UPDATE: CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
Amidst concerns surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19), we want to let you know how Cherry Avenue Christian Church is responding.
Our leadership team is carefully and continually monitoring this situation as we follow the direction of experts in science and churches in how to deal with the situation. As information evolves, this page is the primary, most up-to-date place for you to receive answers to commonly asked questions.
IS CACC MEETING THIS SUNDAY?
No. All services and meetings scheduled at CACC are moving online through at least March 29. The Leadership will meet on March 30 and assess the situation and make plans for the following weeks. As stated above, messages will be available on video on our website Sunday morning.
Also, we are having a churchwide time of prayer Sunday morning from 9:30-10:00. We are encouraging everyone to stop where you are at that time and pray for our country and the world during this crisis.
IS CACC OPEN ON WEEKDAYS?
HOW CAN I BETTER UNDERSTAND THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)?
Coronavirus is a type of virus that causes respiratory illness — an infection of the airways and lungs. COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus. It is part of the same family of coronaviruses that includes the common cold. The coronavirus outbreak was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Since then, the virus has spread to other countries.
The most common early symptoms appear between 2 and 14 days after infection. Symptoms can be mild to severe. They include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention. Most people recover from the disease without needing special treatment.
Like many other viruses, the coronavirus (COVID-19) seems to spread from person-to-person through a cough, sneeze, or kiss. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the risk in the U.S. is still low. They will update this status regularly on their website at cdc.gov/coronavirus. You can also find more information from the World Health Organization.
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 all 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):
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Trust in God as the good and sovereign Creator and Sustainer of life upon whom we all depend.
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Pray for mercy for the sick, strength for doctors, insight for researchers, and wisdom for officials.
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Look for opportunities to love and care for others, whether they are sick, isolated, marginalized, poor, or oppressed.
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Even if we are unable to gather at certain times, stay closely connected to the church family. Gather with smaller groups as appropriate, and listen to messages online if that’s the only option.
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Continue to faithfully give financial offerings by mail so that the ministry of the church thrives all the more in the midst of difficult days.