August 2020

You’ve probably heard it said a million times already: we live in unprecedented times. It would have been nice to have received a handbook called How to Deal with the COVID-19 Crisis on January 1, 2020. I am sure none of us had a clue what was coming our way. Take courage in the fact that what may have surprised us, did not surprise God.

Many of us have experienced events and shifts in culture we never dreamed we’d see. All this uncertainty and isolation can cause a crippling anxiety and fear in the minds of many people, especially now in our community when the virus has hit home for so many of us. If I can encourage you in any way, please know that you’re not alone. Reach out to a friend and share your thoughts, chances are they will also have similar feelings. I also want to encourage you to open your Bible and read. The scriptures are filled with encouragement and peace. Read passages like: Joshua 1:9, Proverbs 30:5, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 6:18, and Romans 15:4-5. Read and reflect on what the Lord has given us in His holy Word. Spend time praying these passages over yourself, your family, and community.

When Esther became the queen of Persia she did not know in that moment how God would use her. It wasn’t until later when her uncle Mordecai found out Haman’s plot to kill the Jews, the purpose that God had put her in the position of queen. Mordecai said to her, “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14 ESV). Church, don’t keep silent. You are here for such a time as this. The Commission has NOT been canceled. What Christ did on the cross, has NOT been canceled. I encourage you to share this hope with those around you.

Since March, so many of the things we have planned as individuals and as a church have either been postponed, changed, or canceled all together. As a church, we have gone through that. Every time we face another postponement our “hope meter” for getting out of this crisis goes down a little more. Your church staff understands that such a predicament cannot go on forever. But again, if I can encourage you in any way, know this: the Commission hasn’t been canceled. As a church, our in-person gatherings may be on hold for a time, but our purpose as a church has not been postponed. Continue to reach out to your neighbors. Share the Gospel with them and be creative in your ways of doing that! Be the much needed light that this world needs. You are here, for such a time as this.
 

As of right now, we are planning to go back to Phase 3 style worship gatherings on Sunday, August 16, which will consist of classic services (sanctuary & gym) at 9:00a and contemporary services (sanctuary & gym) at 11:00a.

The following steps will be in place to help us make it a safe environment for you and your family:

• Reservations will be needed to adequately prepare a space for you.

• A “masked section” separated from the unmasked section will be available in all services.

• Masks are not required, but highly recommended.   

• We will be taking temperatures when you walk into the door. If you register a fever you will

  be asked to go home and contact your doctor.

Please remember that the COVID-19 crisis can and will change on a week to week basis. Please stay in contact with us on social media and our website for any updates and changes. We will let you know immediately through our online formats and our all-call system if anything changes.

Hoping that August will be a turn-around month! Hang in there and I look forward to seeing you again as soon as possible! If you need us, please don’t hesitate to call!

I Love You, Garth
 

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