Dear Ford Family,

This morning a communication was sent out to all sites of Madison church regarding COVID-19 and our response to guidance from the CDC, Governor Whitmer, and our classis.  As that communication noted, Madison Church will not be gathering on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings for our regularly scheduled ministries.  

Specifically for the Ford Campus, we have also been notified by GRPS that, effectively immediately and continuing until further notice, we will not be able to use the Ford school for gatherings on Sundays.

Although we will not be able to gather physically at this time, this is a critical time for us to be the hands and feet of Christ to support one another, stay connected, and respond to any needs that arise.  To that end, we strongly encourage you to do the following:

• Online Updates – As a community, we will continue to explore online avenues that can help us connect as we navigate this challenge together. Be sure to check your email, visit our website, like and follow the Ford Facebook page.  These possibilities may include video check-ins from leadership, devotionals, worship streaming, etc. 
• Pastoral Care – If you are in need of pastoral care at this time, please email our Pastoral Care Coordinator, Ann Webster fordpastoralcare@madisonsquarechurch.org.  Please be sure to indicate if you are in need of special care, or if you are willing to help those who are more vulnerable (e.g. dropping off groceries for someone in need)
• Common Tables - Due to the quickly changing nature of community health precautions, we are pausing the physical gathering of common table groups, but will be using these groups as bases for community care. If you are in a common table group, please be intentional about reaching out remotely to one another. If you are not already connected to a common table, please sign up here. 
• Continue to give - We need to continue to support the operations of our church through tithes and offerings online, available here.
• Free Screening - Call your doctor if you experience symptoms. There are also some free virtual screening programs for all individuals in the state of Michigan. Including Spectrum Health’s COVID-19 hotline you can call 616-391-2380 to schedule a free virtual screening. 

In the midst of this all we want to be known as a church that spreads the Gospel of Jesus through courage, radical generosity, faith, and love.  Help watch kids, serve meals, check in on the elderly in your community, and let’s live out Philippians 2:3-4, “Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” 

I leave you with a prayer for "times of war, or of great anxiety, or of disaster" from the Book of Common Prayer: 

Look mercifully, O Father, on our infirmities; and, for the glory of your Name, rescue us from all those evils we now endure; and grant that in all our troubles we may put our whole trust and confidence in your mercy, serving you in holiness and purity of life, to your honor and glory; through our only Mediator and Advocate, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Grace and peace,

On Behalf of the Ford Council and Staff, 

Pastor Brad

For any further questions, please contact fordcouncil@madisonsquarechurch.org