13I believe that I shall see the goodness of
the Lord
in the land of the living.
14Wait for the Lord;
Be strong, and let your heart take courage;
Wait for the Lord!
Psalm 27
Dear Grace Family and Friends,
Church Council met informally on Thursday (11 March) to discuss scheduling a reopening date for sanctuary worship services. We are reviewing data regarding the virus, the increase in vaccinations, and recommendations from the CDC, the Central Southeast Association, the Heartland Conference, and local health professionals. We know that we are getting closer to the time when it will be safer for us to return to church for worship services. It will be a joyous time.
In reviewing current information, we have decided to continue online only worship. We have set meetings for every two weeks to review updated data and recommendations. We will communicate with you after each of these meetings to tell you our progress toward reopening. As the vaccine program expands to the point that everyone is eligible for the vaccine, we will be able to reopen. Currently, while many are still excluded and others have yet to complete the second shot, we feel that we would still be placing too many at risk.
We know that this decision will sadden many. We struggled with the balance between the joy of Easter worship and the possible risk to those we love, both by direct contact at the church and the extended risk of passing the virus on to those we contact after leaving the church. These decisions are so hard, and we hope that you know that we are trying to find the right balance. Please pray for us as we continue to work towards returning to a new normal in the sanctuary.
We are so close to reopening. Family in faith, just a little while longer. Soon it will be safe for all ages to gather with certainty and peace of mind. In faith, may we pray these words from psalm 27, “We believe that we will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let our hearts take courage; wait for the Lord.” Until that day, know that God’s tender arms hold you still, God’s love has never waned, and we remain faithful to a gospel that upholds the sanctity of life and breath.