Welcome to First United Reformed Church!

Calling and Equipping God's People for Worship and Service

Please see the updated letter below from our Consistory.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

            At our meeting on Tuesday, March 17, the consistory spent a considerable amount of time discussing COVID-19 and the government regulations regarding public gatherings.  We sought to balance the importance of the public worship of God with our calling to be loving toward our neighbors and also to properly submit to the governing authorities.

            After much deliberation, the consistory has decided to suspend all public church activities (including Cadets, GEMS, SHEILD, Faith Core, all Bible studies, family visiting, and in-person worship services) through Saturday, April 4.

            We have taken this action in a desire to submit to and help both State and County authorities, in keeping with the fifth commandment, who are urging us not to meet for the sake of public health.  We also desire to protect the most vulnerable among us and demonstrate love to our neighbor in keeping with the sixth commandment.  We desire to maintain a good witness for Jesus Christ, in keeping with the response of other churches in our federation.  If we were to continue to meet and that contributed in any way to the harm or death of our neighbors, we would bring dishonor to God’s name on account of our actions.

            We will continue to broadcast our worship services via Live Stream.  We encourage all individuals and families to gather in their homes around the preaching of the word on Sunday morning and Sunday evening.  If you need any assistance in how to set up Live Stream, please contact your district elder.

            The deacons conferenced on Thursday night, March 19.  They are ready and willing to offer assistance to members of our congregation affected by the virus, whether that be needing immediate help in acquiring basic supplies (groceries, etc.), or more long-term help for those whose jobs have been affected.  Please reach out to them with any needs that you have.

            Part of our worship is bringing tithes and offerings to our God.  Obviously, without meeting in person, this becomes more difficult.  The deacons encourage you to continue your regular giving to the work of the Lord.  Offerings can be sent via the postal service or by dropping then off at church.  The church now has a secure locking mailbox to safeguard our mail and affords the option for offerings to be deposited any day at any time.  You can also bring offerings to the church office during office hours (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Tuesday – Friday). 

You can also give via PayPal on our website (ChinoURC.org), by clicking the “Give” link at the top of the home page.  Please designate which offering(s) you are contributing to with a note; anything not marked will be allocated to the general budget.  Continuing to give will allow the deacons to continue to minister to those who are in need.

            Offering Schedule:

            3/15     AM:     General Budget & Inland Care Fund
                        PM:     Mid-America Reformed Seminary

            3/22     AM:     General Budget & Providence Christian College
                         PM:     Ligonier Ministries

            3/29     AM:     General Budget & Faith Promise Missions
                         PM:     Cadets National

            The consistory will meet again on March 31 to access the situation.  We hope at that time that no further measures will need to be taken and that we will resume our regular church schedule with worship services on April 5.  Please watch your e-mail and the church website for further updates.

            Be assured that these measures are not being taken out of panic or fear.  Instead, recognizing the threat posed by the transmission of this disease and in an abundance of caution, the consistory wants to ensure that the word of God continues to be proclaimed while also ensuring that the governmental authority which God has set in place is being honored.

            While we may be separated physically, we encourage you to continue to hold one another in prayer and to call each other with words of encouragement.  Also, please consider how we can reach out with the love of Christ to our neighbors by performing deeds of love and kindness toward them.

            Our God is a sovereign God.  He reigns over all things.  In his love and mercy, he holds us in the palm of his hand.

In His Service,

The Consistory