UPDATE: 7/30/20

Church Family,

Over the past several weeks, our ministry staff has been considering tentative (I can’t stress that word strongly enough) dates for resuming ministries such as Sunday School/small groups and Wednesday night activities. While the information below is by no means comprehensive, it offers a broad outline of our plans for this fall. As I mentioned Sunday, please continue to pray for means and opportunities to positively impact our community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ beyond our walls during this time.  I have spoken with several area pastors on this issue, and a lot of us are shrugging our shoulders in search of workable ideas as we continue to seek God in prayer. If you have ideas, I’m all ears. The Gospel has never been needed more.

Our hope is to resume Wednesday night activities and Sunday School the week following Labor Day—Wednesday, September 9 and Sunday, September 13; however, if area schools push back their start dates, our plans are subject to change. Even once we resume Sunday school classes and small groups on our church campus, those classes that wish to reduce risk by continuing to utilize Zoom are encouraged to do so. Similarly, if any of our classes containing “at risk” populations (by age or otherwise) wish to meet here on a day other than Sunday, we will be happy to accommodate them during the week.

Regarding Sunday school, I also want to encourage those who started the journey on our F260 reading program. So many have told me that they were going strong until the pandemic hit, only to lose focus and discipline during this season. I understand completely. But good news! We just started the New Testament this week. This is a wonderful opportunity or re-entry point to get “back on the wagon” in your Bible study habits as we continue this journey together. If I can assist you in any way, let me know.

Wednesdays will look substantially different for the near future (at least). On Wednesdays at noon, we will offer a prayer meeting, Bible study, and lunch for our seniors prepared by Kim and her gifted team (at the regular price of the Wednesday night meal). This will provide an opportunity for fellowship and worship to any of our seniors seeking to minimize exposure during this time. On Wednesday nights, we will have activities for youth, children, and adults, each meeting in a designated area of our church campus. We are still working through the particulars of our ministry support needs from parents and adults in ministering to our children and youth, but those details are forthcoming soon.

On Wednesday nights, we will gather for approximately one hour (probably 5:30 to 6:30). During that time, we will ask for volunteers to deliver meals to some of our shut-ins within the church while youth, children’s, and adult ministries are happening on campus. At the conclusion of our Wednesday night time, meals will be available for take-out from the welcome center at their normal price.

Please continue to pray with us and serve alongside of us as we seek to make much of Jesus during this ongoing season. May the coronavirus be our opportunity, not our excuse in seeking and serving Christ. I love you, and God bless you.

Your Pastor,
NV