June 3, 2021
Dear Christ Community Family,
It has been over a year since the start of this pandemic. But I praise God that we are able to see some light at the end of this tunnel. I praise God for our medical professionals who have gone above and beyond in this health battle.
As many of you know, the CDC and our state's Department of Health have adjusted their guidelines in regards to face-coverings for those vaccinated with fellow vaccinated people. Rather than rush to decisions, our Church Council committed to two weeks of prayer and discernment before deliberating on what these new adjusted guidelines will look like for our church family moving forward. After our meeting last night, I am grateful to share with you some updates:
First, in order to continue to provide a safe environment for those that are most vulnerable in our church family, the Council has decided that Sunday Worship will be Outdoor Church on our front lawn beginning this Sunday, June 6 all the way through Sunday, September 5, Labor Day Weekend. Being outdoors will give us the space and opportunity to spend time in fellowship with one another and take a small step in relaxing some of our COVID-19 Protocols. In the case of inclement weather, we will be worshipping indoors in our sanctuary.
Second, following CDC guidelines, the Council has decided that for those of us who have been vaccinated, face-coverings will not be mandated going forward for our church gatherings. Now I know some of us have questions about the vaccine, and we are blessed to have some medical professionals in our church family who are willing to answer any questions to bring clarity for those of you interested.
Third, our Council would like for all of us as a church family to renew and continue our commitment to a spirit of graciousness and love. For many of us we are ready to rip off those face coverings. For many of us, we are not ready yet. Some of us may even choose to utilize our face coverings regardless of vaccination status and that is okay!
This is going to take time for adjustment. This announcement and update doesn't mean you can stop your hand washing and hygiene practices. This doesn't mean we're trying to revert back to what we once thought was normal. This announcement is to say, thank you to all of you who have adhered to our church's COVID-19 Protocols. Thank you to our Council for being ahead of the curve in making decisions that continue to keep us together as a church family while being mindful of those that are more vulnerable physically. And as we adjust to these new guidelines set from the CDC, this is to commit to a continued spirit of graciousness as we grow together as one church family.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please speak with a Council member or myself.
With Love in Christ,
Pastor James & Church Council