Brothers & Sisters,

The end is near! The end of the shutdown of churches meeting on campus is getting closer. The 11+ weeks of only meeting online might finally end in the near future.

We've heard recently from both the President ("churches are essential") and the Governor on guidelines for the phased reopening of churches. For this we are thankful. 

We have no exact timeline or formal statement yet about reopening our church, as the leadership continues to monitor the news and government statements. A Reopening Task Force has already met a few times and will meet again this Wednesday night after prayer meeting.

However, for your consideration, here is some general preliminary information we've already discussed and is consistent with state and county guidelines:

1. We will reopen in phases, beginning with small, limited gatherings (e.g. prayer meetings).
2. Safety measures will remain in place, at least in the beginning: social distancing, wearing masks, temperature screenings, sanitation and disinfection, etc.
3. The elderly, immuno-compromised or those with symptoms of any kind of infections (i.e. coughs, colds and flu) will be asked to stay home.
4. When worship services resume, the seating capacity will be restricted and a system will be in place to limit worshipers on campus.
5. Online options (e.g. live-streaming of worship services, online offerings) will continue, and some may become permanent.

In order to begin planning for reopening, we need your help. A survey will be emailed to you soon, and we ask you to complete it. The data we receive will help us determine if, when and how to restart the various ministries on campus. 

Most importantly, we ask that you pray: for our leadership, the Reopening Task Force and for everyone, including yourselves. We understand that while there is a lot of excitement about reopening the campus, there is also a wide variety of strong and differing opinions. Some believe we need to be very careful and err on the side of caution, while others believe we need to reopen now and err on the side of faith that the Lord will protect.

All sides have valid arguments, so let us not look down on others who do not share our opinions. Instead, let us pray, discuss and even debate with grace and listening ears. May the Lord unite us in spirit and mind, as we together seek the best for our church and glorify God.

I think of Paul's words to the Philippian church (below). We have all contended for the Gospel, so let us remain united as we move forward in faith, hope and love. And let us rejoice always... let us say it again: REJOICE! 

Together for the Gospel,
Pastor Godfrey