University Blog

Covid-19 Update

Posted by Rev. Ben Trammell on

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?...  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?... 


No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

Paul to the church in Rome (and San Antonio)


Friends,


Decisions made out of an abundance of caution are beneficial as communities attempt to slow the spread and limit the harm of Covid-19. I totally understand the phrasing and why it is popular but I am writing to you about being guided by an abundance of faith.


What does it look like in the present moment to make decisions out of an abundance of faith?


It looks like the people of University who are already working on how to feed kids who depend on meals at school if they close. It looks like the visitation ministry people who getting creative to do all we can to make sure that isolation doesn’t mean being lonely and feeling unloved. It looks like washing your hands because hope is the only contagion we wish to spread. It looks like the health care workers who run towards a danger that the rest of us flee because this is who God made them to be.


Sunday at University will look like a congregation gathered virtually by live stream rather than together in the same physical space. We will continue to monitor developments but extensive conversations with health professionals and lots of prayer have us convinced that for the moment this is the best course of action for us to take as a community. Wednesday night dinner will not occur this week and where appropriate Bible study and other programming will move online or be rescheduled. The building will remain open during the week and small gatherings (50 people or less) will occur as hygiene and health allow (If you have specific questions reach out to the leaders of your ministry or to the church office).


We do not do this out of an abundance of caution but out of the abundance of faith that God is with us. I am convinced that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ. We are not afraid, we are on a mission. So we do not panic but we do plan on how best to lean into the mission we joined and love the people we have been sent to.


Nothing stops the mission. Not when nothing in all of creation fails to stop the love God. Not fear, not viruses, not even death can separate us from the love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.


We need each other, prayer and the grace of God now and always. If you, a family or a vulnerable neighbor requires support don’t hesitate to let us know.


It is a sacred honor to serve as your pastor
Ben


For the most up-to-date information about how University is responding during this time you can visit our website at UniversitySATX.Org/Covid-19-Updates

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