March 25, 2020
Dear Church Family,
I hope this letter finds you and your family doing well. During these trying times, it is important that we seek God’s grace and wisdom as a church family. The Bible teaches us to support and pray for our government, elected officials and those who are in authority over us. (“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” Romans 13:1) Given the public gathering restrictions being put in place to help diminish the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we are temporarily suspending in-person church services and are supplementing them with online sermons and Bible study lessons.
Even though we are not meeting in person, we must continue to support our church with tithes and offerings. Many of you are already doing this by dropping off or mailing in your tithes and offerings. (Checks can be mailed to Fowler Avenue Baptist Church at P.O. Box 16217, Tampa, FL 33687.) Let us be reminded of 2 Corinthians 9:6-8: “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. {7} Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. {8} And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” We cannot out give God!
Since we are not able to fellowship in person, let us encourage one another by phone calls, cards, emails, etc. Continue to pray for our President, our local and state leaders, first responders and healthcare workers, our church family and for opportunities to show Christ’s love during this challenging time. We can be a shining light during this season! (“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16)
We are praying for you and your family and are here for you if you need us.
Yours In His Service,
Theron Chewning, Pastor
Fowler Avenue Baptist Church
