UPDATED: Wednesday, May 21, 2020.
Here is a special message from some of your staff.
| Gathering Together Plan |
| Dear Church Family, Our staff and Elder team have spent many hours praying and talking through how “gathering together” will look for Chester Christian Church. Although the Governor’s Phase 1 reopening plan allows for churches to begin meeting at half-capacity, we have decided to wait to restart Sunday morning in-person services. Although we are anxious to meet in-person, we want to be mindful of those in our congregation that are at a higher risk for severe illness. Currently in Chester, a pastor and his whole family have contracted the virus. We’ve done our research and know that studies are showing that large groups sitting together inside for long periods of time are much more likely to cause the spread of the virus. You are safer outdoors where wind and infinite outdoor space, along with sunlight, heat and humidity minimize the risk for exposure. With all that considered, we will continue Sunday morning worship online. We will continue to post our service at 9 am to Facebook and to our website. However, we do value the importance of corporate gatherings; therefore, beginning Sunday, June 7, we will be offering a weekly Sunday evening outdoor gathering in the church parking lot that will include a time of worship and teaching. It will begin at 6:30 pm and last for approximately 45 minutes. We will send more details at a later date. Small groups may resume meeting in-person; however, we encourage you to meet outdoors, if possible. Maintain social distancing and avoid sharing meals, snacks, etc. Joe Popp will provide additional guidelines to small group leaders. We understand that our plan may look different from other churches and there may be some that disagree with our choices but let us not make our opinions over what we think should happen divide us. We believe God is sovereign and in control and we have nothing to fear. We have prayed for wisdom and this is the plan we believe is right for Chester Christian at this time. We will continue to monitor the situation and pray for continued wisdom. We will keep you updated if and when our plans change. We appreciate your prayers and support and we look forward to seeing you soon. |
