Grant 
WHC Family,
Our world has drastically changed this week due to the impact of the coronavirus. I can honestly say I’ve never seen anything like this, and figuring out how to navigate it has been one of the most challenging issues I’ve ever faced.
After careful consideration, speaking with both doctors and healthcare officials in our county, and being in discussion with several other churches in town, we have decided to follow the leadership of Shawnee County Health Department and cancel our weekend services for the next two weeks. This includes LEAD Night (Monday, March 16th) and Wednesday night activities for the next two weeks. This means we will not have Sunday services on March 15th or March 22nd but will resume on March 29th. It is possible that this time frame COULD change, and we will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed along the way.
The Council and staff wrestled with this decision intensely, not wanting to give in to fear but to also be wise in regards to protecting those that may be most vulnerable to the virus. At the end of the day, we believe this is the wisest course of action. According to the CDC and Shawnee County Health Department, this two-week window is incredibly important to help prevent a potential rush on our healthcare system.
There is plenty of information on the CDC website (www.cdc.gov), but those over the age of 60, have respiratory issues, or have compromised immune systems (blood diseases, chemo/radiation treatment) are particularly at risk. A few other things the CDC is suggesting:
• Wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds or longer.
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
• Disinfect surfaces used regularly.
• Use hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol or higher.
• Avoid close contact with someone who is sick.
• Cover your mouth with corner of your elbow when coughing.
In the meantime, I’d encourage you to worship online with us at www.whillschurch.org.
I’d also encourage you to stay connected with your Connect Group (if you are healthy). I encourage you to worship together as a family. I encourage you to pray for our country and those working to end this pandemic.
I’d encourage you to spend some time in Psalm 91 this weekend. Here’s the start of the psalm:
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!”
3 For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.
5 You will not be afraid of the terror by night, Or of the arrow that flies by day.
Let’s all remember that the church is NOT a building that we meet in. The Church is the people of God on the mission of Jesus under the power of the Holy Spirit. Now more than ever we need to “be the church” to our neighbors.
Go be the church.
Grant English, on behalf of the Church Council and staff