ICG, PCG, COGWA, UCG, LCG, CGI, and CCOG on Sabbath services

© CCOG

In his newsletter last night, ICG’s Mark Armstrong had the following:

“Lock-down” is prison jargon for solitary confinement. Now it’s being used to describe mandatory quarantining for citizens told to “shelter in place.” Some states are promising fines and prosecutions for those who disobey. …

We’ve had to make decisions regarding church services, and here’s our position. Out of respect for President Trump and Governor Abbott of Texas, we’re going to honor their request or order as the case may be, to limit gatherings to ten people or less. We intend to hold a “skeleton crew” Sabbath service here in Tyler, asking most of the congregation to stay home. We expect to have the bare minimum on hand for the service in order to keep current sermons and updates going out via DVD, and we also make the current sermons available on Youtube.

We hope the authorities know what they’re doing. Maybe it’s prudent to wreck the economy on account of this virus, but time will tell. There’s no doubt that people who’ve held their wealth in the stock market are getting hammered. Their only hope is to ride this thing out and hope that the market “takes off like a rocket” (as the President has suggested) once the all-clear is sounded. Assuming it ever is.

Pardon our skepticism, but after being flimflammed by mainstream outlets telling one monstrous whopper after another until their credibility hit rock bottom, it’s not easy to swallow the fear they’re selling. But it looks as though the President and many state governors have bought into the necessity of quarantining nearly the entire population in the hope that the contagion will be brought under control. …

Those trusting in God are not given to fear. That’s our story, and we’re sticking to it.

Mark

Banned by HWA reports that PCG is basically leaving the question of Sabbath services up to local leaders in the USA and the UK.

COGWA (see COGWA cancels Sabbath services) and UCG (see UCG is suspending Sabbath services in the United States and abroad for at least the next two weekends) have basically cancelled many of their Sabbath services. LCG cancelled some last week (see LCG cancels Sabbath services) and more this week. CGI has recommended cancelling Sabbath services (see CGI Medina Sabbath services and coronavirus annoucement).

CCOG has not seen the need to cancel Sabbath services, though it allows leaders to assess the situation in their respective countries and local groups (see CCOG church services announcement).

Regarding ‘fear,’ that Mark Armstrong closed his newsletter about, in its Letter to the Brethren: March 19, 2020 the Continuing Church of God had the following related to COVID-19 and fear:

Because of fear of spreading COVID-19, the Five Cities school district cancelled all classes effective this past Monday. There are school closures throughout the USA, Africa (including Kenya), and Europe (including Serbia). Many countries have also declared a ‘state of emergency.’

Yesterday, officials declared a shelter-in-place requirement for San Luis Obispo County (where I am writing this from) and stated that ‘non-essential’ businesses are to be shut down today. This was also done in many other counties in California a few days ago. …

Several counties in California have essentially put people on quarantine, and now everyone in France is supposed to do some type of filled out form in order to travel outside of their homes (see AP: Government issues historic restrictions amid virus outbreak; Form now needed to leave your house in France).

The restrictions on movement and the discouragement of physical cash because of COVID-19 are paving the way for the acceptance of the 666 Beast and total government financial control. Now, however, as Jesus said, “do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet” (Mark 13:7). Jesus also said:

33 … In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33b)

32 Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32)

While you should take reasonable precautions, you do not need to fear. …

With all the reality and hype about COVID-19 (the novel coronavirus) going around, the following came to mind:

1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23)

Brethren, trust God, for we are destined to “dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

At risk of repeat, remember that Jesus said “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).

For more CCOG announcements, including international events and a suggested Sabbath service for those scattered who cannot physically attend services, please read the Letter to the Brethren: March 19, 2020.