FCCS COVID-19 Response Update:

4/25/2020

The leadership has met and agreed on tentatively looking at Mother’s Day. That’s not set in stone yet depending on how open the restrictions become by then. They should have a better idea in the next week or so. But for now, that’s the plan for a much smaller than normal reopening.

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4/4/2020

Below is a brief overview of how the First Christian Church of Seminole will proceed with ministry in light of the recent restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Services and Activities:
All activities in the church building are suspended, with no midweek or Sunday services through April 26th.  No small groups or Bible studies will meet at the church during this time as well.

Andy will continue his sermon series on Joseph over the next three Sundays at 11:00 a.m.  Links to his sermon videos will be posted on the FCCS Church Family Facebook page as well as on our website (www.fccseminole.org). These messages can be viewed repeatedly after the original broadcast.

Daily Office Hours:
Effective immediately, and for the duration of the community restrictions, abbreviated office hours will be Monday, Wednesday, and Friday only from 9am-12pm.

Our goal is to greatly limit our utility use in all sections of the building except for the office wing.

Ministering to the Church Body:
The staff will be using all available tools, both high-tech and low-tech, to keep our church family connected while complying with the government’s social distancing recommendations.

Personal Contacts: The staff is working to reach out personally to individuals connected to their specific areas of ministry. In turn, we encourage all connected to FCCS to regularly check on those in their own small groups, Bible school classes, or ministry groups.

The Elders and Deacons will be intentionally reaching out to our widows and those who fall into the most at-risk category to check on their well-being and to offer any assistance that may be needed in the coming weeks.

Ministering to the Community:     
In addition to checking on your church family, we encourage all connected to FCCS to check on your neighbors, especially those most at risk, during this time.

Ongoing Communication:
 Please stay tuned. During this constantly changing situation, we will do everything in our power to keep you informed of any further schedule changes and how you may be able to help us minister to all who need it.  We will use Constant Contact emails, recorded messages on the Automated Telephone system to call members, as well as the Church Facebook page and website.

Your Prayers Appreciated:      
Please join us in praying for those who are anxious, those who are suffering, those who are struggling financially, and those on the front lines responding to this pandemic. In addition, please pray that God will use this situation as an opportunity for the FCCS family to demonstrate the love of Christ in ways we never anticipated.  We may not be able to come to “church” for a month, but we can, and will, BE the church to our community in the days ahead!

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March 14, 2020

No Sunday (3/15) or Wednesday (3/18) services!

FCC Seminole family please share this update with your FCCS friends or family who do not have an online presence, please get in touch with them and keep them informed. We realize these are uncertain days for everyone, however there is one thing we are certain of: God is a Sovereign God and He is watching over us and will get us all through this. The Bible reminds us, “God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NCV) We want to communicate to you our plan for navigating the concerns surrounding the COVID-19 virus. Please know that we have everyone’s health and safety in mind. Though Governor Desasntis has not mandated that churches cancel services for this weekend he has, along with our local officials, declared a State of Emergency and are recommending that large groups not meet together in the near future. So, out of the abundance of caution, we have decided to cancel all Sunday services for this week (3/15) as well as all Wednesday services on 3/18. Between now and then the Elders will be discussing any furuther recommendations from the CDC and our governiing officials as well as any further steps we need to take to protect our flock from this virus. We will keep you posted via email, the church automated PhoneTree, as well as on our FCCS Church family Facebook page, and our webstie, www.fccseminole.org. Check those often in the coming days to keep updated on our schedule of services. Tomorrow, instead of “coming” to chruch, I encoauge you to BE the church! The Bible says in Galatians 6:10, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” This is a great opportunity for the Church to shine in our community. Look after your neighbors. Offer to serve them. Make sure they have what they need. Be especially mindful of the members of our church family who fall into the “most vulnerable” catergory. Give them a call to let them know you are thinking about them and are praying for them. If you are healthy and they are open to it, arrange to visit with them. Otherwise, offer to provide any assitance they may need( i.e., grocery shopping, medication pick-up/delvery, etc). Finally, I want to remind you to continue with your giving, even if you are not physically present. The Lord’s work continues through this pandemic. We cannot sustain many weeks as a church without your participation in weekly giving. You can mail a check to the church or stop by the church office. The office staff will be keeping regular office hours this week. We trust these steps will best serve our congregation for now and also trust that our God is faithful as the Great Physician. Thank you.