Update overview: The church building is closed and all services and activities are canceled until further notice. Click here for resources >>
Thursday, March 19
As situations across the country are continuing to evolve, we want you to know that social distancing does not have to mean spiritual isolation. I will be coming to you via video at least twice a week to offer encouragement and point us toward Jesus (see below for the latest video). Many of our other staff leaders and ministries are also working to provide spiritual resources you can use during your time at home. All of these resources can be found at eastminster.org/resources, which is being updated daily.
We also want to let you know that the church building is now closed and our staff is working remotely. If you need assistance please still call the church number at 634.0337 and follow the instructions given. If you need to drop off an offering, please mail it to the church or use the mail slot at the south entrance.
March 22
We will again gather for worship via our website and Facebook. Both contemporary and traditional services will be available to watch on-demand beginning early Sunday morning. In addition, we will add a “live” experience at 11 a.m. where you can join staff members in a virtual church setting to connect via chat. This is new for Eastminster and may be a new experience for many of you, but we want to do all we can to truly connect as a church family during this time. Think of this as a digital “Fellowship Hall” of sorts where you can greet one another, be welcomed by staff, share prayer requests and encourage each other. If this goes well we will continue to expand these Live services. Visit eastminster.org/churchonline for all service options.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can serve you in any way.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Stan
Encouragement from Pastor Stan – How to Connect from Eastminster Church on Vimeo.
Monday, March 16
Dear Eastminster family,
What a Sunday it was yesterday! Though we weren’t able to gather in person, we heard from so many of you who joined in worship online, and we know the Spirit ministered in a special way. God is not surprised by COVID-19, and while we humans may be scrambling to adjust, we know he will use these times for our good and his glory.
As a church, we are preparing for the reality that much of our ministry may be digital in the coming weeks. For the foreseeable future, our worship services will be held online at eastminster.org and on Facebook. We are looking into technology that will make that experience as seamless as possible for everyone, but know we will not stop meeting together for worship, even if it is in the digital space.
We encourage you to use our website as a hub for resources. Our ministry leaders will be posting content for encouragement and connection in the coming weeks, and it will all be accessible via eastminster.org. Our social channels will also be places to engage and connect with our church family (Facebook.com/eastminsterwichita and instagram.com/eastminsterwichita).
We want to provide care for you in any way we can during this time. If you need groceries or medicine delivered to you, please call the church office or email gcox@eastminster.org to arrange that, or let us know of any other way we can minister to you.
Currently the church building is open during office hours only, with all events and meetings canceled.
We think it’s important that small groups and Bible studies still meet digitally if you are able. We are working on a list of resources for group leaders to offer online Bible study and discussion, so please look for word from your leader on if your group will provide that in the coming days.
Though we aren’t meeting in person, your giving still matters. We have missionaries to support and staff to pay. Thank you to those of you who gave online this weekend or brought your weekly gift by the church. We encourage you to utilize our online giving solutions available at eastminster.org/give, or for you to give through your bank’s bill paying software. While the church building is open you can bring gifts by the office, or mail them to the church.
The commandment behind us not meeting together is “love thy neighbor.” By practicing the recommended social distancing we are protecting individuals and families from life-threatening illnesses, and we are acting in a socially conscientious way for the benefit of all. I actually believe this could be an unprecedented opportunity for repentance, rethinking the values of our lives, leading our family in a deeper spirituality, and increasing our intimacy with the Lord. The Lord has given us such a time as this to respond according to his will and glory.
Blessings,
Pastor Stan
Friday, March 13
Dear Eastminster family,
In light of the recent developments with coronavirus (COVID-19) we want to share with you the steps Eastminster is taking as we navigate the impact of the virus. Sedgwick County has banned gatherings larger than 250 people, which affects our worship services and other activities. In light of this, we thought it wise and scriptural to obey the governing authorities and to temporarily suspend all in-person gatherings, including Thursday and Sunday worship services.
However, we will gather as a body online! Beginning Sunday morning, both traditional and contemporary services will be available to watch on demand on our website and Facebook. We believe we can continue to learn and grow together as a church by worshipping together in our homes with friends and family.
To watch on our website go to eastminster.org/march15
To watch on Facebook go to facebook.com/eastminsterwichita
All other Eastminster groups and programming are canceled for the week. We will evaluate cancelations on a week-to-week basis and continue to keep you updated about the status of services and programming.
If you are quarantined for health reasons, our deacons will deliver groceries to you if you need them. Please call the church at 634.0337 to request this.
We want to encourage you that we serve a sovereign God, and even when times seem uncertain, we know he exercises complete control over his creation, and cares about each one of us. In 2 Timothy, Paul tells us the Lord has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of sound mind. Even as we exercise caution, we can rest in the knowledge that the Lord is at work and we can choose to act in a spirit of faith rather than fear. Right now, we have a unique open door to minister to our community and neighbors. The Church has always led the way in care and mercy in times of trial, and we hope this will be no different as the body of Christ uses this opportunity to offer help and hope. May we use this time to make much of Jesus.
Thank you for your prayers as we continue to navigate these unprecedented events. We will continue to update you as things unfold. Until then, keep the faith, keep on loving one another, and keep on worshipping. Jesus is King!
Pastor Stan