As we prepare to come back together we are encouraging you to gather in smaller groups. We ask that you only do what you feel comfortable doing. As we work on regathering we need to remember it will look different for a while.
We ask that you remember three words as we work through this new journey together:
Safe-Slow-Unified
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions for Phase One (smaller gatherings):
Can we meet
with more than 10?
We are not going to try to micro-manage this process. If you
keep in mind the two words above this may help navigate the answer. Respect
those you are gathering with and the guidelines put out by the state when it
comes to the number that can gather and their guidelines for social distancing.
Don’t be irresponsible, the state has focused on the phrase “Be Safe.”
Secondly, do what you and others are comfortable doing. Don’t try to force
someone to do something they are not comfortable doing. Respect where how they
are seeing what is happening in our culture.
What about
children?
It is difficult to keep children from social distancing they
don’t understand what that means and it goes against their natural instincts.
Include them in the gatherings, have them watch the weekly lesson time Keith
does every week. Have someone discuss the topic with them for a few minutes
after they watch. The one thing that can make an impact on them is your
commitment to gathering with other believers and taking your faith seriously.
Again, respect each other and do what you are most comfortable doing.
How can we
get the single servings for Communion?
If you send Scott
(sbaker737@gmial.com) or Janelle (harrisj737@gmail.com) an email with the
number you need we will bag them up and set up a time for you to pick them up
or we can drop them off on your porch.
What about
words for the songs?
We are going to put up a link to download your own bulletin
on our website/Facebook in a pdf format. You can print them off yourself. It
will include the words to the songs, prayer concerns and any special
announcements. Do keep in mind there may be a time the worship leader may
change a song at the last minute. It does not happen often, but it does happen
sometimes.
How do we
let you know if we are gathering and who we are gathering with?
You can check in on Facebook in the comment section. You can
post something like “Hey, we are watching at my house with . . . (list the
names) and we are going to eat together afterwards.” Or you can send us an
email letting us know who you gathered with. This helps us make sure people are
staying connected while we are not gathering in a larger setting.
What
discussion questions can we use to discuss the sermon topic?
Try to have conversations around the
assignments in the Core 52 chapter we are doing for that week.
When are we
going to be able to gather on Sunday Morning at the church?
There are a lot of things we need to work out in creating a
safe an welcoming environment. We are having some of those discussions now.
Keep in mind we want to do it respectfully and want people to be comfortable.
The focus is on Unity.