[Grace UCC News] Regarding In-person Worship

[Jim Clausing]

*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.

Shalom,

Grace UCC Council
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