As the writer of Hebrews says, we ought not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together as is the habit of some (Hebrews 10.24-25). We have not assembled as church since March 15th, almost three months ago. It is difficult to know what to do in regard to reopening. We are to submit to authorities. Both Federal government as well as State authorities have expressed the essential nature of churches and the desirability of religious gathering for spiritual growth and worship. Our county government less positive. So, our governmental authorities are at odds, which should surprise no one. How about other churches to help us decide? Some churches large and small are staying closed and some large and small are opening with mitigation practices, some larger with a reservation system. Even in California some churches are opening this week. So not much help.
Originally the idea of lock-downs and physical distancing was to flatten the curve so our hospitals would not be overwhelmed. This was reasonable for most everyone and is what we said when we decided to cancel gatherings starting March 22nd. With the possible exception of NYC before Samaritan’s Purse and Federal hospital provisions, we never got close to overwhelming hospitals, thankfully, so in that we were successful. Even though there has been a rise in identified cases mostly due to increased and targeted testing, health officials say hospital capacity is sufficient. For some, the goal has now changed and is to stay shut, or some variance of shut, until the virus is essentially gone or there is a vaccine. We understand these feelings about safety.
Most of all we should seek the Lord. Like most things people are all over about God’s leading. We have heard pastors say we should love God and assemble like He says. Others say God’s command is to love others so that requires we not gather. Both have their points unless one becomes arrogant in their viewpoint which we have also seen, at times in the mirror. At this point we can’t say God told us, but it is time to open The Chapel for those who desire to gather in worship and teaching on Sunday. This can happen wisely and according to state guidelines for opening churches. Clay Jenkins, our County Judge has recently emphasized again not going to crowded spaces. Unfortunately, no one would consider the Chapel a crowded space.
The Chapel will pursue a phased approach for reopening. The following are the opening plans and outline.
Wednesday Axios discipleship has started
Beginning Sunday June 21st the Chapel will be open for a single gathering at 11:00am.
Beginning sometime this summer we plan to add the Sunday Discipleship
The fellowship meals and Ladies Bible Study will be restarted at a time yet to be determined
Other projects and opportunities for church witness will also be announced at a later date
We are disinfecting the bathrooms and surfaces before the service
We ask that we cooperate together and observe the following mitigating practices for those who want to return to the assembly now:
- If you are sick, or have any of the symptoms of Covid-19 (you know what they are, a temperature etc.) please stay at home and watch the service. We will continue the videoing of the service. If you have been exposed to any sick person, please stay home, this includes keeping obviously sick children at home
- If you are “at risk,” please consider staying home. At risk as defined by state guidelines: “At-risk population are those who are 65 or older, especially (some say and/or) those with chronic lung disease; moderate to severe asthma; chronic heart disease; severe obesity; diabetes; chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis; liver disease; or weakened immune system” (from State of Texas Checklist for Churches/Places of Worship, revised 5/25/20)
- Nuclear Families living together please sit together (the church is a family, but this is the live together type family) On the 21st, our children will come to the service and stay. We may release the children for a kids study time in a few weeks.
- Please allow the physical 6’ distance between families.
- We ask that you wear a face mask. This includes children if they will. (Most recent studies indicate that children are least harmed by this pandemic and may not readily spread it to others as was feared at first)
- If you are singing wear a mask, and sing softly. We will have reduced singing for a time. Current guidance is confusing on singing, like everything in this pandemic, but Christianity Today’s new guidance is don’t sing without a mask.
- Please use the hand sanitizer upon entering the building. Bottles are placed at the door. Or sing your ABCs or Jesus Loves Me to yourself while washing your hands with soap and water.
- Disinfectant wipes are available to wipe the metal parts of the chairs, if you so desire or other surfaces.
- We will refrain from hugging, shaking hands and so forth for a time. Please watch the 6′ physical distancing. If you would like to talk after the service, please consider moving outside where this virus we are afraid of is killed by the sun.
As we mentioned last week our faith and trust are in God. We have a sovereign Lord who is Lord over all and walks before us and with us. We walk in wisdom and no fear because He loves us and is with us.
Gregg 