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Gathering Together
A Message from Pastor Cory – Services Beginning November 15, 2020
We love our family time
We know how much many of you crave coming together for Sunday service, and, for now, we want to provide that as an option for those who are comfortable gathering. You can join us in-person Sunday mornings at 10:00 @ The Seasons Conference Center.
We understand that even in a large space, many are most comfortable worshiping and studying at home. That’s no problem. We will continue to provide online services on YouTube and Facebook, and we encourage you to like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel. Even when we can’t be together, we are all still family.
People are in different places about COVID-19, and there are not a lot of clear answers. However, we do have directives from those in authority over us. Whether we agree with them or not, the Bible does direct us to be subject to the governing authorities when not in opposition to the Word of God. And the main directive is to give each other space.
Give each other space
Obviously, giving each other space means physical space – physical distancing of 6 feet or more when not wearing a mask.
But it also means emotionally by showing grace to those who choose to respond differently than you do. Let’s look at what the Governor’s mask mandate means. We contacted the state department of health to confirm how this is to be put in practice in a church setting.
First of all, it means that when you cannot socially distance inside or outside, you need to wear a mask. When entering and exiting the facility or when fellowshipping with each other less than six feet apart, you need to wear your mask.
Second, it means that once you are seated physically distanced from those you are not regularly in contact with outside of church, you can remove your mask. You are not required to wear your mask through the entire service. However, you are more than welcome to do so.
Third, it means that our worship team does not have to wear masks when leading worship as they are distanced from each other and from you. The same applies to the Pastor when bringing the Word.
Love Well
Those are the “rules” provided by the government. However, God asks more of us. He asks us to follow those rules, but also show love to one another.
Some people will choose to wear their mask for the whole service and still ask for you to remain outside their 6 foot bubble, but that doesn’t mean they want to be ignored. You can still greet each other and have conversation at that distance. They are choosing to be here with family, so let’s remember to make them feel welcome.
Some people will be fine with you coming into their bubble with your mask on. If you feel the same way, go on in there for the fist bump and encouraging words.
Some people are ready to get back to normal and are craving those hugs. If you’re comfortable with that – get in there and hug it out.
All you have to do is ask before entering their space.
We may see people together without masks on who we know don’t live in the same household. But we have a lot of people who work together and do life together and are already spending time together outside church. Give them the benefit of the doubt.
Let’s take care of each other
For those who are ready to join us on Sunday mornings, please keep the following in mind:
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home and we’ll see you when you’re feeling better and have been released by your doctor
If you have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19, please wait to join us
Wear your mask when you cannot be socially distanced from those you do not have contact with outside of church
Wash your hands / use hand sanitizer
Know that we are taking precautions to clean high traffic surfaces before and after service
The bottom line
What it comes down to is what we always say: love each other well. Greet each other. Wear your masks when mingling, and ask before entering someone’s space. Reach out to someone who is choosing to join us online. Respect each other’s boundaries without condemnation or judgement. We’re in this together, and we refuse to let it drive us apart.