August 5, 2021

Dear Church Family,

We have been slowly re-gathering as we emerge from the COVID pandemic and its corresponding restrictions. We moved from only doing online services, to services outdoors, then to services indoors. Sunday school classes have regathered and in-person programming for children and youth has started again. The new “Delta variant” of the virus is posing additional challenges for our country and we don’t know where this will lead, but we are moving forward with our fall plans while always ready to make adjustments as circumstances dictate.

Many of you have provided feedback on what our Sunday morning schedule could look like. Thank you for caring about who we are and the values we collectively hold. Obviously, there is not a solution that is ideally suited for everyone. However, your feedback has helped us to shape our plan for Sunday morning worship services moving forward.

The Plan: Beginning September 5th, we will return to two Sunday morning worship services: The Classic service will meet in the Ellipse and the Contemporary service will meet in Brown. Both of these services will meet at the same time (10:30am), and all Sunday schools will meet at the same time (9:00 am).

Time Frame: We will do this for a trial period of 13 weeks, which will conclude on November 28th. During December, we will have unified services, including special music presentations, and provide opportunities for feedback regarding our fall services.

Though this past year has been challenging, it has also been incredibly rewarding. This church has done amazing things in spite of the limitations in gathering. More of our resources have gone to compassionate care and needs outside our four walls than any time of which I am aware. Your generosity and continued engagement have set us up for great days ahead. I am so glad to be on the journey with you.


Gratefully,
Pastor Dee