Dear New City Church Family,
I had a 90’s flash back as I sat down to write this Friday Briefing. Have you ever been to Chuck E. Cheese for a children’s birthday party? Not only did Kathy and I host a few, but when our kids were younger, we accompanied them to enough pizza parties to trigger that whacky B-day song to go off in my head.
Chuck E: Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaapy birthday!
Alright everybody, get on your feet and clap your hands
I say happy…You say birthday.
Chuck E: Happy
Us: Birthday
Chuck E: Happy
Us: Birthday
Chuck E: Now clap your hands (hands are clapped)
And stomp your feet (feet are stomped)
Help, I can’t get this song out of my head, but I know where it’s coming from. Pentecost Sunday is this weekend, the birthday of the Church. We do a fairly good job celebrating Christmas because that’s when Jesus was born and celebrating Easter because that’s when Jesus rose from the dead, but not such a good job of rejoicing in the birth of the Church. So, one more time:
Bill: Happy
You: Birthday
Bill: Happy
You: Birthday
Bill: Now clap your hands (hands are clapped)
And stomp your feet (feet are stomped)
Now a word about regathering at Penn and Palm for worship. Originally our Governor announced that churches were to be in the third wave of openings, and that was projected to be in August. Because of last weekend’s Presidential announcement and an amazingly fast turn-around from our State and LA County governing officials, our Elders and Pastors met this past Tuesday evening.
Reopening our campus requires careful and thoughtful planning, intentional and effective communication with our congregation, recruiting and training volunteers to meet the guidelines established to meet, purchasing the required resources that are already in limited supply, and more. We need, and I think deserve time to effectively prepare to reopen safely in order to serve you well. The Session decision is to tentatively wait until July 5 before having public worship. We are establishing guidelines for small groups to use our facility before that date.
Here were the guiding questions we used and will continue to use as we move forward:
The Ethical Question: Is it loving and wise to begin meeting at this time?
Love is the preeminent motivation for the ethics of God’s kingdom. Unless we demonstrate our love for others in the decisions we make, they will not clearly hear what we say about God’s love for them. We want to act in ways that are both loving and wise so we can avoid reckless decisions.
The Missional Question: How can the church be a faithful presence and prophetic witness in the community where we live?
Our future opportunities will be impacted by our immediate decisions. How will our decision currently advance our mission, and what might hinder it? We have a presence and witness among our neighbors. There is a correlation of righteously living under governing authorities and how it impacts the gospel. Scripture clearly teaches the relationship between how we live among unbelievers and our testimony about Jesus.
The Practical Question: What will it require to keep people safe as they come to our buildings? What would that corporate experience feel like under current CDC guidelines? Are we prepared right now to meet the State and LA County guidelines? We will continue to research the issues involved and consult with others as we target re-opening.
The Legal Question: What is or is not “legal” in terms of church gatherings?
The uncertainty is too nuanced and unprecedented for our Elders to take a stand, and buying time will give us further clarification. These are confusing times, and the circumstances are frustrating. While the government sorts out the ambiguity of church gatherings, what is or is not legal may change quickly as our governmental process works to bring greater clarity.
The God Question: Are we listening to the Shepherd’s voice?
We've observed churches throughout the country that are already re-opening and who are sharing what they are learning with us. In some communities, these early re-openings have been seen as premature, which could negatively impact future ministry efforts. That’s why we are, and ask you to be, in earnest prayer. We always knew we would re-open someday. Targeting July 5 gives us time to collectively sense this is the right decision for New City. One size does not fit all.
The Congregation Question: Will you come back?
We have created an on-line survey to gain additional insight. A link will be sent to you by early next week. Please take a few minutes to give us feedback. It will be helpful to know what you are thinking and feeling.
These are interesting times, aren’t they? The circumstances that impact our decisions change dramatically from day-to-day. Advice from trusted counselors that seems wise in one moment are quickly outdated in the next. We all feel that. Hopefully, this gives you some insight into our thought process. We intend on preparing ourselves with the guidelines given for Church Re-Openings, and we will watch how this goes in other churches and, barring any adverse situations, target July 5. Remember LA County is one of the hardest hit areas in the country.
The Elders decided we will either live stream or video our worship celebrations once we return (currently we video the worship on Thursday’s). This will assure that those who are unable or choose not to enter the building will still have access to a weekly worship experience. Because of social distancing we are exploring multiple worship service times. Because we were planning renovations to the sanctuary, which included chairs to replace the pews, our architects recommended we start that process now to facilitate more seating within social distancing guidelines.
While businesses are inherently transactional, churches are inherently social and relational. Although we can strategize and implement new policies and procedures to keep people safe, the reality is that we have been conditioned to behave in a particular way when we gather to worship. And that conditioning to shake a neighbor’s hand, give a hug and even something as benign as the impulse to pick up something that someone drops is more powerful than we may realize. These familiar patterns have been ingrained in us, and it will be challenging for us to shake old habits even when we know the risk and have a plan in place. Thanks for your understanding and patience in advance about some of the safety protocols that will be in place when we start to meet face to face.
Bill ~
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS THE CHURCH
Papua New Guinea, Dave and Shari Ogg
Dave and Shari Ogg are the Bible translators we support in Papua New Guinea. They have completed the final check of the Simbari New Testament and visited the church they planted. Though many people have left the countryside to move to the cities and towns for jobs and schools, the church is doing well. The Oggs held leadership meetings and two mini-Bible conferences. They are currently back home in California. Over the next few months, David will be continuing to do a full and careful read-over of all 10,000 verses that are to be printed. He is making notes and then calling Raymond in Papua New Guinea with any questions about revisions. Shari is continuing to work on an illustrated Sunday School Bible lesson book for teaching the Simbari children.
DRIVE-THROUGH BABY SHOWER
FOR NIA & BABY SARA ROSE
This Sunday, May 31 from 1-2 PM
New City Church West Parking Lot
As a church, we would like to bless Nia and Sara Rose, newest members to House of Blessing, with a "Drive-Through Baby Shower" this Sunday, May 31 from 1-2 PM. Here's how it will work. A few of our church members will greet you (with masks) as you drive through the west parking lot to deliver your gift. We will film you providing your gift and good wishes so we can provide to Nia! And we have a special treat for everyone in your car!
Below is a list of items most needed:
Bottles
Diapers
Sanitary napkins
Baby wash
Body wash
Baby bath towels
Booties/socks
Onesies
Baby wipes
If you can't come between 1-2 PM, but would still like to drop off a gift, leave it outside the entry door to the Fellowship Hall closest to the kitchen and bathrooms. If you have any questions or comments, contact Carol deCordova at decordovacarol@gmail.com. Thank you in advance for sharing the love of Jesus with Nia and Sara Rose.
SUBMIT PRAYER REQUESTS
The Elders and Prayer Team take seriously their commitment to pray
for the requests of our church family. You are encouraged
to submit them here.
UPCOMING
Sunday Worship Service Simulcast - 9:30 AM www.newcitychurchsb.org
Tuesday Bible Study with Lisa Lait via Zoom - Tuesday, June 2, at 5 PM. Contact: Lisa Lait
Wednesday Night Bible Study via Zoom - June 3 at 7:30 PM
