Dear Grace Family,

Over the past forty days, we have been one church in many locations. Out of respect for our governing authorities and concern for the health and safety of our members, we have chosen to shelter-in-place in order to minimize the potential threat of the coronavirus. We are grateful for your cooperation during this difficult season, as well as your demonstration of love and respect for one another. The Scriptures exhort us all to “not neglect to meet together” (Hebrews 10:25). We are encouraged that, even during this necessary time of quarantine, many of you have stayed connected through phone calls, Zoom meetings, and notes of encouragement.

As the shelter-in-place order comes to an end, we are working on plans for a gradual reopening of our church facilities and ministry programming. Over the next weeks and months, we are hopeful that we can return to a full range of normal ministry gatherings at the church building as well as in our homes. But we do not know exactly how the transition back to normal routines and rhythms will unfold, nor do we know the timing of it all. There are multiple factors that shape the process and pace of reopening. Since returning to in-person activities involves the health and safety of our members, we value what you are thinking about the situation. So we are asking each person to complete a brief survey (link above) that will help us best understand the expectations and needs that we as a church have for the upcoming weeks and months of ministry.

As we begin to reopen the church building for ministry activities, we understand that different ones of us will choose to return in person at different times. Not everyone will be equally comfortable all at once, and we want everyone to know that is OK. Some will attend the various gatherings at the church property sooner than others. The reasons and factors for each one of us are as different as our personalities, needs and circumstances. It is important to remember that the difference in dates and times when a person or family chooses to return will be no reflection of their level of faith or spirituality. Each person’s situation and need is unique to them. Parents must consider their children’s health and immune systems. Employed persons must consider the demands and risks of their job environments. Our seasoned saints must be cautious given their health needs. Gradually over time, Lord willing, we will return to a healthy and vibrant fellowship that is safe for everyone.

Having said this, we are considering the following steps with ongoing evaluation each week based on the circumstances. Please read the following general steps we are working on so that you can be aware and make your decisions in accordance with your family’s needs and comfort levels.

First, we are considering holding Outdoor Activities on the Field. We are already seeing increasing numbers of people using our outdoor area for picnics, playing and parking. In addition, we are planning some “Fun Days at Grace” as soon as outdoor gatherings are reasonably safe and allowed by the authorities. These ongoing gatherings will include recreational and relational activities on the premises with limited access to the building. These activities will include gathering areas spread out around the property, soccer and baseball on the field, relay races, cornhole, and eventually the opening of our children's playground.

Second, we plan to begin to hold Worship Services at the Church Building. The first worship service in the Worship Center will happen as soon as the state and local government officials determine that it is safe for large gatherings to meet. Because guidelines for social distancing will continue to be required, we will be taking mitigation measures to ensure the safety of all attendees. For example, we are considering offering multiple services at first. We will also be configuring the rows of chairs in the Worship Center in such a way to ensure a safe gathering and a healthy social environment.

Third, Small Groups and Classes will eventually resume meeting together. We look forward to rejoining the in-person fellowship that we experience in smaller group settings. These gatherings, however, can be the most challenging to maintain safe social distance. Also, each group member has different needs and comfort levels. We encourage Life Groups and Bible Study classes to continue to “meet” online as you discuss when the appropriate time is for your group to return to in-person meetings. In coordination with our ministry leaders, we will decide together when small group meetings and classes can resume.

While the online “gatherings” of Life Groups and Worship Services have had their limitations, they have certainly been helpful in maintaining some sense of relationship connectedness, care and concern. As we begin the gradual process of reopening the church facilities and programs, please know that we plan to continue to offer live-stream and online ministry environments. For example, once our Sunday worship services begin again at the church building, we will also offer a parallel live-stream worship service indefinitely into the future. Moreover, we encourage different ministries to continue to offer online connections as we move through this transition back to face-to-face meetings.

The elders are prayerfully considering all these decisions related to the right time and environment for GCC to return to meeting together in person. In the midst of ongoing uncertainty, we are committed to doing what is wise, right and most helpful for God’s people. In order to make the best decisions possible, it is important to know your perspective on these important matters of public safety, as well as your expectations and desires in the coming weeks and months. Please click link above and take a quick, anonymous survey so that we might best understand the current concerns and future comfort level in reopening the church ministries and programs. The results of what we collectively say at this time will be made available.

Though we have been physically separated, we have been going through this together, and we will make it to the other side together, trusting in the Lord’s timing and seeking the Lord’s way. Let this be a time when we continue to demonstrate our love and concern for one another, as we discern the Lord’s timing for a return to in-person gatherings. Meanwhile, let us continue to be the church in the safe environments of online communication, virtual prayer meetings, and zoom gatherings. And let us prepare our hearts to reunite in person “to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Soon face to face,

~Pastor John H