in praying for each other, our country, and our world.
We look forward to worshiping with you virtually this Sunday.
God's peace,
Pastor Frick
pastor@salemorange.com
