Dear Anchor Point Bible Church Family,
May the peace of the Lord be with you!
We are writing this letter to keep you updated on what is happening with our church gatherings and events over the next several weeks. With the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Michigan Governor has put a temporary ban on gatherings of 50 or more starting today March 17, at 9:00 am and going through April 5th at 5:00pm. Because of this the decision has been made by the board chair and vice chair, as well as the staff here at APBC, to cancel all activities until at least April 6, 2020. This includes AWANA, Worship services, Bible studies, Pickleball, The Night of Worship on March 29, as well as our Good Friday service on April 10th. If the Governor lifts the ban before the current end time, we hope to be able to meet for church on April 5th. If that doesn’t happen, we are fervently praying that we can hold our Easter service on April 12 at the regular time of 9:30 am. Again, we will keep everyone updated.
The decision to cancel all activities at this time, again, did not come hastily but involved much discussion as a team. We spent much time discussing how to move forward taking into consideration all aspects of our ministry as a church and church staff. Pastor Rob and I have been very involved in conversation about this (even while he is in Arizona vacationing with his family) with the other staff members as well as the board. Below is some pertinent information in regard to the next several weeks.
- The staff will be maintaining office hours during this time, but the outside doors will remain locked for the health and safety of the staff. We would ask that if you need to come to the church for a specific reason, please call ahead so the staff knows you are coming (call the church office or one of our cell phones). Please use the doorbell when you arrive, and a staff member can let you in.
- The Men’s retreat to Grace Adventure’s has been cancelled, you will be fully refunded if you have already paid.
- There will be no Easter Flowers this year. If you have already given money towards this, you will be refunded the full amount.
- Updates will continue to be given through our website, social media pages, as well as letters through the mail.
As I reflected and prayed this morning, I had a deep sense that although these are difficult times and there is a lot of uncertainty, there is also a tremendous opportunity before us. The sense is that the Lord is inviting us to draw closer to him during this time, and to be mindful of the opportunities that He will give us to be salt and light in a dark time. In coming weeks, we want to encourage you and equip you to engage deeply with the Lord and join Him in His work in this moment. I believe that what the enemy meant for evil, God can turn for good. Corrie ten Boom, along with other faithful from among the nations, led courageously in the face of the Nazi fascism—a different form of deadly virus. And she once said something that applies to us in this day and age: “Worry doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrows; it empties today of its strength.”
Let’s remember that although we won’t be meeting together here at the church the things we are called to don’t change. We might not be able to come TO church, but we can and still ARE the church. The church is not a building or a worship service, but it is the people of God. May we have confidence in the promises of our Lord Jesus Christ and without fear share our faith, hope, love and peace with others. John 14:27- Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. We love you and are praying for you daily.
Because He lives,
Pastor Steve (for Pastor Rob in AZ – returns to MI late Thursday night)
And the Anchor Point Bible Church board
Pastor Steve’s Cell #: 616-450-3422
Leah Vander Laan Cell#: 616-834-2505
Rachel Mann- Cell#: 231-206-7052