Frigid weather has made its way into our part of the country as we begin 2025. Anymore it seems that some congregations will cancel services just at the threat of bad weather. Some will post on Facebook urging brethren to visit with them if the congregation where they worship has canceled services. Someone posted these words: “We may doze, but we don’t close.”

            Sometimes it happens that a snow or an ice storm hits in close proximity to Sunday, and some wonder if we will cancel services. Typically, under such conditions we find that businesses, schools and churches will cancel their services and activities. These cancelations are readily displayed on the local news channels. Sometimes churches will cancel their Bible classes or worship services, and it turns out that the expected storm is not nearly as bad as anticipated. Sometimes a weather system passes north or south of your location, and you don’t get what was expected. It is not unusual for the storms that impact us the most to be the ones that we didn’t really see coming.

            Over the years the Mabelvale elders have made it their policy not to cancel Bible classes or worship services during times of inclement weather conditions. One exception to this, in my memory, was on Sunday, January 14, 2024. That Sunday a three inch snow hit Little Rock. High temperatures were in the twenties. The elders canceled PM services. They knew that some people would try to get out and judged it unsafe for them to do so. It is a judgment call that the elders take seriously.

           Generally, and in most cases, if you can make it to classes or services, then you will find the doors open when you arrive. If you cannot make it you are encouraged to stay home and not put yourself at risk on icy roads. Please employ good judgment and common sense. Above all it is a choice that each member here must make for him or herself as to what they will do.

          The Mabelvale church will not cancel worship services or Bible classes at the threat of bad weather. If bad weather occurs the elders may elect to make a change and ask people to stay home for a Sunday PM service or Wednesday night meeting. Under such conditions, when we are meeting, we welcome other brethren from the area that are impacted by weather related closures where they worship. Please visit with us at Mabelvale. You will find us warm and welcoming!