Dear Church Family,
2020 has been full of unexpected things, hasn't it. We are learning how to be nimble in our approach to life. Hopefully we are trusting God in more and more ways instead of leaning on our own understanding.
The newest detour for our church is another change in worship times. This Sunday worship will be at 10:00 AM outside ONLY!
Here's the story of how we came to that decision.
Thursday I was notified of Gov. Whitmer's new executive order limiting the size of indoor groups to 10. This led to a board meeting on Thursday night to decide how the church would respond. We were split on what was best with several of us wanting to defy the order and continue meeting as we have been. After all, there is no penalty for churches who break the order. We decided, however, that the most loving thing for us to do is to comply. It is akin to the shopping cart test. No one for
ces us to return shopping carts in the parking lot (except for Aldi's quarter). There is no penalty for not returning carts. We return them because it is a minor responsibility and it is good to do so. We won't face penalty from the government for meeting inside, but we could still pass the virus. And I know that this is getting old. Trust me, I'm OVER it. But then I am reminded of Galatians 6:9 which says: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Additionally, I reminded that as Christians we have the freedom to worship God anywhere. Christians have worshipped outside, and they have been preached to outside. They have worshipped inside. Peter and Paul even worshipped while in prison. In John 4 Jesus has a conversation with a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. They talk about the appropriate place to worship. Jesus says that one does not need to worship in Samaria or in Jerusalem, "But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” We can worship God in spirit and in truth. I ask that you continue to be patient and that you continue to let God's spirit bring forth its fruit. I look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow at 10 AM on the lawn. Unless, of course, it rains. Then we will be streaming the
service on youtube and facebook. We will wait to make that call in the morning. Stand Firm sisters and brothers, Pastor Ryan
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