Greetings from MoSt—and from your elders.  All of us are facing a situation that even one week ago we could not have imagined.  We have seen changes almost overnight that are difficult for us to comprehend or even believe.

               Our world has been shaken, but we want to assure you that the rock we are anchored to is secure.  The “Rock of Ages”, who is our anchor is not affected by the stock market, the economy, the health crisis, or anything else in the rapidly changing world we live in.  Hebrews 13:8 gives us the assurance that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”  The words of Psalm 55:16-19 are a real comfort to us.  As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me.
¹⁷ Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.
¹⁸ He rescues me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me.
¹⁹ God, who is enthroned from of old, who does not change—he will hear them and humble them, because they have no fear of God.

            Having said that, there are a few things that we want all of our MoSt family to know.  First, as we prepare to comply with the requests that are coming from our elected government leaders, we want to state that this is not a reaction based on fear.  While many have a fear of this virus and its effects, we know that our God is far stronger than any disease or virus.  Our compliance with our government requests is done out of love and obedience, not fear. 

            The love is for our brothers and sisters—both in Christ and out—who may be at a greater risk from this virus and others.  We certainly don’t want to provide unnecessary opportunity for the virus to be transmitted to those at increased risk.

            The obedience is commanded in Romans 13:1-5, where Paul writes “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. ² Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. ³ For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. ⁴ For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. ⁵ Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.”

            Second, we want you to know that we are not cancelling church.  We may cancel some services or change some meeting places, but church is us—the people, not the assembly place and time.  Jesus said in Matt. 16:18 that even the gates of Hades could not overcome the church He was establishing.  If the gates of Hades can’t prevail against Christ’s church, certainly no human disease or virus can.  While we will not be having our regular assemblies for a period of time, the church will go on as always—we just won’t be meeting here on Sundays and Wednesdays for a period of time.

            Through the marvels of technology—including our church app, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, emails, and other means we will still be sharing God’s message and we encourage you and your family to gather and worship and commune together.  We have prepared small bags with the communion emblems for each family.  You can come by the church office to pick these up, or we will deliver them to you if needed.  We will be sending out links to the messages that we will be sharing with you.

            Because most of our financial obligations will not stop during this period, we would encourage each of you, if possible, to contribute online or to send your contribution checks by mail so that God’s work may continue.  If you need help with accessing the online option, please contact the church office.

            Thank you for your understanding and your prayers for all of us, for our church family, and for our country and our world during this health crisis.  We will resume our regular church assemblies as soon as possible.  In the meantime, please contact the church office if there is anything we can help you with.  We have many who have volunteered to provide assistance when it is needed.

Sincerely,

Your Elders

Phil Clothier, Lyndal Dale, David Horton, Rick Shirley, and Rodney Smithers