Dear Ledgewood Baptist Church Family
On November 18th, the board of trustees made a decision collectively to close down LBC property for a time in order to protect the health and safety of our church community. This was not a government directive, but a very difficult decision for the board, based on information received from reliable sources in the medical field about the severity of the coronavirus at this current time and projected increases in cases as people gather over the holiday season. This is a real risk and we believe that our healthcare professionals are correct in the concern they have for the spread of the virus through our church community caused by church gatherings.
After further prayer and discussion, we have decided to reopen LBC on December 13th. Our goal is to do what is pleasing to God. In many parts of the world, Christians do not have the opportunity to meet in church buildings but in homes and in many cases in secret. If they are following Biblical teaching those gatherings, large and small, are also considered the Church, we shouldn’t fool ourselves into believing that a building is required to worship God. However, after reviewing the information that we have, as a board, we came to the conclusion that some could not worship together without the facility being opened and for that reason we will open our church to both LBC and to Mision Latina.
As Brock said in his sermon Sunday, the life of a Christian will include suffering and through suffering, perseverance. We will become mature Christians if we allow God to finish his work in us. Paul was a great example of a follower of Christ who recognized the value in perseverance, and took joy in it.
Philippians 1:12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
It’s impossible to think that we would be here right now, that 2020 would show up in this way but, it did, and here we are. Let’s walk in scripture together, serving and following God’s commandments. Let’s be unified. We may not always agree but we work together in love for the glory of God in all things.
Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
‘Ephesians 5:15-17 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Expect further correspondence from us regarding additional guidelines that will be put in place for your safety. We love you church family and want to do what we can to lovingly care for you.
In Christ,
Pastor Brock and the Board of Trustees
Genesis 17:1 “I am God Almighty, walk before me faithfully and blameless.”