Coronavirus Update #2
Pastor Dave Frincke
Click here to read the latest update (March 25, 2020)
March 18, 2020
Dear Heartland Family,
As the world responds to the Coronavirus pandemic, our lives continue to be impacted in many ways. We are learning how to adapt to drastic changes in our daily rhythms. Our government has just released a much stricter set of mandates and suggested guidelines to help prevent the further spread of this virus. Our church leadership has been praying and seeking the mind of the Lord on how we are to respond and adapt. While we are determined not to live in fear, we do want to respect our governmental authorities, love our people well and honor God above all else. It’s in that spirit that I want to share how we are going to respond and what we are going to temporarily change during this time.
SUNDAY SERVICE – We will be temporarily suspending our regularly scheduled public gatherings; including our Sunday morning worship service.
LIVE STREAM – On Sundays @ 10am, beginning March 22, we will be streaming through Facebook Live a time of worship, prayer and Bible teaching called “Heartland @ Home”. We encourage everyone to gather with their families and connect to our Facebook page to participate in the live stream. We will continue to make Sunday messages available on our website, podcast and the Heartland App so you can stay connected.
FOOD PANTRY – Our food pantry will remain open Sunday nights @ 5pm.
GIVING – Around 70% of tithes and offerings that are given to Heartland are given during our Sunday morning worship service. Even though we are temporarily suspending our public gatherings, our staff continues to be on duty for you and our partners in ministry in our neighborhood, in our city and across the region. This includes caring for our facility that serves so many in a variety of ways. If you normally give during our Sunday morning service, I ask you to strongly consider switching to online giving. You can access our online giving through the Heartland App or on our website: www.heartlandfw.org/giving. If you wish, you can also mail in your tithe or offering (1025 Vance Ave., Fort Wayne, IN 46805).
DIGITAL CONNECTION – We are working hard to get timely information and encouragement circulated. There are 4 primary ways we are doing that. Please consider connecting with Heartland in these 4 ways:
- Download the Heartland App (make sure you enable notifications)
- Visit our Website – www.heartlandfw.org
- Like our Facebook Page – www.facebook.com/heartlandfw
- Sign up for our Email List (sign up on our website)
I, like many of you, have been dealing with a wide range of emotion over the past few weeks. I’ve found myself being very angry at what’s happening and how people’s lives are being disrupted and the pain they’re experiencing. After recognizing how angry I was getting, I began to ask the Lord this question: “God, how are You going to use this situation for good?”. Even as many are experiencing fear, worry and pain, we know that God wants to take this situation, redeem it and use it for the advancement of His Kingdom (Romans 8:28). If we begin to look for what God wants to do during this disruption, I believe we’ll see Him do beautiful and powerful things in our own lives and in the lives of our families, friends and neighbors.
Much of what is being talked about by our governmental leaders is protection for our physical bodies from the virus. That is important. But so is our emotional health. We are designed to have physical connection. Being away from friends, family and social circles for prolonged periods of time can be very emotionally painful. During this period, I encourage you to use wisdom about being in contact with people, but also be sensitive to the Holy Spirit in how He wants to use you to minister to your family, friends and neighbors. People are in pain and need the healing that only Jesus can bring. You are on duty to be agents of healing in this world!
My heart is hurting because we all can’t be together in the same room right now. But I know we are still walking together, shoulder to shoulder. If you have a prayer need, please let a staff member or small group leader know. We would love to pray with you. Or if you have a testimony to share about what God is doing, please share! This is a great time to hear some good news about how God is moving. You can also share your prayer concerns and testimonies on our Facebook page, submit them through the Heartland App or email info@heartlandfw.org.
As sons and daughters of God, let’s continue to stand on His promises, show the tangible love of Jesus to those around us and live in His supernatural peace.
– Pastor Dave
