Lessons From COVID
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds… encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the Day approaching”
(Hebrews 10: 24-25).
Greetings in Christ,
From March to September it has been a long journey. And I am in no way suggesting our collective efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have come to an end! Nonetheless, I am excited to announce we are making progress in the effort to reopen our church facility.
In the August 16th meeting, your session approved the purchase of a portable Handheld Electrostatic sprayer to dispense cleaners, sanitizers, and disinfectants. While there is much we still do not know about the infectious spread of this virus, and it remains a total impossibility for anyone to guarantee a virus free environment; this investment will help insure your church is taking every reasonable precaution to provide for our church family the safest possible space to worship.
Dependent upon the arrival of the new sprayer, we are now targeting Sunday, September 6th to resume Sunday-school. As with any reopening, the plan is to begin slowly, and cautiously, expanding programs as attendance dictates and safety protocols allow. Initially, all classes will meet in the fellowship hall. We will begin with a minimum of two classes, geared to meet the needs of our children and youth… and of course adults will still be invited to attend. The main hallway will be open for easy access, while rooms not in use will be taped off to aid in keeping the entire facility cleaned and sanitized.
In addition, I have received several inquiries concerning the use of the church nursery. We are hoping to open the nursery for limited use on the same September 6th date. Nursery will be subject to parental discretion and available only during Sunday-school and worship. Parents choosing to use the nursery must accompany their child to and from. For safety and sanitary precautions, unaccompanied children should not be roaming the hallway!
Please know your session remains gravely concerned for both the spiritual and social needs of our entire church family, especially for our youth and children. We are currently searching for ways we can responsively resume programing while still adhering to safe social distancing guidelines.
With this, I want to pause and thank our entire church family for your positive and encouraging response as together we have and continue to battle this present pandemic. While none of us have all the answers, together we have sought and continue to seek a balance of the spiritual, physical, and social health of our entire church family.
Throughout this process many lessons have been learned; but most importantly I think we all have rediscovered two timeless Biblical truths: One: we all need Jesus… and Two: we continue to need each other! A special thank you to all who intentionally give of yourself to encourage one another in the Lord!
Together in His service,
Bro. Tim
