Direction through this new COVID Season

Village Church Family and Friends,

Hello,

On Sunday, November 15th, 2020, two important events took place.  Someone attended the Sunday morning service who later developed symptoms which required testing and subsequently on Monday the 16th, a rapid test showed they were positive for COVID-19. And secondly, the governor of the State of Michigan announced a three-week, COVID-related shutdown. Both of these events have prompted questions from you and rightly so. You have asked, “What will we do since there’s been a COVID exposure at a church gathering?” and “What will we do in light of the governor’s announcement?” However, the answer to these questions does not ultimately come from asking, “What will we do in light of these circumstances?” Rather, the answer comes from asking, “What will we do in light of God’s commands to his people, the church?”

1. We will continue gathering for in person worship on Sunday mornings for all who choose and are able to attend. We are a church and we belong to the Lord Jesus Christ our King—and our King calls us to gather (1 Corinthians 14:26, Hebrews 10:25). The negative spiritual impact of churches deciding not to gather for three months earlier this year are incalculable and will be felt and dealt with for some time to come. The written order from the governor’s office (Emergency Order MCL 333.2253, section 10, para. d.) states that no place of religious worship or those who gather for the purpose of religious worship at said place will be penalized for doing so. Praise God for his provision that, at this time, his church may still freely gather!
   
   

2. We will continue to be a place where an individual or family will be respected and loved no matter what COVID-19 safety precautions they choose to follow or how they follow them. Christ calls his people to unity (1 Corinthians 12:25, Ephesians 4:3) and says the world knows we are his disciples when we love one another (John 13:35). We do ask, if you’re not feeling well or if you are experiencing COVID symptoms, please stay home.
   
   

3. We will continue to provide, as well as work to improve upon, our live stream ability in order to continue ministering through song, prayer, and the preaching of God’s Word to those who are at a higher risk due to other health concerns, are quarantined due to COVID, or are otherwise not feeling well and must worship from home. If you end up confined to your home during this season and find yourself in need of help in any way, such as: groceries, prayer visitation, a necessary errand, or whatever it may be, please reach out to the church so that we can get you the help that you need! Many in the church stand ready to minister to the needs of the body during this season and visiting and caring for the sick is at the heart of obedience to Christ (Matthew 25:36).
   
   

4. We will continue seeking ways to carry on and encourage the discipling ministry of The Village Church. Being without our own building presents challenges, but this is not something that is new to us. It simply means that we need to be creative and think in new, smaller ways, to oversee growth and discipleship with fellow Christians. Don’t simply give up growing in your walk with Christ or the pursuit of being a godly man or woman because ministry groups can’t meet right now. Along with praying for it, we must take active steps to deepen our devotion to God’s Word, to prayer, to fellowship, and to unity (Acts 2:42). Actions like this, taken now, serve to strengthen us for when the church someday faces real persecution and hardship (John 16:33).

This direction comes through much prayer and counsel from God’s Word and from people both in and outside of The Village Church. It is our sincere hope and prayer that you will see and hear the heart of Christ in all of this. We do not think that we know better than anyone else. We do not think that those who disagree or do differently than us are wrong or should do as we have done. We simply desire to glorify, honor, and obey the Lord’s commands and to make the best possible decision for the people that are entrusted to our care at The Village Church. It is not from of a lack of care and concern for the health and safety of people around us that we have come to these decisions. It is, rather, out of great care and concern for the eternity of the souls around us and of obedience to the Lord God’s commands, that these decisions have been made. We must live out the gospel. We must especially live out the gospel when it seems like it is the last thing we can do. This year has been turbulent to say the least. However, we can, as the Psalmist says, “Thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man.”

Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

No Wednesday Prayer Meeting, 11/18 and 11/25

In light of COVID restrictions for indoor gatherings at residential venues, the prayer meetings scheduled for tonight, Wednesday, November 18th, and next week, Wednesday, November 25th, are cancelled.

As an alternative to church-wide prayer tonight, we hope that you will devote the hour between 7 and 8pm to prayer and Bible study with your family or with another family in compliance with current recommendations. Consider praying through our Seven Year End Prayers for 2020 (Click here for the list of Seven Prayers).

If you are longing to gather in prayer with your brothers and sisters in Christ, join us this Sunday at 9am, in the classroom outside of the gym at Byron Baptist Church, as we pray.

Grace & Peace,
Pastor John
(You can reach Pastor John by email at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

Known COVID exposure.

In an attempt to care for you, The Village Church, as well as possible, it is my obligation to inform you that on Sunday, November 15th, 2020, we had a person present for our Sunday worship gathering who has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual had no symptoms and no reason to suspect that they were sick while present with us. However, on Sunday evening a headache and fever kicked up and the person was tested this morning (Monday, November 16). This individual was not in our nursery care area, but if you attended the Sunday, November 15th, worship gathering, it is likely that you were in contact.

I am thankful for the Lord leading us to be mindful that this could happen and for the opportunity to pray as a church for this very thing. There will be more information in the next couple of days as to how we will walk through this season together. Until then, remain fervent in prayer for our church and for local churches, as well as for those who are currently fighting this virus.

Back in March when, all of this first started, I wrote to the church and shared these verses. I offer them here again in hopes of encouraging you with the precious and great promise of God's word: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” Psalms‬ ‭56:3-4‬

Grace & Peace,
Pastor John
(You can reach Pastor John by email at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

The Village Church Regathered

In light of COVID-19 the school remains closed as a gathering place. The Byron Baptist Church has graciously offered to meet the need that we have for a place to gather.

Starting this Sunday, June 14th, at 6pm, The Village Church will begin meeting in the gym of the Byron Baptist Church (located at 410 N. Ann St., Byron, MI 48418). 

Church, give praise and glory to God for His provision! What a great, awesome, and loving God we serve, that he should provide for us in this way!

Now, a few words about what all of this means. First, Byron Baptist Church and The Village Church are two separate churches using a shared space. We have enjoyed the Lord's favor in the things we have partnered together on over the past 3 years, and now that partnership has gone to a new level. As we always have with the school, we will seek to take as good of care of the facility offered to us. Our setup will look different for awhile and a new gathering place means new ways to serve. As we are regathering after a major global health crisis, we will be taking precautions to protect the people of both churches.

• Hand sanitizer will be available.

• Contact surface touch points will be limited.

• Masks, though not be required, are perfectly acceptable if you prefer.

• There will be no nursery care or children's classes for a time.

• Maintaining a personal space of at least six feet between family groups is recommended, chairs will be preset for this.

• When we partake of the Lord's Supper, communion will be served in prepackaged sets.

• We will do our best to maintain a live stream for those worshiping from home.

• We should refrain from hand shakes and hugs as much as possible.

• The giving box will be available for your financial contributions, or you can opt to give online and eliminate that point of contact if you choose.

• If you are not feeling well, please feel free to stay home and join online if able.

• As always, operate in love toward your neighbor. No matter how you feel about any of these things for the sake of those around you, we must first love one another!

It is my earnest hope and prayer that all of these accommodations will provide enough peace of mind for everyone who is able to again join us as we gather together. If you have any questions or concerns, please, as always, feel free to contact me! Church.

Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

Regathering!

On March 8th, 2020, we gathered to worship the Lord. We prayed, I preached from 1 Corinthians 9, and not a single one of us knew that it would be the last time for an untold amount of time. Now, June 12, 2020, 96 days later, we are finally going to join together again, in person, to worship the Lord, to pray, to open the Word of God and be united as a church!

In light of COVID-19 the school remains closed as a gathering place. I shared several weeks ago that Byron Baptist Church had graciously offered to meet the need that we have for a place to gather. This past week we were able to work out the details to make that happen.

Starting this Sunday, June 14th, at 6pm, The Village Church will begin meeting in the gym of the Byron Baptist Church (located at 410 N. Ann St., Byron, MI 48418). 

Church, give praise and glory to God for His provision! What a great, awesome, and loving God we serve, that he should provide for us in this way!

Now, a few words about what all of this means. First, Byron Baptist Church and The Village Church are two separate churches using a shared space. We have enjoyed the Lord's favor in the things we have partnered together on over the past 3 years, and now that partnership has gone to a new level. As we always have with the school, we will seek to take as good of care of the facility offered to us. Our setup will look different for awhile and a new gathering place means new ways to serve. As we are regathering after a major global health crisis, we will be taking precautions to protect the people of both churches.

• Hand sanitizer will be available.

• Contact surface touch points will be limited.

• Masks, though not be required, are perfectly acceptable if you prefer.

• There will be no nursery care or children's classes for a time.

• Maintaining a personal space of at least six feet between family groups is recommended, chairs will be preset for this.

• When we partake of the Lord's Supper, communion will be served in prepackaged sets.

• We will do our best to maintain a live stream for those worshiping from home.

• We should refrain from hand shakes and hugs as much as possible.

• The giving box will be available for your financial contributions, or you can opt to give online and eliminate that point of contact if you choose.

• If you are not feeling well, please feel free to stay home and join online if able.

• As always, operate in love toward your neighbor. No matter how you feel about any of these things for the sake of those around you, we must first love one another!

It is my earnest hope and prayer that all of these accommodations will provide enough peace of mind for everyone who is able to again join us as we gather together. If you have any questions or concerns, please, as always, feel free to contact me! Church, I cannot wait to be with you! I cannot wait to unite in prayer together! I can't wait to lift our voices together in song! I feel as though I've been in a dry and desert land and now the Lord is sending rain! Praise to God and all glory to His name! I'll see you Sunday!

Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

The Church and Reopening

Solomon wrote, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven," Ecclesiastes 3:1. COVID-19, absence from one another, shelter-in-place, public gathering restrictions, and social distancing, they are all just as season. Their time was sovereignly appointed to begin. It will, by Divine plan, come to an end. Daniel blessed the name of God and in Daniel 2:21 exclaims, "He changes times and seasons;". When He changes this season, the local church will reopen and once again gather to enjoy the visual grace of God through His body, the church, and glorify His Name!

With the weather getting nicer, and curves being flattened, everyone is talking about reopening everything. And, church leaders are not exempt from that conversation. Some churches opened last weekend, some are opening this weekend, some next weekend, and some next month. Some, like us, don't yet know when they will reopen. It is my prayer, please join me, if it is God's will, that the Village will begin gathering again in the month of June. However, I don't know yet if that is what the Lord has willed, and His will is what I'm after for our church! A song I love says, "What God has willed, what God has planned, I am not skilled to understand". We are simply following the lead of the Lord in prayer for his guidance. We are in conversation with other church leaders and healthcare workers. We are listening to state and federal officials who are equipped with information that we simply do not have. We know this, when the time comes that God has appointed for the church to reopen, we will gather again.

Until then, though, I want to strongly advise and caution us to be in prayer; that God would protect our hearts, minds, mouths (and social media pages!) from casting judgement on other churches/church leaders who may make decisions that we may not agree with in reopening. Churches are going to start reopening. You may think they are premature or you may think they are too slow. You may feel jealous if others reopen and we don’t or you may feel proud if we reopen and others don’t. Be careful of all of these things! Romans 14 has been a great help and encouragement to me in this regard. It says in verse 5, "One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind." But, what is this saying to our context right now? It's saying that different men are leading different bodies in different settings and will make different decisions. Decisions that we might not necessarily agree with, but decisions that they are free to make and that we must not to stand in judgement of. I pray that church leaders everywhere are trusting God and taking counsel in this. I pray that we all desire the same thing: to glorify His Name in the reopening of our local churches. I hope, soon, to provide information about what reopening the Village Church will look like. Until then, stay in God's Word, stay in prayer, and stay in fellowship by whatever means you can!

Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

COVID-19 and Dealing With Death

Our world, or at least our nation, is in a panic about death right now. And why wouldn't they be? With news reports claiming that hundreds of thousands of people could die from COVID-19 before it's all said and done, and with daily reports of how many have died, the fear of death is front and center for the world to be concerned with. Allow me, if I may for a few moments, to share some extremely fortifying verses of Scripture with you in this time. Perhaps your fear may be eased or maybe you'll be used by the Lord to speak into someone else's life.

Eschatology, a big word with a simple meaning. The dictionary on my computer defines it this way, "the part of theology (the study of God) concerned with death, judgment, and the final destiny of the soul and of humankind." Now that sounds ominous and gloomy, and it is if you're not in right standing with God. However, don't hang your head in despair! Through the completed work of Jesus Christ on the cross and because of his resurrection that is about to be celebrated around the world, those who have by faith believed in Christ as the risen Son of God, confessing and submitting to Him as Lord can say, "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" (1 Corinthians 15:55).

Ecclesiastes 3:2 says that there is "a time to be born and a time to die." None of us imagined a world-wide pandemic virus that would be what would bring that time about for so many, but it would seem that it has. In all that he suffered, Job praised God by saying, "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." (Job 1:21). God has created and given life to every living being. As such, the lives that are being claimed by this virus are the Lord's to take away. Now personally I believe the greater fear we see now is not death itself, but rather the truth that Ecclesiastes 3:11 brings out; "he has put eternity into man's heart." We want to know what's going to happen when we die, but we reject the only truth that tells us: Gods Word! Hebrews 9:27 says, "it is appointed for man to die once and after that comes the judgement." When this life is over, we will enter into eternity. We either enter into the rest of the Lord or the torment of hell. Matthew 25:32-34, and 41, tell us that when Jesus comes, he will gather all the nations before himself and separate the people as a shepherd separates sheep from goats, placing the sheep to his right and the goats to his left. He will say to those on his right, "enter the kingdom prepared for you" and to those on his left, "depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire."

If you have read this far, don't stop. This is the precise moment that God has been leading you to. This is why those who have been saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ can say, "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" because "Death has been swallowed up in victory." The victory is over sin and death that Jesus Christ won on the cross and the curse that he broke through the power of his resurrection. This is why the world is gripped by fear right now. Not because of a virus, but because a virus has brought us face to face with a victory that we cannot achieve on our own. This victory is precisely how you can be freed from the grip of fear and further set free from the curse of sin and death! The Bible says, in Romans 10:9, "if you confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." The Gospel is that simple. Confess, believe, repent of sin and living life contrary to God, and submit to living according to His Word.

If I can answer any questions you may have or talk with you further about any of this, please contact me! My email is below, or you can call or text (989) 372-0750. Whatever it takes, I would love to talk with you about this! If while reading this you have made a decision in your life regarding Jesus Christ, please let us know! We'd love to help you along in this new journey.

Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

Encouragement Through COVID-19

Shelter-in-place. Lockdown. Quarantine. Stay home, stay safe. Whatever word you want to use for it, COVID-19 threw us another curve ball, though it shouldn't have been unexpected. 

During this time, I greatly appreciate your prayers. Knowing how to be a pastor through something that you have never experienced before is weighing heavy on me and many of the pastors I know. We are prone to the same thoughts and temptations as you. We are not above you. Many of my pastoral friends are suffering from depression, exhaustion, and, like me, a feeling of being absolutely useless. Please pray for us! However, there are so many wonderful things in my life that are helping to combat these things. The greatest of them is an increased devotion to the Lord through prayer and His Word. He is the giver and sustainer of life and turning to him will not leave the soul unsatisfied. Another is worship music, with many loud moments of singing God's praise in our home. Also among the many things that has been a great source of encouragement is you. I have been working to stay in contact with as many of you as possible throughout the week, and every time I seek to be an encouragement to you, the Lord uses you to encourage me. Whether through what He is teaching you in His Word, or you taking a moment to pray with me on the phone, or hearing about how you are contacting people throughout the church to check on one another. This blesses my heart! You have been hearing and doing what the Word of God says, loving one another, and by this the world will know that you are Christ's disciples!

Jacqueline and I long to be back together with you church! We long to sing and pray and laugh and cry and be in the Word together. When this season is passed, I pray that we have an increased devotion to one another within the beautiful, grace-filled, gathering of the church. If there is anything we can do to help you during this time, please let us know!

Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

COVID-19 & Small Groups

It was our prayer and intent that through this COVID-19 outbreak all of our small group ministries would still meet. However, this afternoon, the government and health officials have requested a tightening in the precautionary measures we as Americans are taking.

So, in light of the most recent recommendations from government and health care officials; for gatherings to be 10 or less people to help slow the spread of COVID-19; effective immediately, the elders of the church have made the difficult decision to officially halt small group gatherings until further notice. This includes Men’s, Women’s, and Young Adult Bible Studies, all Village Homes, Byron Youth Ministry involvement, and Wednesday Night Prayer.

Please stay in contact with the members of your various groups and with people throughout the church in general. Check in on them routinely and maintain as much fellowship as you can.

If you have any questions or if the church can be of any help to you, please call the church at (989) 372-0750. We are praying for you and trusting the Lord! Stay close to Him and His Word!

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” Psalms‬ ‭56:3-4‬

Grace & Peace,
Pastor John
(You can reach Pastor John at anytime via email at jwhite@thevillagemi.com.)

The Village Church During COVID-19/Coronavirus

Many have been asking what the plan will be for The Village Church going forward through this COVID-19/Coronavirus public health crisis. In order to most effectively care for you during this season, the Elders of the Village Church have made the following decisions:

• From now through April 5th, 2020, in compliance with state and local officials, there will be no regular Sunday morning gatherings of The Village Church. To continue in the weekly ministry of God’s word and prayer, we will offer an online gathering point at 10am, each Sunday, on The Village Church Facebook page (www.facebook.com/thevillagemi). You do not need facebook to watch these live videos.

• For the most up-to-date information relating to The Village Church during this season, visit www.thevillagemi.com/covid19.

• If you haven't yet, visit thevillagemi.com and signup for our weekly Village News/email distribution list so you receive email updates. Also, sign up for Village Church text alerts by texting “villagechurch” to the number 24587. This allows us to communicate critical or emergency information to you immediately. You can also stay current by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

• During this season, Village Men’s/Women’s Meetings, Village Homes, and Wednesday Night Prayer will continue. Notifications of any cancellations will be communicated as quickly as possible through the means provided above. We encourage you to utilize these small gathering outlets to stay connected with the church. Please exercise caution when attending these gatherings. If you aren’t feeling well, stay home.

• Call and check on one another. Care for one another and your neighbors. At The Village Church, we bang the drum of the two great commandments. God has given us great opportunity to show our devotion to the first (“Love the Lord Your God with all…") by living the second (“Love your neighbor as yourself”).

• When interacting with people, exercise the cautionary measures advised by health officials:

  • Wash hands frequently for 20 seconds or more with warm water and soap

  • Frequent use of hand sanitizer

  • Greet one another peaceably, but no handshakes/hugs (bring back the “peace” sign/thumbs up).

  • If you are not feeling well or don’t need to go out, stay home

  • If you start to exhibit symptoms (fever, cough, trouble breathing) seek medical attention

• If you are elderly or have serious health concerns about going out, but you need help getting groceries or other needs taken care of, please call/text the church at (989) 372-0750.

• If I can help care for you during this time by coming to visit, praying, or opening the Bible with you, please call/text the church (989) 372-0750.

• If you have any questions whatsoever, if we can help you in any way, please contact us at info@thevillagemi.com or by phone at (989) 372-0750.

• Above all, do not give in to fear. Remember that the Church is the bride of Christ. She has endured worse than quarantines and coronavirus. She will endure to the end of days because her groom, the Sovereign Lord over all things, has promised to return for her, that where He is we may be also.

It is an honor to be your pastor.

Grace & Peace,
Pastor John
(You can contact Pastor John at any time at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

Sunday, March 15, 2020, Cancellation

On Thursday afternoon, March 12th, the Byron Area School superintendent's office called to notify us that due to precautionary measures being taken at the school in connection with COVID-19, Coronavirus, we will not be able to gather this Sunday at the Byron High School.

As such, The Village Church will not gather this Sunday, March 15th, 2020.

The elders made this decision very carefully, through prayer and much counsel. We are not giving in to fear, as God has not given us a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7). We hold to the biblical truth that God is Sovereign in all things (Isaiah 46:9-10) including a global public health crisis. We are also not giving in to hysteria, as 2 Timothy 1:7 also says that God has given His children a spirit of self-control, a sound mind. At this time our small group ministries do not have plans to cancel. If that changes, we will let you know on a by case basis. Until then, plan to gather in these small settings (see Village Homes link blow for more info).

During this time, we strongly encourage increased devotion to prayer. Her are a few specific things you can pray for: 

• the light and love of Jesus Christ to shine through us during this time, leading people to the Good News of Jesus and helping to calm fear.

• the protection of our church family and community from this virus.

• wisdom for church leaders during this time

• wisdom and strength for our government leaders

I will be live on The Village Church Facebook Page on Sunday morning at 10am, Bible open, talking about faith in times of personal and public crisis. Join me at www.facebook.com/thevillagemi.com. You do not need a Facebook account to watch our live videos.

If you have any questions or would like to talk through this, please feel free to contact me by email at jwhite@thevillagemi.com or by phone at (989) 372-0750.
 
Grace & Peace,
John