CBC Blog

March 23, 2020

Dear CBC Family:

By now you know of Governor Whitmer's mandate to "Stay at Home" for "at least the next 3 weeks." In addition to watching the video clips of the announcement, I heartily recommend you take time to read the full, specific details here. This is for your own safety as well as that of our community.

You will notice two paragraphs apply directly to our operations at CBC:

• "For purposes of this order, workers who are necessary to conduct minimum basic operations are those whose in-person presence is strictly necessary to allow the business or operation to maintain the value of inventory and equipment, care for animals, ensure security, process transactions (including payroll and employee benefits), or facilitate the ability of other workers to work remotely."
• "Nothing in this order should be taken to supersede another executive order or directive that is in effect, except to the extent this order imposes more stringent limitations on in-person work, activities, and interactions. Consistent with prior guidance, a place of religious worship, when used for religious worship, is not subject to penalty under section 14." (Underlining added by me for emphasis)

Our counsel to you as Pastors and Deacons is to comply fully with the Governor's mandate. We will do so as a CBC family as well, remaining under the mandates and exception stated above. As disciples of Jesus Christ and citizens of Michigan we should do all we can to be part of the solution to this pandemic in our state and on our watch. As a matter of fact, we should lead the way in these efforts.

With this being said, here is what we need our CBC family to know:

1. The CBC facilities are now completely closed to all activities at any level until at least April 13.
2. Most of our work as a church staff will be done remotely, with the exception of inspecting the facilities daily, bringing in mail and packages, etc.
3. The Deacons and the Business Office will coordinate the counting and depositing of funds as they are received by Paypal and USPS. (Please do not bring offerings to the church in person.) They will also continue to pay bills and payroll.
4. We will continue the Sunday livestream broadcasts at 1045am and 5pm as normal.
5. We will continue to remain in touch through weekly email communications (e.g. News & Prayer, 4D Men, Internet Reading, etc.).
6. The “1st Timothy 5 List Ministry” we announced yesterday will still function, but for essential items only. If you have need of this ministry, please call Carolyn or leave a message on the church machine. She will be able to retrieve those messages and coordinate things from home.

Thank you for your prayerful support in these details. We love you, and our church family remains closely knit together, even through the use of technology. We are the body, moving through a crisis together with grace, and living out the gospel we cherish.

I'll remain in touch.
Pastor Jim