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Hello Friends:
The Coronavirus/COVID-19 continues to affect life here in Illinois and all over our country and world. The latest figures show the death toll in the U.S. is now over 3400, causing increased concern and anxiety. So, what’s next? In his address this afternoon, the Governor of Illinois extended the “stay at home order” in our state until April 30th. This continues to require all us to live life in this new reality, to do all we can to be part of the solution, and to protect ourselves and those that are part of our churches and local communities.
With that in mind, the Illinois Conference Office, and our churches and schools, will continue to remain closed until at least April 30th.
During this challenging time, I am thankful for our pastors. 46 of our 52 fulltime, part time, volunteer, and lay pastors, are providing a virtual worship experience each Sabbath, and many are also providing different connection opportunities during the week. The link to those opportunities will soon be up on our Conference website.
I am also thankful for our educational personnel. They are working diligently to provide quality at-home instruction. Remote learning is now our new reality, and I am thankful for the at-home learning that is happening all around our Conference. Thank you, teachers!
To our church members: I want to encourage all of our members to continue to follow the instructions and mandates of government and health agencies. Do all you can to keep yourself and others healthy. I am praying for each of you and asking God watch over you and to keep you healthy.
How does this affect the Church at large? We are a faith based organization. To continue to accomplish the mission God has given us here in Illinois and all over the world, God relies on your faithfulness in returning tithe. I believe faithfulness in times of crisis will be critical to accomplishing the mission God has given us and hasten the 2ndComing of Jesus. Thank you for your faithfulness and may God bless each of you.
Now is the time to prepare our hearts. Jesus IS coming soon. Put your trust in Him. He will see us through.“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
May God bless and keep each of you.
