March 23, 2020 Brothers and Sisters, Praise the Lord in Jesus’ Name! I am praying for everyone and I know our God will provide all our needs. God is in control of this current situation that we all are dealing with in our life. Please understand that “safety, health and faith” are my utmost concern for everyone. 1 Peter 5:7 says: “Cast all your care upon Him. For He cares for you.” The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is disrupting life as we have known it. It will take a lot of prayer and radical social distancing for us to flatten the curve. Distancing slows the spread of COVID-19. The virus spreads mainly through coughs and sneezes and close contact with others. You’ll help protect essential resources for the sickest patients with social distancing. (Source: www.cdc.gov) During this challenging time, we all need each other in various ways to include prayer, communication by calling to find out how someone is doing, sending cards, finding out if anyone needs help, contacting the church office (813-988-1501) for any updates or issues and starting a prayer chain for the emergencies. I’d like to provide you an update to keep you informed of various events to include the services (Sunday mornings/evenings and Wednesday Prayer and Bible Study). The Communication Team is working very hard on a way to use the website and social media to get everyone plugged in to participate and be a part of the Adult and Youth Sunday School Classes taught by Teachers and the Pastor. This will allow everyone the capability to participate and communicate via your computer or cell phone with the weekly lessons. The monthly calendar is being adjusted into two-week intervals due to this coronavirus pandemic, taking into consideration the local, state and county guidelines and policies. The Church Office Staff will do all they can to get the latest updates out via Servant Keeper, mail or by other most convenient means to you. Therefore, they will be contacting you to ensure the church has the most current information. Think about the following PRAYER that was sent to me recently. It says: “I will let my worries go. I will trust God completely. I am unconditionally loved. I will let God control my life. I will refuse to let anxiety to rule me. I do not need to fear anything. I will ask God to put my broken pieces together today. Thank you: LORD! We are assured of God’s help. His word tells us in Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV) “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Keep your faith and stay focused. God is always there and will never leave us. Be blessed! Pastor Larry Smith