Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response regarding Sunday, March 15, 2020

Dear South Side Family,

The days we live in are constantly changing. With the global outbreak of the coronavirus and confirmation of a case here locally, many local businesses and institutions have been cancelling services and events. We, as a church, have wrestled with how to respond to the current state of affairs. On one hand, we absolutely trust that the Lord will take care of us and no matter what happens, we’ll spend eternity with Him.  So, as Christians, there is no need to panic.  On the other hand, we want to be prudent and wise and not contribute to the spread of this virus.  Our understanding is that while the average person might experience the effects of this virus somewhat like the flu, it can be more severe for those in high risk categories such as the elderly and those whose health is already compromised in some way. So while we don’t want to incite panic, we want to take this seriously.

With all of that in mind, here is how we plan to respond at this time:

1. All activities other than the Sunday morning worship service will be cancelled for Sunday, March 15.  That includes all 9:30 am Connect Groups for all ages, Sunday Night Student Ministry and AWANA.
   
   
2. We will have our 10:30 am Worship Service for all those who desire to come this Sunday, March 15.  (Our worship attendance is under the limit set by Governor Holcomb - click here to read that statement) We understand that there are some of you who, because of potential health ramifications, cannot or should not come. That is okay and we understand that.  At this time, we plan to have nurseries and children’s church available for those who want that, but if you wish to keep your children with you in the service, that is fine too.  If you choose not to come, we strongly encourage you to worship with us online.  We are blessed to already have the technology in place to do this.  Go to the www.southsidesbc.org/sermons, click the “Watch Live” button, and you’ll be redirected to our YouTube channel. You can also join us live on Facebook at www.facebook.com/southsidesbc.  In fact, tell your friends and invite them to join us online, too!  If nothing else, we can all worship together online and stay connected to some degree there until this coronavirus pandemic passes. If we are having issues with our livestream, we’ll notify the congregation and the worship service will be uploaded on Sunday afternoon.
   
   
3. As you are already aware … this is a fluid situation and things are changing quickly … so we will let you know if we need to make a change and also what next week holds as soon as we make a decision on that.
   
   
4. I know some of you may be concerned about how to give if you are unable to attend.  This is a great time to get enrolled in e-giving.  You can go to www.southsidesbc.org/give to give one time or set up recurring giving.  Our giving platform is hosted through a separate company and is completely secure and will be one less check you have to write.  If you would prefer, you may also mail your gift to South Side Baptist Church, P.O. Box 2494, South Bend, IN, 46680.  If you have any questions about online giving, contact Stefanie LaCava at [email protected].  In these trying times, let’s continue to support the mission Jesus has called us to!

Here are some precautions we’ll be taking and asking you to take:

1. We already, on a weekly basis, take measures to ensure a clean environment … such as wiping down and sanitizing kids areas, toys, door knobs, hand railings, and other highly touched surfaces.
   
   
2. We know many of you like to shake hands, but we ask that you refrain from this or any close contact such as hugs at this time.  “Air” Fives or “Air” Fist Bumps are preferred and greatly appreciated! We WANT you to welcome others!
   
   
3. If you are feeling sick, experiencing any symptoms of sickness, or think you may have been exposed to the coronavirus … please stay home.  Do not feel like you “have” to come.  You have my permission to get some rest!
   
   
4. If you feel uncomfortable attending or are in a high risk category, we encourage you to stay home and worship with us online!  You can even “AMEN” or say hi to others in the comments section! 

Let me close by saying that despite any fears you may have, God is in control! He has always been in control and He will continue to be in control!  The coronavirus didn’t surprise God. We can trust God in the midst of this!  

In fact, the fear and worry that is so prevalent around us provides a great opportunity to share the hope that is found in Jesus Christ alone! In times like these, let us hold fast to the truth of the Gospel and be diligent to share that truth with a fear-filled world!

In His Service,
Pastor Scott & The Leadership Team