Join Us!

Sunday May 31st

Click here on May 31, 10:30am - Online Church

Join Pastor Anthony Alonso for  Worship Service. With careful consideration and precautions in place, the church is open for  2 services - 8:30am and 10:30am. Come to either service.

If attending, please remember these important tips:

• Keep social distancing measures in place as best as you are able -  leave 6 feet between you and any person you come in contact with.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
• Please keep children with you at all times.
• Please bring your own face-covering or mask and gloves when you join us.
• All Hymnals, Bibles, pens, and envelopes have been removed from the Sanctuary. Please bring your own Bible.

We will also have a livestream of the 10:30am service.  Link to the Livestream here. (Open up the Faith Church YouTube channel and the service should start automatically once we go live)
 

The audio of the service will also be streamed and accessible by calling 352-269-5037 at 10:30am on Sunday morning.

Dear Faith Church Family,

Our world is often rife with uncertainty. As Christians, we recognize that we live in a world that is groaning, waiting for the full redemption in Jesus Christ. We also know that we truly know and understand so little of what is happening in our world. Since March 22, we have not held corporate worship here at Faith Church because of the recommendations of our state and federal government. On Sunday, March 29, President Trump stated that the measures for mitigating the Covid-19 or Coronavirus should be continued at least through April 30, 2020. President Trump stated that the best and brightest doctors and scientists think that the peak of the infection and Covid-19 related deaths will occur around the second week of April. He expects the infection rates and deaths to decline after that date.

As you are aware, these dates (April 5 and April 12) fall squarely in the church calendar when we celebrate Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter. While these dates are very important to us, many churches around the country who have made the tough decision to close during this time and live stream their services are planning on celebrating when the time comes for them to gather again for corporate worship. We plan to do the same thing.

The session met Monday evening and prayerfully made the decision to continue live streaming the Lord’s Day services at least for the next two weeks. We will meet again very soon to determine how to move forward after the two weeks are up. We are asking that you dedicate this time to praying for the mercy of God to come upon our nation and world and bring the threat of this sickness to an end. This situation should sadden all of us because we know that watching a service is not the same as participating in the service together.

The session wants you to know that we feel your frustration and we are praying for you. Know that we are here to minister to you and are glad to serve you in any way that we can. If you have a need, please contact the church and let us know how we can help. Our pastors, elders, deacons, and a host of brothers and sisters are available to serve you.
 
Please note:

• The church offices will be closed until April 13.  Staff are equipped to work from home.  If you need to reach us, call the office and leave a message or send an email. Weddings and funerals will be suspended for the next eight weeks. (Small private services will be conducted if so desired within the constraints of the CDC). 
• Worship services will continue to be online only for the next 2 weeks (April 5 and 12).
• All church programs and activities have been cancelled for the next 2 weeks and the session will reevaluate this as we have more information.

During this season of uncertainty, potential disappointments, and potential hardships, we want to remain focused on God’s good and loving presence.  

1. We will continue to host devotions regularly on Facebook and Youtube. 
2. Sunday worship will be a live stream of the service available on Youtube with the link shared on our Facebook page. 
3. Sharon Halliday and her Children's Ministry volunteers are reaching out to our families to make this season a little easier and more meaningful for children. 
4. John Cleveland is in direct contact with families involved with Youth Ministry. 
5. Stephanie Sager will continue to record videos of uplifting praise music. his will be available on Facebook and Youtube. 

Rest assured, we plan to communicate in this fashion throughout our time apart.  Please continue to watch your email and social media feeds for regular updates.

In closing, let me remind you to keep loving others well by purchasing only what you need for the week at the grocery, maintain good social distancing by staying home and out of restaurants, theaters, and other gathering spots, check on those around you who may be in need, especially senior adults, and don’t get bogged down in anticipatory anxiety.  Focus on today.  Watch the news for a limited time. Be productive. Go for a walk. Work in the yard. Do a Bible study. Pray. Write notes to friends.  

We are praying for you and looking forward to worshiping with you soon!

Rev. Joe Tolin, Jr on behalf of the Session.