Prairie Baptist Church

Noblesville, Indiana

March 13, 2020

Dear members and friends of Prairie Baptist Church,

In light of the ongoing and escalating Corona virus pandemic, we have decided to cancel our Sunday (3-15) and Wednesday (3-18) services this week.

After much prayer and discussion with our deacons and local pastors, we have decided canceling to be the wisest course of action. 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us that “…God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” We certainly do not want to act in untrusting fear, but we also do not want to make rash and unthoughtful decisions. The word translated self-control in 2 Tim 1:7 carries with it the idea of soundness of mind and prudence. We want to trust our Lord, and we want to make the most prudent decisions possible. Since it is not fully known how dangerous this virus is, nor is it known who in the community is infected, we want to do all we can to protect our members and friends.

Cancellation will be a week-by-week decision. We are praying that the pandemic will subside sooner rather than later. We will keep you informed of any future cancellations.

During the upcoming week, I will contact as many members of our congregation as possible to check in and pray with you. Canceling church services does not come easily for me. In truth, I hate it, but as I’ve gotten to know the people of Prairie Baptist, I have grown to love and trust you all. I am confident that our church will get through this moment in time and emerge ready to worship our Lord Jesus Christ and proclaim His Gospel to this community.

Whether or not we can physically meet together in the next few weeks, remember that all believers share a unity and closeness that only comes from Christ. Romans 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

Please be praying for God’s grace and mercy on our community during this time. Also be praying that God will use this time to prepare hearts to receive the Gospel.

With love in Christ,

Pastor Alan Muxlow