COVID 19 Update - March 16

Dear Church,

The elders are praying for you! Our prayer is that you would hold fast to Christ in the midst of uncertainty, be an example of his love to others, and that you would stay healthy.

We want to keep you updated and informed this week in a number of areas:

If You Have Practical Needs

We are looking for ways we might be able to help those in our congregation who may need meals, supplies or other care due to sickness, loss of work hours, quarantine, concerns about leaving the house, etc. We are the body of Christ and moments like this are when we can – and must – unite to care for each other. If you need practical help, or if you know someone else who does, contact a fellow church member, deacon, or elder. If you can offer practical help, let us know that too.

If You Have Spiritual Needs

If the uncertainty or hardship of this event is affecting you spiritually please reach out for help. Your fellow church members, your community group leaders, and your pastors all stand ready to pray with you, comfort you from the Word, and bear your burdens with you.

Please don’t hesitate to call Pastor Dave (860-629-0319), email the church (info@shorelinecbchurch.com) or fill out our connect form online.

Community Groups

We encourage community groups to continue meeting throughout this time, as health officials still believe small group gatherings pose a low risk for the spread of the virus. Christian fellowship is especially important through this challenging season. 

However, we ask that everybody use wisdom in deciding whether it is best to stay home or to attend. 

Please do not attend community group if you or any household members have any flu-like symptoms, especially a fever, cough, shortness of breath, or fatigue. Also, please stay home if you have interacted with potentially affected people or traveled to an affected region within the past two weeks. If you are over the age of 60 or if you have a chronic health condition, please follow recommended precautions.

If You Have Extra Time

If cancellations and social distancing practices have given you additional free time, we recommend you use it wisely in ways that honor Christ and build his church:

• Spend extra time intentionally engaging with family.

• Call members of your community group to see how you can pray for them.

• Spend extra time in prayer and Bible reading. 

  • Pray along with other Southern Baptists. 

  • Catch up on your Bible reading plan if you have one!

• Post an encouraging note on the Shoreline Facebook page.

• Read a good book. The Trinity elders have put together a recommended reading list that the Shoreline elders also endorse.

• Spend time worshiping through song:

  • Listen to our playlist SCBC: The Songs We Sing

  • Teach your children the New City Catechism through song: Spotify, YouTube

• Dive into some Christian education. Consider these courses Ligonier Ministries offers at no cost:

  • Understanding the Gospel

  • Suffering Is Not For Nothing

  • Worship

  • The Holy Spirit

  • Knowing God’s Will

  • Objections to the Christian Faith

  • Overview of Theology

Caring for Children

Families will likely experience additional pressures in caring for and comforting children throughout this season. Be on the lookout for updates from Shoreline Kids!

Next Sunday

We are putting together a plan for worship next Sunday in a way that will foster our church community, protect the vulnerable, and honor God. Stay tuned for updates later in the week!

In Christ,

The Shoreline Elders (Dave, Jordan, Matt and Mike)