March 12th, 2020 Update - Below
CORONAVIRUS STATEMENT:
Amidst concerns surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19), we want to let you know how CBC is responding.
Our leadership team is carefully and continually monitoring this situation. As information evolves, this page is the primary, most up-to-date place for you to receive answers to commonly asked questions. We are committed to doing everything we can to provide a safe environment for our church family and surrounding community.
IS CBC GATHERING THIS WEEKEND FOR REGULARLY SCHEDULED GROUPS, ACTIVITIES AND WORSHIP?
Yes. We will gather this Sunday. If at any point this changes, we will update this page immediately and share any plans we have for gathering online. However, at this time, all Sunday and Wednesday gatherings are continuing as usual. We are aware that Governor Beshear reported on Wednesday; “That officials are closing visitations to state prisons, asking schools to prepare short-notice closing plans and encouraged churches to cancel services this weekend to help stop the spread of the virus and other illnesses.” While we respect the Governor we will choose NOT to cancel church services this Sunday. If a case of Coronavirus is confirmed in Barren County, adjacent counties or within our church family we will immediately notify our church family and give a current update of plans.
SHOULD PEOPLE COME TO CBC IF THEY ARE FEELING SICK?
While we place a high priority on gathering together as the church for worship and other activities, and we always want you to feel welcome at CBC, if you are feeling sick or running a fever, the best way that you can love your neighbor is by staying home. If you need to stay home, due to illness, instead of coming to worship gathering we encourage you to visit Family Church online at https://fbcwpb.churchonline.org/ they have streaming services at 7:45 and 9:00 a.m.
WHAT PRECAUTIONS CAN PEOPLE TAKE WHEN THEY COME TO CBC BUILDINGS?
We encourage everyone to follow the CDC’s https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/workplace-school-and-home-guidance.pdf recommendation to protect themselves and others from the coronavirus, flu, and other illnesses, including:
- Washing your hands with soap and water as CDC directs;
- Using hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available;
- Not touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands;
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick;
- Staying home if you are sick;
- Covering your cough or sneeze;
- Disinfecting objects and surfaces regularly.
WHAT PRECAUTIONS IS CBC TAKING TO MAKE CBC GATHERINGS AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE?
CBC and GCA are taking extra cleaning precautions at this time. This includes:
- Wiping down all common area touch points (e.g., doors, light switches, countertops, etc.) throughout the day with disinfectant wipes.
- Placing hand sanitizers in common areas throughout the buildings.
- Performing added in-depth cleaning of our facilities on a regular basis. These deep cleans will likely involve closing CBC buildings on certain weekdays, and we will include all information about scheduled closures on this webpage
In all of our Kid’s areas, after each gathering, our volunteers will clean various surfaces, toys and supplies used by our children. We will continue to follow our standard health protocols, not admitting any child with an elevated temperature (above 99.6 F). A child must also be fever free for 24 hours before coming to Kids Ministry Activities. You can help us by closely monitoring your children for any symptoms and being understanding if we feel we cannot accept your kids into our programs due to health concerns.
During our worship gatherings we will encourage our faith family to fellowship and greet one another without handshaking.
WHAT ABOUT CBC SHORT-TERM MISSION TRIPS?
Based upon information from the IMB, we are making determinations concerning any needs to adjust, postpone, or reschedule trips. We will follow the IMB recommendation of taking no short-term trips until at least May. At the same time, we are encouraging individuals desiring to go on a mission trip to prayerfully consider any decision to travel through consultation with medical professionals, as appropriate. For more detailed, up-to-date information please contact Pastor Randy or Justin Browning.
HOW SHOULD I RESPOND SPIRITUALLY TO THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)?
The coronavirus (COVID-19) is yet one more reminder that we live in a fallen world of sickness, sin, suffering, and death. Ultimately, none of us are immune to any of these things. But that’s why the gospel is such good news. God has not left us alone in this world of sickness, sin, suffering, and death. He has come to us in the person of Jesus. The greatest news in the world is that Jesus lived a life with no sin, died on a cross to pay the price for our sin, and rose from the grave in victory over sin and death. Now anyone anywhere who turns from their sin and trusts in Jesus will be forgiven of all their sin and restored to relationship with God forever. That means that through Jesus, we never have to fear sickness or death because we know we have eternal life with God.
If you do not know that you have eternal life with God, we urge you to put your faith in Jesus. And if you do know that you have eternal life with God, we urge you to share your faith in Jesus with others. Times like these remind us all of the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. So let’s spread the greatest news that death has been defeated and eternal life is available to all who trust in Jesus.
In addition to trusting in Jesus and sharing about Jesus with others, here’s some other ways you can respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19):
- Trust in God as the good and sovereign Creator and Sustainer of life upon whom we all depend.
- Pray for mercy for the sick, strength for doctors, insight for researchers, and wisdom for officials.
- Look for opportunities to love and care for others, whether they are sick, isolated, marginalized, poor, or oppressed.
- Avoid every semblance of prejudice or racism. In light of the origination of this virus in Asia, it has been grievous to see a rise in racist incidents against the Asian community. So just as we do in any circumstance, guard against all prejudice or racism in your thoughts, your words, and your actions.
- Even if we are unable to gather at certain times, stay closely connected to the church family. Gather with smaller groups as appropriate, and participate in worship gatherings online if that’s the only option.
- Continue to faithfully give financial offerings online or by mail so that the ministry of the church thrives all the more in the midst of difficult days.
- Reflect often on the brevity of life, the urgency of eternity, and the beauty of the gospel.
Thanks so much Calvary Family.
Pastor Randy
