Hello Foothills Family,

We are living in the midst of a global healthcare crisis that is impacting all of our lives. People feel anxious, confused and fearful, and some are facing a financial impact.

On Monday the Church Staff met to make plans for the ministry of the church in light of the most recent recommendations from Gov. Ducey regarding COVID-19. About one hour later, the White House and CDC announced, “The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America.”

You can find those guidelines online at whitehouse.gov. One of those guidelines was of particular importance to us:

• Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.

A key point in the President’s statement reads, “Even if you are young, or otherwise healthy, you are at risk and your activities can increase the risk for others. It is critical that you do your part to slow the spread of the coronavirus.”

And so, not out of fear for ourselves, but out of love for our neighbors and one another we regret to announce that we are suspending the public gatherings of our congregation beginning today through Friday, April 3. Specifically, that means 3 things:

First, all Foothills Groups, Women’s Bible Study, Men’s Bible Study are suspended through April 3.

Second, Wednesday night activities are suspended on March 18, 25 and April 1.

Third, we will not gather as a congregation for worship in our facility on Sunday March 22, and 29.

However, we want you to gather as a family to worship at home on Sunday March 22 and March 29. On our website we will provide a video including a pastoral prayer, the sermon and prompts to pray together, as well as links to selected songs so that you can sing together! In addition, during this time, we will provide some simple, clear content for families to use to have faith conversations during your meal-times together.

We have also established a newsfeed page on our website, that will keep you up to date with any and all changes in this fluid situation.

We’re sure you’ll have questions, so please go online, read this statement and check out the FAQ’s. If you still have questions or any needs, please call us at the office or write to elders@foothillsbaptist.org. We are ready to serve you.

Seasons of uncertainty mark all our lives in this world. In Joshua 1, the children of Israel were ready to enter the Promised Land when Moses, their leader died. In the midst of all that uncertainty God called Joshua to step in and lead, and God promised, “Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.” When our lives fill up with uncertainties, our sovereign God hasn’t left us alone. He is with us, he is in control, and the uncertainties of life are tools of His loving purpose to demonstrate his faithfulness and shape us more and more into the image of our Savior, Jesus.

So face this season with faith, and hope by acting on the words of the Apostle Paul, “do not be anxious about anything, 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 in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:6-7

We love you church family and we are praying for you. Remember, to care for one another and be sensitive to opportunities to speak to others about the hope that we have in Jesus!

In Christ’s love,

Your Elder Team