Dear First Pres,
Right now every church is talking about when they’re going to reopen their campus for in-person worship. Here’s the short answer for FPC: not yet.
As you heard me say on Sunday, we’re going to let the dust settle so that we can make an informed, considerate, and prayerful decision. But I want you to know that we’ve developed a reopening plan with 5 levels of in-person ministry that will provide some structure for us all during the reopening process.
For the past several weeks, we’ve been in Level 1. That means that everything is online and the church campus is closed. I’m so proud of the way that we’ve adapted to this. Way to go, Church!
We are now entering Level 2 in which worship will continue online-only, but the church campus will be open to small group gatherings (12 or less) on a case by case basis. Small groups can also begin to meet around the city. Of course, whether on campus or at home, we should abide by all the guidelines for keeping each other safe (physical distance, masks, disinfecting, etc.). For now, the plan is to stay at Level 2 through June.
At Level 3 the church campus will be open to medium-size groups (about 50 or less) on a case by case basis as safety guidelines are met. This level opens the possibility of gatherings for men, women, youth, etc. while worship continues online-only. In addition, the church office will also be open for visitors with safety protocols, though some staff may still be working from home.
At Level 4 in-person worship services will resume in accordance with the public health department guidelines (size of group, distance, masks, etc.). This means that it’ll feel different than it did pre-COVID-19 as we work to make our gatherings as safe as possible.
At Level 5 we’ll remove all remaining restrictions.
Of course, we all want to be able to gather for worship, resume regular ministry, and enjoy the fellowship of the congregation. But we have to make sure that we do that in a way that is consistent with our beliefs, values, and purpose. As I mentioned in my sermon on Sunday, our church is committed to loving each other, loving our neighbors and caring for the vulnerable. We’re committed to a posture that nurtures the Kingdom of God in our city as it is in heaven. And we’re committed to reaching others with the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Because of those commitments, we will listen to the guidance of our public health officials so that we can help our city be free of this insidious virus. We will consider the impact of the various restrictions on the quality of the gathering experience. And, most importantly, we will seek the Lord for what He would have us do.
Finally, I want you to remember a few things. First, there will be some who won’t be comfortable joining in-person activities until the threat of COVID-19 is truly gone. In our recent survey about your willingness to resume on-campus activities, 39% responded with a 1 or 2 (1 = not wanting to come until the pandemic is over). So, we will continue to offer online options for engagement through all the levels. Second, no matter what level we’re in, our mission doesn’t change. It is not confined. With the help of the Holy Spirit we press on. Church isn’t closed or cancelled, we’re simply redeployed.
So, as we live into Level 2, I encourage you to join a Summer Prayer Group. Lean into a small group community of prayer so that we can draw near to the Lord, build each other up in Christ, and be filled by the Spirit to display and proclaim the Gospel in our city.
Blessings,
Jeremy
Posted by
