COEUR d'ALENE — The founding pastor of a Coeur d'Alene church has been diagnosed with the coronavirus.

Rather than keep it under wraps, Candlelight Christian Fellowship posted this notice on its website:

"We are sorry to report that Pastor Paul Van Noy and his wife Brenda have contracted COVID-19. We know our God is in control, and we trust in His sovereign purposes."

Paul Van Noy was hospitalized Friday, while Brenda was home and doing better.

Several people at the Hitching Post on Friday prayed for Van Noy and for his recovery.

Candlelight, at 5725 N. Pioneer Drive, canceled its Wednesday and Sunday services and is closed until Tuesday "to slow the potential spread of COVID-19 and to assess our need in our church community — and here in our city. Please pray for Pastor Paul and his wife Brenda."

All building ministry activities were also canceled and staff will be working from home.

The notice said the church will continue to serve the community and prepare for a return to normal.

During the interruption of services, Candlelight's home will be cleaned and sanitized.

Van Noy, president of the Coeur d'Alene Ministerial Association, could not be reached for comment, but this comment from him was posted on the church's website:

"Rest in the Lord and know that He is Sovereign and is unsurprised by what we are going through. We will emerge triumphant! Please use this opportunity to pray, study, serve."