Dear ICV Congregation, In its efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19, the federal government has asked churches in Austria to refrain from all gatherings until around Easter.

This now includes gatherings of under 100 people. The government and churches (including the Freikirche Österreich) are calling for these extraordinary precautions in order to protect the elderly and vulnerable of health. In light of this, and in order to safeguard the wellbeing of congregants, ICV will not hold Sunday services until April 5.

Instead, we plan to record the sermons and make them available online for viewing. During this time, we ask the church to:

Remain watchful in prayer.
Limit your social contact.
Fellowship in Life Groups via tele-conferencing.
Continue your giving to the church.

Thank you for your steadfastness in Christ. Just a few thoughts to encourage and challenge us all…

This is not a time for any of us to be passive in our faith just because the church services and meetings have been suspended for the coming weeks.

Our church can be an active part of the solution in containing the Coronavirus rather than adding to the problem itself by supporting the government mandates.

Romans 13 tells us:

“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God…The authorities are God’s servants sent for your good…So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience” (vv. 1, 4-5).

In challenging times, the body of Christ shines the brightest and this is an opportunity for us to love and pray for each other and find ways to minister to those around us in creative ways.

Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica:

“So then, brothers and sister, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word” (2 Thess 2:15-17).

As we will not be collecting tithes and offerings for the next several weeks, please consider giving during this season through online bank transfers.

We still need and very much appreciate your support.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the elders at elders@chapel.at.

With our hope set on Christ,

ICV Elders/Leadership Team

Bank Transfer Info:
IBAN – AT16 2011 1826 4420 2800
BIC - GIBAATWWXXX

letter from elders on covid-19