Updates
Coronavirus Response – Manassas Seventh-day Adventist Church
UPDATE AS OF MARCH 31, 2020
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
Hello Church,I hope you are having a wonderful week. Yes, we are in “different times” but I hope you are looking to God and seeing the blessings that He continues to pour out upon you.
On Sunday, President Trump, extended the social distancing guidelines through April 30. And today, Governor Ralph Northam issued a “Stay at Home Order” for all of Virginia which extends through June 10, unless amended or rescinded by his order. Click here to see his speech as it was live-streamed. Click here to see a complete transcript of the official order. I was watching Governor Northam’s announcement to see how it will affect us and our church services.
HOW DOES THIS AFFECT OUR CHURCH & CHURCH SERVICES?I do not know how it will affect many of our members. Currently, many of our members are still able to work via online means. However, a few of our members have been furloughed or told to stay home without pay during this time. So please keep all of our church members, their health and their jobs and their families in your prayers.
As far as how it affects our church… At our last board meeting on March 23, the Church Board voted to extend our policy of no-contact meetings and holding only online services and have live streaming church services with 10 or fewer people in the building through the end of April. However, we had an emergency board meeting last night and in compliance with Governor Northam’s order we have extended that through June 10. This could amended or extended, depending on how our State and Local leaders guide us. We will see as time progresses. However, our current church board action is currently in line with President Trump’s extended social distancing guidelines, and Governor Northam’s recent orders.
As I listened intently to Governor Northam’s speech, I was interested to see how what he would say would impact our community, our church members, and how we are currently holding our online church services. According to his orders, we can still have our team of 10 or fewer people at church on Sabbath conducting the worship service at church. And it will not affect our online meetings and online gatherings. In his speech, Governor Northam said that he had previously issued a “Stay at Home Request” but had now changed that to a “Stay at Home Order.” It is basically the same statement, but now it is an order instead of a request – to show the seriousness of this issue. Please click here to hear Governor Northam’s speech for yourself.
Our Potomac Conference Leaders and your local church board continue to monitor the situation and we will respond to any new orders as quickly as we hear of them. We will continue to keep you updated as to what is happening at our church on our church website – www.MSDAChurch.org/Updates. You can also keep up-to-date on the latest information on the COVID-19 virus and how it affects us through reliable links on the Potomac Conference website – www.PCSDA.org/virus
Please join the battle through prayer.
I also invite everyone to join me on a journey to Passover.
Please click here to download daily readings for your family as we journey together toward Passover. Just as the Hebrews were frightened by all the plagues that assailed their land – particularly the last plague, where an “Angel of Death” would pass over the homes and strike death to the firstborn son in every home, so we are frightened by this unseen plague of the COVID-19 virus. But just as God was with their families and protected them when they put the blood of the lamb on the doorpost of their homes. Similarly, God will be with His people in these last days. The important thing is to be covered by the blood of Jesus so that our eternal destiny is protected. This Friday evening, every household is encouraged to have their own “Passover” service in their home – just as the ancient Hebrews did on that Passover evening many years ago. This will also serve as our communion service for this quarter.
I do have some bottles of grape juice and matza bread at the church for those who want to participate. Please call me if you would like to schedule a time to stop by and pick up your supply. I will bring it out to you so you don’t have to leave your car. Please schedule this pick-up at a time that you are already out getting necessary items like groceries.
Please keep our country, our church, and our leaders at all levels, as well as front line responders and hospital workers in your prayers during this pandemic. I also encourage you to watch WAR ROOM and form a prayer strategy for those whom you know need to make a decision for Christ. I have also attached the prayer requests of those who submitted requests last Sabbath for you to add to your prayer list.
God Bless, Pastor Randy
UPDATE AS OF MARCH 17, 2020
“Have I not commanded you? 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
Dear Church,
Greetings, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, I am feeling a bit like the apostle Paul right now as I am writing this letter to give you encouragement in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Currently, it seems that the world has been turned upside down in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus. As Seventh-day Adventists, this type of event should not come as a surprise to us. According to Bible prophecy, we have known that things like this would occur as we approach the end of time. So rest assured, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” FDR
Fear Not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NKJV
Satan would like to blanket the entire world in fear and panic. Satan wants to isolate us and cause us to be fearful and lose hope. He wants us to trust in ourselves, our disinfectants, and our medications, instead of trusting in God. However, like Daniel, David, Moses and all those who have gone before us, we must stand firm in our faith and trust in the Lord. Just as God watched over His children during the plagues of Egypt, so He will watch over His children in these last days. However, we need to be obedient and prudent in how we conduct ourselves. We must follow the dictates and guidelines of the government as long as it does not conflict with our worship of God, and we must be beacons of light in these troubling times. Therefore, we will do just that. We will put our faith and confidence in God while being good citizens and helping those around us.
“Work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you…Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” Jeremiah 29:7 NLT
I encourage you to pray for our city, county, and country. Pray for safety and peace for all of our citizens. Pray for God to give our leaders wisdom and guidance as they work their way through this crisis situation. Sincerely, Pastor Randy Davis
Guidelines we are using at MSDA to slow the spread of COVID-19
Currently, our government leaders are working to slow/prevent the spread of this virus, and they need our help in this effort. From what I understand the threat of this virus is NOT because it is a huge killer – but because our healthcare system is not equipped to deal with the massive number of sick patients who may need special isolation rooms and isolated care in our current hospitals.
In the meantime, we should do the best we can to protect ourselves and others. The experts have determined that those who are most vulnerable to this virus are:
Therefore, we are asking those who fall into this “vulnerable population” to stay home as much as possible. Please do not attend church functions, or large gatherings and venture out only as is necessary. To help slow and prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus, social distancing and limited contact with others is recommended and requested of all citizens,.
According to the Virginia State Department of Emergency Management web site as of March 12 the Governor of Virginia declared a state of emergency and requested all non-profits to limit large public events in accordance with local health departments. Then on March 17, the Governor issued a public health emergency order to limit patrons to restaurants, fitness centers, and theaters to no more than 10 patrons.
Prince William County Emergency Alerts and Guidance Guidelines
According to the Prince William County Government Emergency website, those in our area are currently requested to limit public gatherings to groups of 50 persons or less to help limit the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
In keeping with these guidelines to help slow/prevent the spread of COVID-19 the Manassas Seventh-day Adventist Church has:
Canceled our Retiree’s Bible Study & Visits to Shut-ins until May 2.
Canceled all Sabbath Morning Sabbath School & Worship Services for the next 4 weeks – March 21-April 11. However, we will live stream our worship services online at www.MSDAchurch.org
As we approach April 11, we will re-evaluate the need for restricting services beyond that date and will provide further information at that time. In the meantime, on Sabbath mornings we will only be allowing in the building those who are necessary for leading and streaming the worship services.
Canceled all Grow Groups and prayer meetings that are meeting at the church. These groups that are currently meeting will transition to online meetings so we can continue to meet the needs of our people while helping to slow the spread of the virus..
All other meetings: church board meetings, ministry team meetings, etc. will all be held via zoom or teleconferencing while these emergency precautions are in effect.
Canceled Spring Fling. We did not feel it would be prudent to hold a community event like Spring Fling this close to this pandemic even if we are given the “all clear”. However, we are discussing a possible food drive to help with those affected in our area. Be on the lookout for more information on this in the future.
MAPS UPDATE
Currently, MAPS is on Spring Break. However, once they return from Spring Break they will be attending classes online, at least through March 27 and possibly through April 14. This is all contingent on what the Prince William School District deems as safe and prudent.
SUGGESTED CONTINGENCY PLAN IDEAS FOR OUR CHURCH MEMBERS
- Check-in once daily for local & national news for updates and developments. However, we don’t encourage you to live “glued” to the news. This will only heighten your fears and anxiety. So be moderate in your news exposure.
- Limit your chances of exposure to this virus by:
- Staying away from public gatherings
- Practicing social distancing
- Washing your hands regularly and avoid touching your face
- Be prepared for quarantine. So stock up like Joseph(well not exactly – 7 years of supplies would be considered hoarding. Besides, where would you store it? Be wise about stocking up.).
- Keep a 2-3 weeks supply of essentials (Food, medicine, etc) but don’t hoard.
- Have some emergency cash available. Some suggest a minimum of $500 – $1,000 cash on hand.
- Have a communications plan for family members. We cannot predict the future, or how communications may be disrupted, so have a plan for how you will communicate with family members. Is it through Facebook, a group chat, email? How will you reconnect with your loved ones should one of your “reliable” means of communication go down? Have a backup plan.
- Stay Healthy
- Follow the NEW START guidelines for being as healthy as possible during this time of potential illness.
- Sign up for the FREE 8 Laws of Health Course through Live & Health
- 8 Leyes de la Salud
- Buy, read and practice the plan outlined in “The Daniel Plan. OR if you wish to do “The Daniel Plan at Home” you can purchase the DVD here.
ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AT A GLANCE:
Is the church open?
No. We have decided to close the church at least through Sabbath, April 11.
This includes Sabbath School, Worship Services, Mid-week meetings, Grow Groups, and any other meeting that would take place at the church, or elsewhere during this time period.
We will be live streaming worship services on the Sabbath. You can tune in to these services by going to our Website or Facebook page.
We encourage families to have daily family devotional/worship and prayer times. God encourages us to pray for our country and leaders. Family worship times will pull your family together, strengthen you spiritually, and give you encouragement and hope during this time of crisis. Please start/continue daily family worship and prayer times.
Some families have decided to meet together on Sabbath morning to sing, have a Bible Study for Sabbath School, and watch the morning worship service together. This is totally up to individuals to initiate but could provide limited interaction with others while providing personal contact and encouragement from fellow believers.
How can I stay up to date on what is happening at church?
- Please check out our web site MSDAchurch.org – COVID-19 UPDATEs tab.
- Check your email for updates from the church.
If you are currently not receiving our church e-newsletter, please send Pastor Randy a personal e-mail at PastorRandy@MSDAChurch.org and ask to be put on our e-newsletter list.
What about folks who need food and other necessities?
- Right now we are monitoring our community’s needs through the City and County Government and are on the lookout for local community needs.
- Breakfast and lunch are being offered through the schools. You can learn more about that HERE for Prince William and HERE for Manassas City.
Stay Healthy
- Follow the NEW START guidelines for being as healthy as possible during this time of potential illness.
- Sign up for the FREE 8 Laws of Health Course through Live & Health
- 8 Leyes de la Salud
- Purchase The Daniel Plan book and start reading it as a family. Practice the 5 elements of a Healthy Christian:
- Faith – Strengthen your relationship with God
- Food – Eat the good foods that God has provided and stay away from junk foods and other foods that will weaken your immune system
- Fitness – Get plenty of exercise and sunshine to boost your immune system.
- Friends – Having a few close friends to give you encouragement has been shown to help your health in many ways. Stay connected to godly friends.
- Focus – Keeping our minds sharp in these perilous times is important. What we eat, drink, and do all contribute to a healthy mindset. Worship is also important.