Regathering Update – July 31, 2020

Pastor Mark brings us an update from our Regathering Team. This update is in response to the Peoria County Health Department Health Advisory that was released on July 24. Please watch the video to receive the full update, hear why we are adding these measures, and receive encouragement while we embrace temporary inconveniences to love and serve our intergenerational church family. We have put the following new safety measures in place in addition to the guidelines that continue to be in place since our June 28 regathering:

• We are further reducing and spacing our seating. On June 28 (our first Sunday regathering) we reduced our seating by fifty percent to allow for social distancing. Beginning August 2, we are reducing additional chairs to further increase the social distancing. This will allow for individuals and couples to have even greater distancing not just between rows but also next to others.
• We will check temperatures at the door. Starting at August 2, a temperature check will be required prior to entering the building.
• We ask all who attend to fully comply with the Peoria County Health Department Guidelines. As we have since June 28, we continue to strongly recommend that all who attend properly wear face masks, maintain social distancing, and stay home if sick. Please fully comply with the Health Advisory issued on July 24. https://www.pcchd.org/DocumentCenter/View/1178/PCCHD-Health-Advisory-7-24-20-PDF?bidId=
• We will mandate face masks if Peoria County Health Department or our District issues a mandate. We are asking for all who attend to fully comply now, but will move to mandate face masks if a mandate is issued by local community leadership or our district.

We are adding these safety measures because we want those vulnerable who are ready to come back to the building to feel safe. This means that we are asking those who are strong to limit our individual liberty in love and concern for our weaker brothers and sisters. We recognize that these temporary inconveniences are worth enduring to be able to worship together as one united body of Christ. For those who are still not ready to come back, we encourage you to continue worshipping with us through our weekly livestream and know that you are equally valued and vital to the body of Christ.

We will continue to monitor week by week this fluid situation and make decisions pursuing the path of wisdom the best we can. Let us remember that our ultimate source of protection and security during this time is in finding refuge in our loving Creator.

“Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by.” Psalm 57:1

This too shall pass. Our God will see us through this.

Sharing in His Love,

Pastor Mark McCall