I believe we all can say the last few months have been extremely unusual compared to our normal way of living. Memorial Day weekend came early this year and the unofficial start of summer commenced. Speaking of commencement, I want to begin this month’s newsletter with congratulating all our students who have completed their requirements for graduation. You will find each one highlighted in this edition of our newsletter. We recognize the commencement ceremonies held this year were very different because of COVID-19 but that does not diminish in any way the significance of this accomplishment. Allow me to address our students for a moment.
Although commencement marks the conclusion of this particular educational chapter in your life, it also serves as the open door to the next one. All of life is an education. Perhaps that’s why “commencement” means not “an ending,” but “the act of beginning.” This is a new beginning to pursue whatever plans you have in mind. Perhaps you have higher education aspirations, a career, marriage or other goals in mind? Whatever your plans the future holds opportunities for continued education and growth. I trust the faith and values you have witnessed in the lives of the members of this congregation will provide you with the courage of your own convictions as you meet the challenges of the future. We celebrate you and will pray for God’s guidance in your lives. Remember the words of Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Now, as summer begins, we continue to formulate a plan for us to return to the building for worship. As I shared in a letter from the Vision Board decision, we are taking a “wait and see” approach because we do not want to cause any irrevocable damage. I want to thank you for your patience and continued support as this has been a difficult process to navigate. For now our worship will continue online, and when we return to the building, we will continue to stream our live worship for those of you who are considered vulnerable. Each one of us must make our own decisions regarding our own health. Please do not feel any pressure regarding your decision to return.
Our return to church plan will be constructed in phases much like you have experienced with the state of Ohio plan. As we enter June we can hopefully put Phase ONE behind us. Phase ONE included closing down the building to any kind of usage beyond what was considered necessary and essential by staff. Beginning Monday, June 1st, Phase TWO will allow the building to be used again for meetings and smaller groups of 10 or less people. The building will be open to staff and all normal functions of the office will be available. If you need to meet with anyone from the staff please make an appointment by calling the office. You are not required to wear a mask but encouraged to.
Phase THREE is still being developed but will include on site worship along with online worship. As we begin this phase there will be no Sunday School, Youth Class or Children’s worship. Families will be asked to sit together, practice social distancing, hand sanitization and the church will provide a “touchless service.” Small events may take place at the church and the building will be available for you to use for small gatherings/celebrations. Our Small groups will once again be encouraged to meet. Phase FOUR will include the lifting of all Social distancing restrictions and we can return to a normal mode of worship and church activities while following new safety standards and guidelines.
I know you would like to see dates for when this will all occur but for now we have intentionally left everything undated because the crisis continues to be fluid. Hopefully, very soon, we can begin to rebuild the fellowship we all desire and need as we “Grow in Full Devotion” to Christ. We were absolutely created for connection, community and intimacy. In times like this we recognize the things we have taken for granted and I hope we never will moving forward. The Church continues to impact the world, we continue to love our neighbor, we continue to pray for each other and we continue to support ministries that have both an immediate and eternal impact. As I said last month, I miss you all and look forward to a time in the very near future when we are together again.
Trusting the one who holds everything in His hands,
Kevin
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