GATHERING UPDATE
GOOD NEWS:
WE ARE GATHERING AGAIN.
BETTER NEWS:
WE ARE GATHERING TO WORSHIP AND
BE SERVED BY THE TRUE AND LIVING GOD.
Here is a quick summary of what that means, followed by a more detailed explanation.
Starting Sunday, May 31st, we will begin publicly gathering again at our building.
We are limiting the amount of people in the building at one time, so there will be two services: one at 9:00a, and the other at 11:00a.
RSVP INFORMATION:
IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON ATTENDING YOU NEED TO RSVP WITH HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE COMING WITH YOU.
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PLEASE CHOOSE FROM ONE OF THE FOLLOWING SERVICES:
VISION FOR GATHERING
There has been no shortage of confusion during this time and, especially, concerning what kind of places and businesses can remain open. According to the State of Pennsylvania, churches have been considered “life-sustaining” and have been permitted to remain open the entire time of COVID-19. An important attitude among Christians is our willingness to not insist upon our rights as we follow Him who did not insist on His rights, who sacrificed Himself for our redemption that we might be united with God. With that being said, our motto for regathering is:
"CHRIST OR NOTHING!"
Gathering together to worship is an essential part of following Christ, an essential part of our public witness to Christ, and is critical in our current time. We want our doors open for our church family and for those who are looking for real hope in a time when this virus and the loss of many’s freedom to work has been taken away. The great truth is: we all have no abiding or real hope without Christ. This is why our motto is: Christ or nothing! And, therefore, we will meet in accordance with certain guidelines from the state in order that our public conversation can be about Christ and not answering the question, “How come people weren’t wearing face masks?”
We aren’t saying whether the authorities have the right to require some of these things or even if they have proven health benefits - we will follow this recommendation in order to not obscure that, for us, it is Christ or nothing. Please note this revolutionary attitude that only we can have: We are not maintaining 6 feet of distance or wearing face masks from fear of danger from the virus or the government, but from love of Christ.
EXPECTATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
IF YOU COME TO OUR GATHERING, HERE IS WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:
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We will have volunteers who can help you park and direct you into the building to ensure you keep 6 feet physical distance.
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To wear a face mask if you are 2 years old or older for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. And a lot of grace for young ones who struggle keeping a face mask on! (We feel you parents and children! It is not easy!)
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Our seating in the sanctuary is grouped to accommodate any family size with 6 feet of physical distance from the next chair.
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We will dismiss by rows after the service to keep 6 feet of physical distance.​
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A building that has been freshly sanitized according to CDC guidelines (we are sanitizing prior to, in-between, and after all services).
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A lot of people glad to be able to meet together, united around the Gospel of Christ.
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To hear other voices singing out in worship and praise to the living God.
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Prayers to the God who hears and responds to the voices of His people.
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To hear the Word of God, which alone is able to save and build up our souls.
PLEASE CONSIDER NOT ATTENDING IF:
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You are sick.
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If you are considered higher risk because of age or underlying health reasons.
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If you may have been exposed to COVID-19.
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If you work with or spend time with those who are higher risk.
ONLINE SERVICE
If you cannot attend, we will be recording our first service and we will make it available online around the time the second service starts. If you are not able to attend for any reason, we respect that decision. We are doing all that we can to ensure safety, but there is no situation that is 100% safe. We must take responsibility for ourselves and our families.
We also understand that many churches are deciding differently than us for wise reasons. Let’s not become conceited or proud because we are having our public gatherings again. The church needs to be united now more than ever.