March 18, 2020
Dear Wildwood,
Hello Church!! Are you dizzy yet? I feel like my life is a merry-go-round where every few moments another piece of news comes my way to spin my reality further into chaos. A troubled economy, closed schools, increasingly restrictive directives from governing officials, and the ever-present specter of contracting illness . . . round and around and around we go . . . Given this reality, wouldn’t it be great to find a place to shelter in the midst of the storm?
Good news. I know of such a place! “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!’ (Psalm 91:1-2)” Friends, this refuge and fortress never closes, is never overwhelmed, and always welcomes you to take shelter inside. While our public meetings are no longer “in person” for a season, we can shelter TOGETHER spiritually under the protection and provision of the Lord our God. Let’s place our hope in Him together!
Now with that reminder, let me get to some specifics regarding Wildwood Community Church’s program plan in this current climate. Effective immediately and until further notice, Wildwood will not host any “in person” gatherings (large or small, meeting in the church or in homes, for all of our ministry areas). This also applies to all programming that meets in our facility (whether hosted by Wildwood or a partner organization). As soon as we believe it is safe to return to normal, “in person” programming we will let you know. Until then, we strongly encourage – even admonish – you to continue to meet together with us in our online platforms.
Wildwood livestreams our online worship service each Sunday at 11AM. Make plans to join us each Sunday in this format at wildwoodchurch.org/live .
Additionally, Wildwood’s staff and ministry leaders are meeting right now to consider how best to equip and encourage you during this season. We love you and are praying for you! Instead of just thinking of this moment like a “snow day,” where we check out of life for a weekend, think of it as a “winter” . . . a new season to reset the rhythm of your life on what matters most. As always, Wildwood is for following Jesus together to the glory of God. Let’s each renew our commitment to do that at this time! What if your goal for this period of “social distancing” was not just to survive, but to thrive spiritually? What if our goal is to come to the end of this “quarantine” with a greater faith in God and love for others? We think this is possible! After all, Jesus is always growing His church and the gates of coronavirus will not prevail against it!
To help encourage us during this time, our children’s ministry, student ministry, and adult ministry teams are putting together plans to guide us in spiritual growth this season. We will reveal a number of these plans (and how to access them) during the livestream of our worship service this Sunday. Hop on board with us! These are extraordinary times . . . but we know an EXTRAORDINARY GOD who works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
Thanks friends! “See you” Sunday! Oh . . . and for those who are interested and available, I will be live-streaming a devotional Wednesday March 18 at 6PM central time at wildwoodchurch.org/live focused on Psalm 46, and the hope we have in God in troubled times. We know the Truth which sets us free from fear in the midst of an otherwise “scary” time. Join us in praying for those around us as we all look for opportunities to share the reason for our hope – now and always.
In Christ,
Pastor Mark