Baptist pastor addresses community in letter about current crisis

(NOTE: Pastor Mark Hetrick sent this letter to The Brazil Times to be published for the benefit of the community.)

March 18, 2020

Dear Sister/Brother in Christ,

I am writing during this critical time in our community, nation, and world to remind us of who we are in Jesus Christ. We are a people of faith, not fear. We are a people of service, not selfishness. We are a people of purpose, not panic. We are a people of sound mind, not stupidity. We are a people who take care of other persons, of ourselves, and of God’s creation.

So what does this mean in light of the threat posed and the changes caused by the coronavirus, COVID-19?

First of all, we will be open for God’s work! It will be in some different ways, but we will be open, providing a source of divine comfort and presence for the community. Cradles, Inc. will continue to provide its services out of our building. The food program for school children in our community will still operate. And the Kids Klothes Kloset will be available for girls and boys in need of clothing.

Second, I will continue to serve as your interim pastor, and I will be present here in Brazil every Sunday and Wednesday, just as I have from the day I started last August. In addition, if you have a question or need a listening ear, I am as close as a phone call, text, or email. My cell phone number is 1-317-697-2485 and my email address is revdocmark@sbcglobal.net.

But while we will still be “open,” some necessary changes are being made due to current recommendations made by health officials at the state and national levels to slow the spread of this rapidly-spreading virus. At our meeting tonight, the deacons and I decided that on Sunday March 22 we will have our final worship service and Sunday School for the foreseeable future.

Instead, starting Sunday March 29, we will open our sanctuary to the community every Sunday morning from 9:30am until 11:30am so people may come and pray as needed. Throughout this time, while devotional music is softly played, people from our church and community may enter in silence to pray, to meditate, to read the Bible, or simply to sit in the presence of God. At various times during this two-hour window, I will read scripture aloud or share a devotional thought to enrich the experience. Offering plates will be placed in the aisles for use by church members to give their tithes and offerings. Every person entering the church will be greeted by one of our deacons, who will remind him or her to maintain silence in the sanctuary and to pray for as long or brief a time as desired. It is our hope that this prayer opportunity will prove invaluable to people in our church and to people in the surrounding community during this health crisis.

Also, starting in April our deacons will be in touch with every FBC household on a weekly basis by telephone so the church may be made aware of prayer concerns and can help address whatever needs may exist. I want to thank the deacons for their commitment to carrying out this vital ministry.

Finally, since First Baptist Church of Brazil will still be open for God’s work during the coming weeks, your gifts of tithes and offerings to the church are of critical importance. As the ministries of the church continue, so do the expenses of the church. As noted above, you may present your tithes and offerings should you come to pray in the church sanctuary on Sunday mornings. You may also mail your gifts to the church, but such gifts should be in the form of checks, not cash. Another option would be to send your gift with a friend who is coming to the church. If all else fails, call me and I will be glad to arrange for your gift to be picked up at home by me or another church member.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

(Ephesians 3:20-21)

Dr. Mark W. Hetrick

Interim Pastor

Cell: (317)697-2485

Email: revdocmark@sbcglobal.net