March 14, 2020 @ 2:30 p.m.
Longview Heights Church Family,
The COVID-19 situation continues to change rapidly. This afternoon, March 14, the governor of MS Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency. In doing so, he kindly asked churches to suspend in-person gatherings in order to protect each other and assist in containment.
That said, there will be no on-campus activities this Sunday, March 15th. Instead, we will worship exclusively online at https://www.lhbc.me. We feel this is the best way to honor the governor’s request, love one another, and faithfully offer our worship to God. You can watch the service at any time Sunday (on Facebook or at https://vimeo.com/channels/lhbc/).
COVID-19 does not stop the mandate of the church. Your continued generous giving is vital as we will have opportunities to bless our community and neighbors from the implications from this pandemic. You can continue to give your offering online at https://www.longviewheights.org/online-giving.html or mail them to 4501 Goodman Rd, Olive Branch MS 38654. As of now the church offices and staff will continue with normal operating hours.
As information changes we’re doing everything we can to communicate vital information to you. Please continue in prayer with us for those affected by this unprecedented situation.
Prayerfully,
Whit Lewis, Sr. Pastor
Longview Heights Baptist Church
Longview Heights Church Family,
The COVID-19 situation continues to change rapidly. This afternoon, March 14, the governor of MS Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency. In doing so, he kindly asked churches to suspend in-person gatherings in order to protect each other and assist in containment.
That said, there will be no on-campus activities this Sunday, March 15th. Instead, we will worship exclusively online at https://www.lhbc.me. We feel this is the best way to honor the governor’s request, love one another, and faithfully offer our worship to God. You can watch the service at any time Sunday (on Facebook or at https://vimeo.com/channels/lhbc/).
COVID-19 does not stop the mandate of the church. Your continued generous giving is vital as we will have opportunities to bless our community and neighbors from the implications from this pandemic. You can continue to give your offering online at https://www.longviewheights.org/online-giving.html or mail them to 4501 Goodman Rd, Olive Branch MS 38654. As of now the church offices and staff will continue with normal operating hours.
As information changes we’re doing everything we can to communicate vital information to you. Please continue in prayer with us for those affected by this unprecedented situation.
Prayerfully,
Whit Lewis, Sr. Pastor
Longview Heights Baptist Church
March 11, 2020
Dear Longview Heights Baptist Church,
We are all aware of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation that is unfolding around the world. The progression of the virus is continuously in the news and on social media. I want to provide some insight into how we, as Christians, might think about the virus and speak to the potential impact it might have on our church in the coming weeks and months.
As a church, we are not in the best position to be a source of information or medical advice concerning the coronavirus. If you would like to know more about the coronavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control website. For medical advice, we recommend taking advantage of the blessing that our city provides through the many qualified professionals we have here in our beloved county. At this point, the goal is to communicate to you that we are striving to be proactive, while providing direction in ways we can respond with faith and trust in a sovereign God who reigns eternal on His throne.
4 Ways You Can Respond:
1. Don’t panic... pray.
I read an article earlier this week by Todd Wagner who wrote, “Worry is not our friend, and panic is not our way.” As Christians, we are not anxious, nor are we people who panic. It is good and right for us to be cautious, but with our trust in the Lord, we are to act wisely while at the same time taking our concerns to the Lord.
Matthew 6:33–34 (CSB)
33 But seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. 34 Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Philippians 4:6 (CSB)
6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
2. Be proactive by making every effort to wash your hands and sanitize regularly.
Medical experts advise that handwashing is the best way to protect yourself and others from disease-causing microbes.
Thankfully, there are stations with hand sanitizer every week here at LHBC. We will continue to provide as supplies allow, and we will be making every effort to wipe down and sanitize our facility each week.
3. Pay close attention to your personal health.
At the time of this letter, there are no confirmed cases in MS. But, each of us should be mindful of the symptoms of COVID-19.
According to the CDC, symptoms can include fever, cough, shortness of breath. It's most dangerous for the elderly and smokers. Fever and cough, as well as shortness of breath/respiratory difficulty, are the critical symptoms for someone to self-quarantine or seek testing. (Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.) Seek medical advice if you develop symptoms or have been in close contact with a person known to have coronavirus, or if you have recently been in or to an area with the ongoing spread of COVID-19.
If you’re not feeling well, we encourage you to stay away from crowds and worship with us through our online services. If you or a family member are diagnosed with the coronavirus, please contact the church with that information so we can pray for you and follow recommended protocols.
4. Trust the Lord and share your faith.
Psalm 37:3 (CSB) says, “Trust in the Lord and do what is good; dwell in the land and live securely.”
Even amid a global health scare, we as Christians have a true and steady calling to be faithful to Christ in all things. Our security is not in our circumstances, and our circumstances are always an opportunity for the gospel. A virus, like COVID-19, is a daily reminder of the fallen world in which we live. It is not the first time we have faced a new or deadly sickness. Nor is the coronavirus the deadliest concern our world is facing. As you watch the world react to this crisis—itself a stark reminder of our mortality—don’t neglect to share the hope you have in Jesus (1 Pet. 3:15). Share how he rescued you from the universal epidemic of sin and the penalty of death. Share that your ultimate hope is not found in remaining healthy this side of heaven.
At present, we are not canceling any of our upcoming services or activities. We will continue to monitor the situation and consider the recommendations of those who know significantly more about this than we do. I want to thank you in advance for your help.
We will pass on more information to you as needed in the coming days and weeks. For additional ways to receive information from Longview Heights, you can follow the church on social media platforms.
Saved to Serve,
Whit Lewis, Sr. Pastor
Longview Heights Baptist Church
Dear Longview Heights Baptist Church,
We are all aware of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation that is unfolding around the world. The progression of the virus is continuously in the news and on social media. I want to provide some insight into how we, as Christians, might think about the virus and speak to the potential impact it might have on our church in the coming weeks and months.
As a church, we are not in the best position to be a source of information or medical advice concerning the coronavirus. If you would like to know more about the coronavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control website. For medical advice, we recommend taking advantage of the blessing that our city provides through the many qualified professionals we have here in our beloved county. At this point, the goal is to communicate to you that we are striving to be proactive, while providing direction in ways we can respond with faith and trust in a sovereign God who reigns eternal on His throne.
4 Ways You Can Respond:
1. Don’t panic... pray.
I read an article earlier this week by Todd Wagner who wrote, “Worry is not our friend, and panic is not our way.” As Christians, we are not anxious, nor are we people who panic. It is good and right for us to be cautious, but with our trust in the Lord, we are to act wisely while at the same time taking our concerns to the Lord.
Matthew 6:33–34 (CSB)
33 But seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. 34 Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Philippians 4:6 (CSB)
6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
2. Be proactive by making every effort to wash your hands and sanitize regularly.
Medical experts advise that handwashing is the best way to protect yourself and others from disease-causing microbes.
Thankfully, there are stations with hand sanitizer every week here at LHBC. We will continue to provide as supplies allow, and we will be making every effort to wipe down and sanitize our facility each week.
3. Pay close attention to your personal health.
At the time of this letter, there are no confirmed cases in MS. But, each of us should be mindful of the symptoms of COVID-19.
According to the CDC, symptoms can include fever, cough, shortness of breath. It's most dangerous for the elderly and smokers. Fever and cough, as well as shortness of breath/respiratory difficulty, are the critical symptoms for someone to self-quarantine or seek testing. (Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.) Seek medical advice if you develop symptoms or have been in close contact with a person known to have coronavirus, or if you have recently been in or to an area with the ongoing spread of COVID-19.
If you’re not feeling well, we encourage you to stay away from crowds and worship with us through our online services. If you or a family member are diagnosed with the coronavirus, please contact the church with that information so we can pray for you and follow recommended protocols.
4. Trust the Lord and share your faith.
Psalm 37:3 (CSB) says, “Trust in the Lord and do what is good; dwell in the land and live securely.”
Even amid a global health scare, we as Christians have a true and steady calling to be faithful to Christ in all things. Our security is not in our circumstances, and our circumstances are always an opportunity for the gospel. A virus, like COVID-19, is a daily reminder of the fallen world in which we live. It is not the first time we have faced a new or deadly sickness. Nor is the coronavirus the deadliest concern our world is facing. As you watch the world react to this crisis—itself a stark reminder of our mortality—don’t neglect to share the hope you have in Jesus (1 Pet. 3:15). Share how he rescued you from the universal epidemic of sin and the penalty of death. Share that your ultimate hope is not found in remaining healthy this side of heaven.
At present, we are not canceling any of our upcoming services or activities. We will continue to monitor the situation and consider the recommendations of those who know significantly more about this than we do. I want to thank you in advance for your help.
We will pass on more information to you as needed in the coming days and weeks. For additional ways to receive information from Longview Heights, you can follow the church on social media platforms.
Saved to Serve,
Whit Lewis, Sr. Pastor
Longview Heights Baptist Church