Crossroads Baptist Church's
Update Concerning the Prayer Revival. Updated - 3/15/20 - 2:00 pm

Crossroads Baptist Church's
In-person Services are Canceled through the End of the Month. Tune into our Livestream. Update - 3/15/20 - 1:00 pm

Crossroads Baptist Church's
Coronavirus Update - 4/14/2020

Friday, March 13, 2020 - 9:26 pm

Dear Crossroads Family and Friends of Crossroads Baptist Church,

At Crossroads Baptist Church, we are committed to reaching our Peoria and this region with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We constantly work to create a safe and secure environment on our property for all of our gatherings, meetings, and activities. With the spread of the Coronavirus here in America, I wanted you to know what we are doing to ensure our building and church family is safe and protected.

Allow me to start by saying that there are no reported cases of Coronavirus in Peoria or Peoria County as of the writing of this post. The city has advised that we continue with our lives, just be smart. In compliance with the CDC, we advise that you follow standard hygiene practices to stay healthy. These practices include washing hands frequently, using hand sanitizer, covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and avoiding contact with sick individuals. These tips will also help protect you against the common cold and flu.

In these days, as we hear news reports concerning this worldwide pandemic of COVID-19, travel bans, and quarantines, it is reasonable to become somewhat fearful about what is to come. What is known about this virus and how quickly it spreads can undoubtedly cause us anxiety. But what is unknown—such as who is carrying it and if we will be exposed—can be even more distressing.

But I want to remind you that the One who sees all things, knows exactly what is going on and He is still on His throne. He says, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isa. 41:10).

God has not forgotten or forsaken us. Of course, we may wonder why God has allowed the spread of COVID-19, and we may not know this side of heaven. But what we can do is realize how tenuous and precious this life is and how much we need the One who is so much greater than we are to help us.

With this in mind, we, at Crossroads Baptist Church, will be having services this Sunday in accordance with our regular schedule.  Sunday School at 10:00 am, Sunday Morning Service at 11:00 am, and the Sunday Evening Service at 6:00 pm.  With this in mind, we would ask that anyone who may have come into contact with someone infected with the Coronavirus in the past 14 days, or anyone who is exhibiting symptoms of the virus to please tune into our livestream from home.  Those that are 60 and above, or anyone with a compromised immune system – we leave that choice to your discretion; but please know that we understand if you choose not to come and watch online.

For all who will be in attendance on Sunday, personal contact must remain at a minimum. Limiting contact includes eliminating shaking hands, connect cards, and passing the offering plate. You can remain faithful to your financial commitment whether you participate in our service at home or in person by following the instructions at crossroadspeoria.life/give or mailing your offering to:

Crossroads Baptist Church

9600 N Broadway St.

Peoria, IL  61615  

We will constantly reassess the situation to see if any further steps need to be taken.

This current outbreak is presenting our region, state, and nation with an extraordinary set of circumstances. But God also gives us an incredible command—to worship our Saviour, Jesus Christ. In his kindness, we can do that together both in person, and through the Internet. I look forward to this Sunday as we sing together, pray together, and hear the Word of God preached together even if we’re not all in the same room.

We will continue to keep you updated on social media, our website, and through church-wide emails as we make plans in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

I love you all. I am most privileged to pastor the most wonderful membership in America. I am attempting to keep the doors open at the church. People are going to grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants and other stores. It only seems right that if we can go to these places, then why would we avoid the House of God during these times of crisis? Again, we understand for those who do not have peace about coming to the public services. You have my blessing to do what God prompts you to do. How very thankful I am in the day that we live, you may now live-stream the services. Praise the Lord!

President Trump has called on the nation to observe a National Day of Prayer on Sunday, March 15th.  Crossroads Baptist Church will be participating in this effort in each of our service.  However, we do not need to wait until Sunday to pray for our nation and the world.  So please join me in crying out to God during this time and ask for His protection, His healing, and His mercy on us.

"Our Gracious Heavenly Father, how grateful we are that You are God, and nothing is impossible for You. Lord, I come before You concerning this COVID-19 virus and ask that You would absolutely stop it in its tracks. We ask You to do this in a miraculous way, Lord. But we also know You are the One who inspires medical researchers to invent medications, vaccines, and therapies. So, if You should choose to end COVID-19 in that way, all the glory and honor remain Yours in abundance.  

For every person who is currently infected, please do not allow this condition to advance further or become dangerous, Lord, but cleanse their bodies and heal them completely. Give them the courage, strength, and grace to face it. And for those who have not been exposed, put a shield of protection around them and give them wisdom in how to avoid it. We also pray for everyone who has already lost a loved one, asking You to comfort them.

Lord God, we pray for all the doctors, nurses, and medical staff around the world who are bravely working to cure those infected with COVID-19. Thank You, Lord, for the gifts You have given them and the way You will work through them. Protect them and bless them for their service.

Lord, we thank You for caring about each of Your children individually, personally, profoundly, and sacrificially. Thank You for taking account of every hair on our heads and every cell in our bodies. Please give us all wisdom, patience, endurance, and sensitivity for the days and weeks to come. Help us to learn whatever You desire to teach us. And whatever may come, Father, may we love You and love each other more through it.  

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen." —Pastor Peters