Dear Empowerment Family

 

“Trust in Lord always. Lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge God and He will direct your paths.”

Proverbs 3:6   

 

Beloved, we are living in trying times. Calamities have set upon us but Trouble doesn’t last always. People everywhere are worried about what is happening in the world and at home.

 

The deadly Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease is here in Michigan and has spread to all 50 states. Every human being is confronted by the stark realities of this virus, and we must make every effort to take care of ourselves, church members, family, friends, and others.

 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently issued several Executive Orders addressing this crisis by declaring a State of Emergency. Schools, churches, houses of worship, stadiums, stores, restaurants and other venues and public spaces have been closed with restrictions prohibiting large assemblies.

 

Just last Thursday, Governor Whitmer suspended all assemblies in a shared space to no greater than 250 people. On Sunday, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommended canceling all events with 50 people or more. Consequently, Governor Whitmer signed another Executive Order reducing the number of people who can assemble down to 50.

 

For the first time in our lives we’re being asked to implement a practice called “social distancing” which means keeping a safe distance from people by reducing contact with them so as not to spread the disease.

 

Moreover, we recently learned this week that the Shriners Center, where we conduct our weekly worship services and other activities, has been closed until mid-May.

 

The Empowerment Church is moving quickly to adapt to this rapidly changing environment which can potentially threaten our very existence and survival if we don’t act prudently and remain prayerful that God will guide our paths through God’s word, make known the presence and power of the Holy Spirit by providing faith answers that we can believe and trust in during these trying times.

 

So with concern for the health and well-being of our Empowerment Family, many of whom are part of a vulnerable population, we will begin live streaming our worship services starting this Sunday, March 22, 2020, with a message from me, your Spiritual Leader.      

 

We will also implement other ways of reaching out to you with prayerful thoughts, words of encouragement and wisdom and other forms of spiritual uplift, practical advice and care during the weeks to come.

 

Look for an email in the next couple of days with information to access our “virtual”, on-line, worship service this Sunday using your mobile phone, tablet, or personal computer. 

 

We have also made arrangements for you to join our Lenten Prayer Service, via teleconference; and we are pursuing a video conferencing service to facilitate participation in our weekly bible study classes.

 

We will also send you updates regarding future communications from the church, how to submit benevolent requests, accompanied by a plan to follow-up and provide support for our “wisdom” citizens (75+), and ways to continue giving to support your church.

 

So, as our country, state, and community leaders continue to respond to information regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we, as a church, will continue to pray, be obedient and vigilant with the information we receive regarding this disease.

 

We thank you for your understanding, support, and your patience as we identify ways to help mitigate the challenges we face as a church during this crisis. Your spiritual and physical well-being is our primary concern, and is a sacred trust that we take seriously.

 

Always remember that God is in control and He will sustain us, for we are not afraid, "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline". (2 Timothy 1:7)

 

Nor will we allow our anxiety to supersede our trust in God, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”. (Philippians 4: 6)

 

Let us gather together in “virtual” unity to pray and care for one another. Remember we are the light bearers and care givers in this time of chaos and confusion for we operate out of faith and not out of fear.

 

Faith is still our most precious gift. Faith multiplies the value of our commitment and honor to God as we have been entrusted by God with every good wish to carry out his work on earth.

 

To God be all glory and may God’s strength be our strength as we continue to worship, serve and praise Him.

 

Keep the faith. Keep looking up and never take your eyes from God who will see us all through.

 

God bless and keep you always,

 

Sincerely,

 

Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III

Spiritual Leader – The Empowerment Church