March 14th Update - In-Person Services Cancelled
Our plans change, God's plan doesn't (Psalm 139:16, Proverbs 19:21). We are in a time of change. As we have discussed over the last few weeks, there is a lot of fear for what the future might hold for us in our country and in our world. Now is the time for us to lean in to God and trust that He is in control. Whatever plans we might have, we know God's are better (Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:29). We are limited creatures, unable to see what God sees. Therefore, we will struggle to find the good in difficult situations like the one we are facing. However, we can be confident that God is always Holy and Righteous in His actions (James 1:17, Job 37:13). Whatever is happening our world today is in the hands of our King Jesus, who is enthroned above all of heaven and earth (Ephesians 1:18-23). The reason our plans change is because our plans aren't always God's.
With that being said, I want to announce that we are postponing in person church gatherings until further notice. I was contacted earlier today by the Principles of Imagine Prep and they let me know that all Imagine schools will be closed for the time being, with no current date of reopening. All activities within the schools are canceled as well as they lock down the facilities due to COVID-19.
I am deeply saddened that we will not get to meet as a church body tomorrow. One of the most important parts of my life is getting to gather with you, my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, to bring glory to the name of our Lord. However, even though our plans have changed, God knew this was the direction we were headed so we have to trust Him!
I hinted at in my last email that we were creating a plan in case this happened and we have! I have been in ongoing conversations all day with the staff and elders of Surprise Christian Church to develop a plan that would allow us to continue to have service even in the midst of this time. Given the suddenness of the development, I ask for patience. There will be a few ups and downs as we figure out how to best have church together during this time. I appreciate your continued support. Surprise Christian Church will gather again in person in the near future and I look forward to that!
In the meantime, here is what we are doing.
- We will be having online services at our normal service times tomorrow morning and on the coming weekends at this link http://live.surprise.church. Again, the services will be live at 9:30 and 11:00 tomorrow morning at the link above. If you click on that link, you will see a coming soon graphic. That's how you know you are on the right page.
- Again, we will be live-streaming our services including worship, a time of communion, and the sermon at that link. In addition, if you click on the drop down in the top right corner, you can follow all COVID-19 updates from the church as well as put in prayer requests. We want to pray for you and your family.
- We will not have Youth or Children's services tomorrow but they will be going digital as well in the coming weeks. Follow our social media and website for updates.
- Also know that all the pastors and elders at Surprise Christian Church are here to support you during this difficult time. The pastoral staff's emails will be listed at the bottom of this page. We will be developing a plan to help our community as well so stay connected to our social media, website, and COVID-19 blog page for updates.
- Relationships are important to us! We really believe that in person gatherings are important but we want to continue to create a safe environment for our people. As a result, small groups will also be going digital in the coming weeks utilizing Zoom.
I understand that this will be a difficult change for the time being. However, understand that we are doing everything we can to continue to foster the amazing community that we have at Surprise Christian Church. This is only a season. It will pass.
I know that you probably have many questions. Please feel free to reach out to any of our Pastoral staff at the following address:
We will be in contact with you in the coming days to see how we can pray and help care for you and your family. If you have any needs that are urgent please don't hesitate to reach out to any of our staff. We are here to serve you in the this time of confusion in any way we can.
Our prayers are with all who are working in emergency and medical fields. Our prayers are with the many struggling families who have been unable to get diapers, food, or medicine because of the emptying out of local stores. Our prayers are with those who are sick. May God bless our community, our church, and our world. I love you all.
Sincerely,
Drew Carroll
Lead Pastor