March 13, 2020
Dear Southpointe Family,
You know how much I value gathering together every Sunday for corporate worship. Out of an abundance of caution and after consulting with medical professionals in our church community as well as other pastors, we are canceling all services this Sunday, March 15th.
I truly believe our commitment to love our neighbor includes every effort to "flatten the curve" of diagnosed cases likely to burden the healthcare system. Not gathering together in large groups is one of the most effective ways to do that and also protect those who are most at risk.
We will continue to seek wisdom from doctors and public health experts. There will be no organized activities for youth, children or adults this coming week on our campus. We will send updates as they become available.
I would encourage you to gather together with family members or neighbors in small groups to worship on Sunday morning and lift up our church, our city and the world as we tackle this public health crisis. We will put some suggestions up on our website. Please know that while we want to be wise, we do not live in fear. We continue to trust in a sovereign God and know that we have a true and certain hope. I would encourage you to take time this Sundayto listen to this Sermon on anxiety. I preached it last year, afew days before Chrissy was diagnosed with cancer. This sermon meant so much to me because it was part of my own processing something that was the biggest challenge our family had ever faced. I hope it encourages you to listen as much as it encouraged me to write it.
-Pastor Matt
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxiousabout anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, withthanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, whichtranscends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in ChristJesus. —Philippians 4:4-7
March 8, 2020
As you’re probably aware by now, Governor Bill Lee has announced the first confirmed case of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Tennessee and specifically in Williamson County. We know that this news generates a variety of questions and speculation regarding next steps for our church. The following represents our current thinking on the matter as of today, March 6th, 2020. We are monitoring all developments in real time and any updates to these recommendations will be published through our website and social media channels.
How should we, as Christians, think about a crisis like this? The Scripture reminds us in 2 Tim. 1:7, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind.” The one thing our community needs right now is a church that is not ruled by fear, but by faith. We trust in a God who is in complete control.During this season, we have the opportunity to be a calming, stabilizing presence in a world of fear, worry and anxiety. The Scripture also reminds us to “Be prepared to give a reason for the hope that you have, but do so with gentleness and respect” (1 Pet. 3:15). There is always an opportunity to bring glory to God and that is exactly what we hope, by His grace, to do.
As we think proactively about preparing to face this challenge, we have the opportunity to lead with thoughtfulness and preparation. Here are some proactive steps we are taking this coming weekend:
OFFERING
We will not pass collection baskets and ask that you primary give online here or you will be able to drop your giving into baskets on the way out of the sanctuary.
FRONT DOORS
Our greeters will hold open the doors for you to minimize your need for touching door handles.
GREETING TIME
During the greeting time we encourage you to wave and smile at one another rather than shake hands and give hugs.
SPKIDS
We will assist you with checking your child into SPKids by manning each station with a volunteer, ensuring you will not need to touch any screens or keyboards. Thank you for your patience and flexibility ahead of time.
Along with these steps to prevent the unnecessary spread of germs in a large gathering of people, we also recommend familiarizing yourself with these CDC and World Health Organization recommendations:
● Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
● Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
● Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
● Stay home when you are sick.
● Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
● Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Should there be any change to this plan or any new information that comes to light, we will keep you informed via Facebook, Instagram, and our Website.Looking forward to Sunday,
Pastor Matt