Staying Connected

Dear Church Family,

During these unusual days of fear and panic over a virus, with travel restrictions that have closed schools, businesses and public buildings, we at East Ridge are doing all we can to maintain a semblance of normalcy. Not an easy task since we can’t gather together at the church buildings. Let that remind us that the building is not the church. It is merely the building where the church gathers. We are the church where ever we are, gathered or scattered. Right now, for many of us, our homes are where the church is gathering, be sure to worship and pray together as a family.

The mission of the church is still the same. Share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with as many people as we can, in every way we can, at every opportunity we get, no matter where we are. That is still first and foremost.

The second thing we are to do is to preach God’s word. Many watched the sermons from Brother David and me last Sunday on Facebook Live on the church’s Facebook page. We will do that again this Sunday at 11am and 6:30 pm. Please encourage others to tune in. If you need help finding it, let us know.

We will be adding our Wednesday night Prayer Meeting/Bible Study at 6pm beginning tomorrow, also on Facebook Live. Just tune in. You can add prayer requests during the broadcasts by clicking on “Comments” or email them to the church for next week.

We are encouraging all of our Sunday School class teachers to contact every student and teach the weekly lesson on line or via conference call on the phone for those who do not have access to the internet. Each class can choose when the best time for them to do it and are not restricted to 9:15 Sunday morning. One suggestion is to schedule it at 10am or 5:30pm on Sundays leading into the preaching by Bro. David and me. This can be Bible study time for whole family.

It is essential that we stay in touch with one another. Please try to make at least 3 contacts each day with your fellow church family members checking on each other and praying together each time. The deacons, Bro. David and I will be doing the same. We need each other and must stay together during these difficult times that may get even more difficult as days go by.

Our plans for Easter remain the same beginning with an out-door Sunrise Service. We will tell you more as we get closer to the day.

Please take every precaution to protect your health and for those you come in contact with.

We love you.

Bro. Alan