Dear Bethany Church family,

What a strange time we find ourselves in. With news reports and official statements being made hourly, it is no wonder that people all around find themselves filled with anxiety, confusion and fear. I don’t know where you’re at right now, but I hope and pray that your faith in Christ is giving you the unique perspective that belongs to God’s people:

• That we most certainly do live in a world that is impacted by sin

• That as technologically advanced, sophisticated, and secure as civilization becomes, the fact remains that we are all still very fragile creatures

• That we are a part of a created world that is longing and desperately needing to be redeemed and made new 

• That while science, technology, and medicine may be helpful, humanity’s one and only true hope is found in God and God alone 

• And finally, that during trying times such as this, we have an incredible opportunity to point people to the good news of Jesus!

I hope and pray that the Lord will use this time to build your trust in Him, and that He will use you for His glory and the good of other people around you.

While we at Bethany continue to trust the Lord, in the midst of the increasing spread of the coronavirus, we also believe that we have been entrusted to care well for our people, both spiritually and physically.

After keeping a close watch on the ever-changing situation, and after much prayer and consideration, we have decided that WE WILL NOT BE HAVING OUR REGULAR CLASSES OR SERVICE ON-SITE THIS SUNDAY. While a live streaming option is currently in the works for future services, this Sunday we invite you to watch the sermon on our website at bbfoc.org.

We will also be temporarily suspending all organized meetings and events on campus for the next 8 weeks. We have not yet determined when on-site Sunday services will resume and will be communicating weekly as we monitor progress.  

As we walk through this time together, please join with us in praying for those who are sick, those working hard to care for them, and all who are working to keep the virus from spreading. Pray for opportunities to share the good news with people who need it. God often works powerfully in times of crisis, and we look expectantly to how He will do so through this one. Please also consider continuing your regular support for the ministry of Bethany through online giving at bbfoc.org/give or sending your gifts directly to the church office.

In the days ahead our church leadership will continue to monitor this situation and consult with public health agencies, other local churches, and Westminster city officials to get regular updates. We will do our best to keep you posted on events related to Holy Week, Easter, and beyond. If you or a family member does contract the virus, please alert the pastoral staff or deacons so we can pray and minister the love of Christ in practical ways.

Let’s also remind each other of the words of Isaiah 41:10. God tells us, “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Let’s keep our fears at bay and our eyes focused on the One who promises to give us strength, help, and provision. 

God bless you. God keep you. Know that we are praying for you and looking forward to gathering together to worship with you real soon. 

For His Glory and the Good of His People,

Jared Burke | Lead Pastor
Bethany Bible Fellowship