pastor's corner - May 3rd, 2020
Dear Victorious Life Church Members,
Over the past 45 days our lives were altered. New phrases such as “social distancing”, “flatten the cure”, “community spread”, and “N95 respirators” are now a part of our everyday vocabulary. However, the power of God, the leadership of the Holy Spirit, and the gospel of Jesus Christ have not changed. Hebrews 13.8 states, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Jesus encourages with these words from Matthew 24.35, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” Regardless of the uncertainty we face day in and day out, the Rock, Christ Jesus has not moved.
It is time for us to gather again, beginning Wednesday, May 6th with some slight, temporary modifications for adult mid-week and Ignited Uth. We will continue to meet together on Sundays and Wednesdays, including next Sunday, May 10th for worship, the preaching of the Word, and fellowship.
After consulting with the Pastors, as well as medical professionals, the following adjustments need to be observed through June 15th, 2020:
For continued risk reduction:
Furthermore, please stay home and join us online as we stream VLC LIVE or a future service if:
Additionally, for the month of May, there will be no children’s church on Sundays, but will resume Sunday, June 7th. Wednesday night Boys and Girls club will restart Wednesday, May 20th, primarily focusing on outdoor activities. By Wednesday, July 1st we anticipate all Children’s services, elementary, pre-school, and nursery back up and running.
Now is the time to encourage, evangelize, engage, and do exploits. We do not shrink back, but we rise up to make an impact in our community.
In His Service,
Pastor Craig
Over the past 45 days our lives were altered. New phrases such as “social distancing”, “flatten the cure”, “community spread”, and “N95 respirators” are now a part of our everyday vocabulary. However, the power of God, the leadership of the Holy Spirit, and the gospel of Jesus Christ have not changed. Hebrews 13.8 states, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Jesus encourages with these words from Matthew 24.35, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” Regardless of the uncertainty we face day in and day out, the Rock, Christ Jesus has not moved.
It is time for us to gather again, beginning Wednesday, May 6th with some slight, temporary modifications for adult mid-week and Ignited Uth. We will continue to meet together on Sundays and Wednesdays, including next Sunday, May 10th for worship, the preaching of the Word, and fellowship.
After consulting with the Pastors, as well as medical professionals, the following adjustments need to be observed through June 15th, 2020:
For continued risk reduction:
- Disinfect flat surfaces prior to each service
- Designated hand sanitation areas at each entrance
- Maintain proper social distancing with at least 6 feet (3 chairs) between family units
- Adhere to personal hygiene guidelines
- Masks are strongly encouraged through May 18th
- Utilize personal judgement on greetings including handshakes and hugs
Furthermore, please stay home and join us online as we stream VLC LIVE or a future service if:
- Running a temperature
- Displaying flu-like symptoms
- Exposed to a positive COVID-19 individual
- Recently traveled to a “hot spot” area
- Concerned due to “at-risk” age or health factors
Additionally, for the month of May, there will be no children’s church on Sundays, but will resume Sunday, June 7th. Wednesday night Boys and Girls club will restart Wednesday, May 20th, primarily focusing on outdoor activities. By Wednesday, July 1st we anticipate all Children’s services, elementary, pre-school, and nursery back up and running.
Now is the time to encourage, evangelize, engage, and do exploits. We do not shrink back, but we rise up to make an impact in our community.
In His Service,
Pastor Craig
pastor's corner - april 3rd, 2020
Dear Victorious Life Church Members,
The risk of contracting COVID-19 though low has increased in the last several weeks, with 10 confirmed cases in Reno County. We continue to monitor the community impact of this virus. The President extended national social distancing guidelines through the end of April. Additionally the Governor implemented a statewide shelter in place starting Monday, March 30th. This pandemic has impacted all our lives in one form or another.
For the last few weeks have inquired of the Lord daily to ensure I hear clearly and respond proactively. The Lord warned me not to take this virus lightly, nor to overreact, but lean on Him for wisdom. After meeting with Pastor Jim and Pastor Nathan, I have decided to temporarily suspend ALL services at Victorious Life Church until the statewide shelter in place is lifted.
I do not take this decision lightly, and understand some may disagree. However, I have peace with God that this is the right decision for now and feel the church has a part to play in decreasing the spread of this disease through prayer, wisdom, and action.
Though there is distance among our members, it does not mean isolation. Engagement requires effort. The ministry team will engage with recorded worship and sermon for this Sunday. Additionally, we will publish resources for our children. Keep an eye out at www.vlcministries.net, the VLC app, and Facebook page for updates as we have more information. Thank you in advance for your patience. This is not ideal, but we will focus on what we can do rather than the things we can’t do.
I am not afraid, nor am I foolish. Fear will not control us, but we will continue to practice good wisdom. The impact of this virus will reverberate far beyond the next few weeks. Take this time to examine your heart. Pray for your family, friends, and nation. Above all, keep your eyes on Jesus.
•Have faith in God
•Walk in the Spirit
•Proclaim Peace
Joshua 1.9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Philippians 4.6-9 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
In His Service,
Pastor Craig
pastor's corner - march 21st, 2020
Regardless of the season, it's still a great day for victory.
Dear Victorious Life Church Family,
The past couple weeks have been filled with uncertainty, unwanted stress, and pressure we could not imagine. The endless updates and more heavily, the unknowns of personal, family, community and national impacts adds to the difficulties of our times. To those doing well, pray for those who aren't. To those not doing well, lean upon the everlasting arms of Jesus.
I am charged by the Holy Spirit to preach the Word, be instant in season and out of season. To equip the saints for the working of the ministry. I intend to do so, do so well, and do so for a long time. As of right NOW, we will have services tomorrow morning. We will worship rather than worry. We will praise rather than panic. Above all we will love the Lord our God with all our heart, our soul, our mind, and strength.
To our family and friends who are unable to attend for any reason, catch up when tomorrow's sermon is uploaded. We look forward to the next time we are together. The doors will be open, there is a seat for you, and it will be a great day.
Recently the Reno County Health Department released an update on the limit of public gatherings. Pastor Nate and I reviewed. At this time houses of worship are exempt with the caveat that we practice proper social distancing, which we will. When attending tomorrow am, let's leave 2-3 chair between family units to give the proper space.
Let's practice wisdom. If you are running a temperature, stay home. If your Dr. recommends you stay home, stay home. We will disinfect flat surfaces, use hand sanitizer, practice good hygiene, and allow for social distancing to do our part to reduce the spread of this virus.
Let's pray for our health professionals. They are physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted. All of which I have the highest of regard for.
Let's pray for our children, who embark on a journey of online learning. They don't understand, nor should they, but their lives are upside down.
Let's pray for our families. Some face uncertain job situations or other employment challenges.
Let's pray for our President and his advisers. Now more than ever, they need wisdom, direction, discernment, and determination.
The gates of hell will NOT prevail against the Church.
In His Service,
Pastor Craig
pastor's corner - march 19th, 2020
Dear Victorious Life Church Members,
In light of uncertainty in our families, community, and nation, the April 3rd & 4th, DRENCHED Women's Conference is cancelled. After careful consideration and heartfelt prayer, the prudent decision was to take the event off the calendar. Mary Schulte is working diligently with Ana and her team to find a date in the future.
Habakuk 2.3
For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
Because it will surely come,
It will not tarry.
Keep an eye out for future update.
In His Service,
Pastor Craig
In light of uncertainty in our families, community, and nation, the April 3rd & 4th, DRENCHED Women's Conference is cancelled. After careful consideration and heartfelt prayer, the prudent decision was to take the event off the calendar. Mary Schulte is working diligently with Ana and her team to find a date in the future.
Habakuk 2.3
For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
Because it will surely come,
It will not tarry.
Keep an eye out for future update.
In His Service,
Pastor Craig
pastor's corner - march 14th, 2020
Dear Victorious Life Church Members,
While the risk of contracting COVID-19 remains low, with no confirmed cases in Reno County, we cannot ignore the recommendations of federal, state, and local officials. Generally our services are under the recommended 100-person public event limit maximum, but that does not absolve us from implementing protocols to reduce exposure to our members, especially young children, elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. Several of our members serve in health care as nurses, administrators, and employees. Also, members may care for or live with “at-risk” individuals. I want to emphasize, we STAND in FAITH and at the same time we use WISDOM.
After meeting with Pastor Jim, as well as consulting elder care and nursing professionals, I have decided the wise course of action is to temporarily adjust services.
To reduce risk:
Additionally, please stay home and join us at a later service if:
I am not afraid, nor am I foolish. Fear will not control us, but we will practice good wisdom.
2 Timothy 1.7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.
Proverbs 3.21 My son, let them not depart from your eyes—Keep sound wisdom and discretion
In His Service,
Pastor Craig
While the risk of contracting COVID-19 remains low, with no confirmed cases in Reno County, we cannot ignore the recommendations of federal, state, and local officials. Generally our services are under the recommended 100-person public event limit maximum, but that does not absolve us from implementing protocols to reduce exposure to our members, especially young children, elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. Several of our members serve in health care as nurses, administrators, and employees. Also, members may care for or live with “at-risk” individuals. I want to emphasize, we STAND in FAITH and at the same time we use WISDOM.
After meeting with Pastor Jim, as well as consulting elder care and nursing professionals, I have decided the wise course of action is to temporarily adjust services.
To reduce risk:
- Disinfect flat surfaces prior to each service
- Designate hand sanitation areas at each entrance
- Encourage hand washing prior to snacks and after restroom use
- Utilize personal judgement on greetings including handshakes and hugs
- Respect personal space
Additionally, please stay home and join us at a later service if:
- Running a temperature
- Displaying flu-like symptoms
- Concerned due to “at-risk” age or health factors
I am not afraid, nor am I foolish. Fear will not control us, but we will practice good wisdom.
2 Timothy 1.7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.
Proverbs 3.21 My son, let them not depart from your eyes—Keep sound wisdom and discretion
In His Service,
Pastor Craig