Hello Church,
After careful consideration and after consulting with the ministry leadership of our church, we wish to inform you on the plans to re-open the church and the steps we will be taking to ensure not only a safe transition but also a smooth one as well. This has been a crazy time for all of us and our country. It feels like it’s been a lifetime since we last met back on Sunday March 22nd, some 7 weeks ago. The world has changed but the good news is in knowing that Jesus is still the same. We can always remember that no matter what we may face, we have a Savior who will see us through.
Our plans are to open the church on Sunday May 17th. We will ONLY meet for the morning worship service time from 10:45-noon. For the time being, there will be no Children’s Church or daycare provided. All families will sit together. We are working towards a plan regarding the Children and hope to have something in place soon.
The following is information that is intended to help you as we ease back into who we are and what we are called to do. 2 Timothy 1:7 says “For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” For those who feel as if you’ve “lost your mind” during these times, you’ll be in great companywith your church family. It’s time to come back together and it’s time to move forward. Jesus is still LORD.
Here are a few things that I would like to draw your attention too. Hopefully, this will help to inform you of what will be going on in the days ahead and what we are doing.
1. Again, all families are asked to sit together.
2. For those whose family members do not attend Retta, you should feel free to sit with those that you normally did before the 2020 apocalypse began.
3. The only doors that will be open to gain entrance into the church on Sunday mornings will be the doors that lead into the auditorium itself. Also we will open the door at the top of the stairs that passes by the prayer room. However, we are asking everyone to avoid going down the hallway that leads to the church offices. For the time being, we are asking everyone to only use the auditorium and the restrooms that are downstairs. Avoid anything going anywhere at the top of the stairs. This will help us as we sanitize and clean after we meet.
4. Within the auditorium, please keep 3 seats vacant on both sides of your party. Also, make certain you are not sitting in the row directly in front or behind anyone. Let’s keep the distance needed for all of us and do our part to help everyone feel secure during this time. Let’s remember this is only a temporary ordeal.
5. If you want to wear a mask, by all means, please do. If you need one, some of our ladies at the church have been making them. It would be helpful if you could contact us ahead of time so that we are sure to not run out. However, if you already have one that you’re using, we ask that you bring it so others who do not have one, will have one.
6. There will be no Sunday School, Wednesday night meetings, or Lifegroup meetings till we re-evaluate things in June.
7. For those who desire to stay home, we will continue with our live streaming. I understand many have family members who definitely cannot get sick so when you are ready, we will be here.
8. Decisions made can be done on the comment cards that will be inside of the bulletins. A minister will contact everyone who chooses to make a decision.
9. Those who serve as ushers will have something by the doors as you exit should you choose to drop off your tithe or comment card.
We are doing everything possible to assure you that things are very sterile, that all measures are being taken for your safety, and that your experience will be what it ought to be when you go to church.
It is my hope, as well as my prayer, that you will consider the One who sits on His throne and who says to us “I got this.” It is time to gather and to be encouraged in the fellowship of the body of Christ, the church. The good news is in knowing that, this “season” where we find ourselves, is only for now. Let’s all do our part to encourage one another and lift one another up in the days ahead.
Always and forever,
Ed Lowe