july 3
pastoral thoughts on re-entry
let us all pay attention to what God is saying through the Word, through prayer, by the Holy Spirit, in conversations with other believers
July 3, 2020
We are all set for worship once again this weekend, on line, and have great anticipation for how God will use what we offer to bless not only Grace of Christ, but people around the world. That has been the surprise blessing about everything we are doing virtually.
Today, Friday, I just recorded the message “Rebuilding and Restoring”. As we head into July, there is a new sermon series I am calling “Brick by Brick”. We will begin taking a look at the book of Nehemiah. Right after I finished the recording, I received the updated Covid19 news about Yakima County. As you may have already heard, we are now in Phase 1.5. I didn’t even know there was such a thing until the other day. As I read the Phase 1.5 guidelines, I was quite honestly overcome. Houses of faith (i.e. churches) can open with up to 25% capacity or 200 people, whichever number is less.
What does that mean for us?
I know that this is great news. However, we things are far from being over. My hope is that nothing has been rushed to get us into Phase 1.5. My concern is that we open up the church, only to close it down again. Wisdom, discern, God’s protection and guidance are needed. Your prayers, and even your thoughts are greatly appreciated.
Because of Christ, and in His Grace,
Pastor Bill
We are all set for worship once again this weekend, on line, and have great anticipation for how God will use what we offer to bless not only Grace of Christ, but people around the world. That has been the surprise blessing about everything we are doing virtually.
Today, Friday, I just recorded the message “Rebuilding and Restoring”. As we head into July, there is a new sermon series I am calling “Brick by Brick”. We will begin taking a look at the book of Nehemiah. Right after I finished the recording, I received the updated Covid19 news about Yakima County. As you may have already heard, we are now in Phase 1.5. I didn’t even know there was such a thing until the other day. As I read the Phase 1.5 guidelines, I was quite honestly overcome. Houses of faith (i.e. churches) can open with up to 25% capacity or 200 people, whichever number is less.
What does that mean for us?
- As has been shared in the past, even when we are able to gather together in the Sanctuary, doesn’t mean we are necessarily going to do so.
- If and when we believe it is safe for us to gather for Worship, we want to give ourselves ample time to prepare properly and safely. We will not plan on having Worship in the Sanctuary until there is full agreement that it is safe, wise and best to do so. However, it seems like we will be able to do so much sooner than anticipated.
- When we determine we can hold Worship services at the church, there will be a way for people to sign up in advance. We will be in compliance to the number of people we are allowed.
- Our facilities and maintenance team has been putting together strategic plans for how to allow people to come and go from the sanctuary.
- The sanctuary has been marked off for social distancing, and there will be plenty of hand sanitizers available, and everyone will be asked to wear a mask.
- Knowing that some people may not be able to return to the church until there is a vaccine, or may not feel comfortable doing so, there will always be a recording of the services available on line as we go forward.
- The Phase 1.5 guidelines do not seem to allow for any other gatherings or meetings at the church in this phase. There are still some answers that I do not have at this time.
I know that this is great news. However, we things are far from being over. My hope is that nothing has been rushed to get us into Phase 1.5. My concern is that we open up the church, only to close it down again. Wisdom, discern, God’s protection and guidance are needed. Your prayers, and even your thoughts are greatly appreciated.
Because of Christ, and in His Grace,
Pastor Bill