Virus Causes Church Closures and Classroom Modifications
Tamara Michalenko Terry
Thank you to the many Texas Conference members and friends who have heeded the advice of their counties and state recommendations and increased cleanings in their facilities, took special care of the elderly and vulnerable people groups in their area and respected personal care with extra handwashing and social distancing.
The Texas Conference Communication & Public Relations team has updated its situation page [texasadventist.org/situation] with the latest information as it pertains to the coronavirus and COVID-19. At this time, the confirmed cases in Texas have remained fairly low, for which we are grateful.
Knowing that as people travel back and forth that number may increase, the Texas Conference is joining other organizations in closing its church buildings for at least 30 days effective March 17, 2020. “It was a hard decision to make,” Carlos J. Craig, Texas Conference president, said, “but we want to do our part to eliminate the spread of this disease. That being said, only the building is temporarily closing its doors. Church will continue in a variety of ways through online platforms, chat groups, phone calls and texts.” Small groups (up to 10 people) are allowed to meet, at this time, preferably in homes.
Texas Conference Seventh-day Adventist schools have already begun virtual classes. The others will begin following their spring break. “The location may temporarily change, but the quality of education will not,” Kisha Norris, vice president for Education, said. The Office of Education will determine week-by-week when in classroom instruction will return.” Principals and teachers will be in communication (if they have not already) with students and parents to give instructions on how to access their coursework. “Our teachers and principals are working tirelessly to ensure that our students will receive the same amazing, distinctively Adventist Education that they have received in the past,” Norris added.
Tithes can be returned, and offerings given through AdventistGiving.org or through the AdventistGiving app. “This is a free service for all Seventh-day Adventist churches,” Randy Terry, Texas Conference treasurer, said. “For those who prefer to write checks, they can be mailed to the church address or a time can be arranged for the treasurer to receive the tithes and offerings. Even though the church doors will be closed for a brief time, the church still has to pay its bills,” he added.
“This is certainly a challenging time for all,” Kenn L. Dixon, vice president for Communication & Public Relations, said, “but this is a great time to be a witness to others of the peace only God can provide. Thank you for joining us in prayer as we navigate this new course in life.”
The Texas Conference office will be open regular hours, at this time. Updates will be given as they are available.
Image by Niek Verlaan from Pixabay
Thank you for the update on the current situation that is affecting the world as well as the church. Agree we need to take necessary action to secure our church members and their loved ones but at the same we need to heed the sacred instructions of our God: 2 Chronicles 7:13-14, “When I shut up heaven and there is not rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (NKJV). I believe that through earnest prayer and obedience to God’s command and precepts, to live a life acceptable to Him, He promised healing on His people. Thank you!