Reconnecting with your Church

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some…” Hebrews 10:24-25

RECONNECTING WITH YOUR CHURCH

This past Sunday was a milestone for us and many other churches. Easter Sunday marked a return to gathered worship for many of those who have been staying away due to COVID. Churches across our region saw attendance increase anywhere from 50-100% over what they had seen the previous weeks. It was wonderful to see so many of you around the tent together!

While larger crowds are normally expected on Easter, this year the increase was not only noticeable, but it was also noteworthy. Perhaps we are reaching the point as a church and community where we are comfortable meeting together again. The next challenge will be making the Sunday gathering of the church a fresh, happy, faith-filled habit. If Sunday was your first day back in a while, I want to encourage you to be back this week. Make it a habit!

ROLL BACK OF COVID RESTRICTIONS

Last week Governor Brian Kemp announced the roll back of many COVID-19 restrictions across Georgia beginning April 8, including restrictions on church gathering sizes and social distancing requirements. This means, within reason, we are free to resume our normal activities. Of course, this does not mean COVID is gone. It is still a concern for many. We each need to continue practicing personal responsibility and respectful social awareness of others.

What does this roll back mean for us?

First of all, nothing changes to our plan for this Sunday, April 11. We will worship outdoors under the tent at 10:30 AM.  There will be no equipping courses. This will be our final Sunday outside. Cole Barnes will be preaching the concluding message in the “What is the Good News?” series from Acts 17, “Is Religion Enough?”  Bring your unbelieving friends and camping chairs!

Second of all, nothing changes to our plan for Wednesday, April 14. We will meet in the worship center as one group for discipling.  There will be no kids or student ministry that night.

Sunday, April 18 is the BIG DAY! We will reignite our regular ministry activities. On that morning the Coffee Corner will be open starting at 9:00 AM. We will restart Equipping Courses at 9:30 AM, including nursery and kids. Gathered Worship will be indoors at 10:30 AM in the worship center (with increased seating). Sunday evening at 5:00 PM Community Groups will meet on the church campus.

On Wednesday, April 21, we resume our normal mid-week activities.  Kids and student ministry will return.  Adult discipling will continue in the worship center and will breakout into smaller groups.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Pews are being reinstalled in the worship center and spaced at 4-feet apart. The worship center will have a seating capacity of 200. Everyone is encouraged to sit in the worship center as one assembly each Sunday.

Seating in the overflow area of the fellowship hall will remain at 6-feet for now. I do not expect the overflow area to be needed for additional seating at this time. Yet, at least for a short time, I realize that some may be more comfortable with the extra room.

In classrooms we will continue to spread out chairs and provide ample seat spacing.

In nursery and kids ministry we will continue to follow the “healthy ministry commitment” sign-in as well as temperature checks.  Face coverings will not be required for volunteers.

In the event that cases rise again in our area at some point in the future, we are prepared to return to COVID gathering protocols as needed.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas