RE-OPENING OUR CHURCH AND RE-CONNECTING OUR FAMILY AT CCG
RE-OPENING OUR CHURCH – RE-CONNECTING OUR FAMILY AT CCG
The time has come for the reopening of our church and once again bringing together of a family that has been separated for many weeks!! For each of us this has been a very different experience; some worse than others. Some are reeling from the added financial burdens, some are grieving, some are in recovery, some are lonely, some are angry and frustrated by the whole experience and some are fearful and anxious at the whole idea of reopening. Some have been little affected at all. There are sad stories and quite honestly some great stories of different outcomes during this time! So as we come together we need to walk together with a sensitivity and awareness of all this, as this is a process we will be going through for some time.
James 3:13 says “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” Then in verse 17 we read, ”But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” For us these verses in James are the over-arching framework for the guidance we need to give for this reopening.
The balancing act of determining our need of guidance to you in all of this has been a difficult process. Some we are required to give and some after our times together in prayer have become evident we need to state. We need to keep in mind that for a while things won’t feel the same or look the same but if we allow these things to divide us as a family we lose so much more than the virus deserves! So know this! We love you and our heart’s desire is to watch over our church family with the wisdom and love from above. The following guidelines, with the heart of James 3, are our goals and expectation.
Rich and Paula
In our desire to walk in love and humility with each other and in the eyes of men our guidelines are as follows for now:
The state and the CDC require us to post signs stating the drill you already know! Wash hands, wear masks, 6ft, sanitize and no hugging or hand shaking!! There, it’s said so what does that look like for us, FOR NOW?
If you are sick, please stay home. We are still Streaming our Service as usual. Also, if you are uncomfortable at this time for any reason, please know you are loved and it’s ok if you decide to watch the Stream.
Use hand sanitizer provided or your own upon arrival.
When we start meeting indoors, we cannot congregate in Foyer or hallways at safe distancing so use sanctuary or better yet go outside for face to face interactions.[]
While we are meeting outside/inside please sit with your family with the distancing in mind and keep your kids with you.
Children’s Church is delayed for a few weeks but we will provide packets for their use during the service. Our on-line lesson will still be available! Justin will have more on this at the service!
Please refrain from hugging as some are uncomfortable with this! Hug with words!!
The masks- “the use of face coverings which are required to be worn at all times that the recommended 6ft. distancing cannot be easily, continuously, and measurably maintained”; will be as follows.
While meeting outside when you are sitting with your family take your masks down. While singing you might want to put them up even if at Half-mask! In face to face interactions wear them for the sake of those among us who are fearful, have underlying medical conditions, and for those who because of medical reasons can’t.
We realize this is a very hot topic but should not be a source of division or dissension among us as a family. The fact we get to be together is the greater point to focus on! Hopefully this requirement will soon in the next few weeks fall away!
Security people will not be wearing masks for obvious reasons. Children’s church staff, greeters and ushers will. Worship leaders will not during worship and pastor will not during teaching as we are the required distance from congregation.
Some other FYI- While meeting outside, Indoor Bathrooms are closed, portable toilet available. BRING YOUR OWN BLANKET, AND/OR CHAIRS TO SIT ON. Also, Bring your own Bible and for now we cannot provide coffee or snacks. If you want to bring a packed lunch or snacks you may but please do not share with others.
SO LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AND BEING TOGETHER!!
Any question please e-mail us at connections@calvarygreenmeadow.com