COVID-19
A message from Pastor Ryan
Central Church Family
We have some good news to share with you today!
Today we learned from Governor Reynolds that some of the restrictions regarding churches in Iowa have been lifted beginning May 1st.
Now, while I’m super excited to beginning meeting, we will not begin this weekend. HOWEVER, we are making plans to meet within the recommended guidelines beginning Saturday May 9th!
Over the next 2 weeks, we will be preparing the church building to host you in the safest way possible. And while we do not know exactly what that looks like today, I can assure you we will have a plan in place over the next several days.
We have said from the beginning that we are in this together. As we all consider what it takes to make a Weekend Experience here at Central the best possible experience for everyone, we will need lots of help. We will be making announcements as soon as we get plans in place in ways you can step in and help us so watch your email and Facebook closely.
Over the coming days please continue to pray for our church and the churches around us.
Pray and check on those in our circles who feel isolated, anxious, angry or scared – point them to our website and online services.
Pray, serve and encourage our healthcare officials who are in the front lines caring, treating and showing compassion to the sick. Pray for our representatives sharing news through national CDC and local health facilities and making difficult decisions.
Reflect Jesus in all you do. In these days of uncertainty and ever-changing circumstances, shine and share the love of Jesus. Show the world our faith in the One who can be trusted in this pandemic.
If there is anything we can do to assist you in this time, please ask. If you need prayer, please reach out. We are here for you!
The best is yet to come!
-Pastor Ryan
Ways To Help
Volunteer
Give Online
You can quickly and easily give financially to support Central's response to the COVID-19 crisis.
Pray
Prayer is a powerful tool that God has given us to seek peace, wisdom, and courage in the face of fear and confusion. Here are some ideas for prayers you can pray today and throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
Pray Against Fear
All Powerful One, you spoke the universe into existence. You laid the earth’s foundation. Because of you, Lord, the sun rises and the sun sets each day. You are in control over all things. You are my comfort. I pray that your perfect peace, which is beyond understanding, overcomes all fear in this time of uncertainty. Jesus, there is power in your name, so I confidently declare victory over worry, doubt, and anxiety. I look to you and you alone as my source of hope. Amen.
“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
Pray for the Sick and Vulnerable
Mighty God, you are more powerful than any pandemic. There is no virus, no sickness, and no pain that you cannot overcome. You are our Healer and Protector. Jesus, we know through your Holy Spirit you have given sight to the blind, made the paralyzed walk, healed the sick, and resurrected the dead. You have conquered the grave. So Lord, it is with bold faith that I pray for miraculous healing and protection over all who have contracted COVID-19 and those who are most susceptible to infection. Father, even when it is difficult to make sense of the current circumstances our world faces, I will put my trust in you and praise your name. Amen.
“O Lord, if you heal me, I will be truly healed; if you save me, I will be truly saved. My praises are for you alone!” – Jeremiah 17:14
Pray for Those Who Are Searching for Answers or Seeking God
Heavenly Father, you work all things for good. You do not waste a single pain or sorrow. Your light outshines the darkness of disease. Lord, in times of trouble, people fall to their knees looking for answers. Empty and broken hearts are searching for you right now. Reveal yourself, Lord. I pray that your glory and your goodness would be put on display for the world to see in the midst of this global health crisis so that more people will come to know Jesus. Amen.
“For God, who said, ‘Let there be light in the darkness,’ has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 4:6
Pray for Public Health Officials, Governments, and Healthcare Workers
Holy Spirit, you are the One who gives us strength and knowledge. Lord, you guide the hearts and the minds of your children. You uniquely position people according to the gifts and abilities you give them. I pray that you point public health officials to a vaccine for COVID-19, guide government officials around the world as they make tough decisions, and help healthcare workers as they tend to the sick. God, I pray that those who are leading the charge against this pandemic would look to you for direction. Bless and protect them, Father. Amen.
“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” – 1 Timothy 2:1–2