Gathering Update
Redeemer Church Family,
As you are likely aware, there are have been some new guidelines issued on both the federal and state levels regarding current COVID-19 restrictions. At this time, none of those updates permit us to make changes to our suspended weekly church gatherings.
While all of the pastors and staff are eager to resume our Sunday services and Home Groups, the recommendations from health officials do not make that possible. For the foreseeable future, we will continue offering connecting points via streaming and online meetings.
Although this is not the preference of Redeemer leadership, our highest priorities must always be our love for God and love for our neighbor. More often than not, loving our neighbors requires sacrifice. During this global pandemic, loving our neighbors means looking out for the vulnerable among us, and thinking beyond ourselves and our preferences.
Our church family has not been untouched by this pandemic. Not only are there many in our community hurting economically and relationally, but we have also had Redeemer members battling the COVID-19 virus throughout the past eight weeks. We thank God that those members are either fully recovered or on their way to full recovery.
While there are many unknowns at this time, here are two things we can say about the coming months.
First, we will likely be resuming our church gatherings (Sunday services, Home Groups, bible studies, etc.) in phases. Probably smaller groups first and then phasing into larger crowds as it is reasonable and advisable to do so.
Secondly, we know that no timeline will be satisfying. God created us for community -- a community ransomed and redeemed in Christ, our Lord. Our contact with one another during these times is both limited and found wanting.
In closing, I want to turn our attention to a scripture that has recently been on my mind, 1 Thessalonians, chapter 2. Here, the Apostle Paul writes to a congregation of new Christians whom he has been forced to leave behind, saying in verse 17,
But since we were torn away from you, brothers and sisters, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face...
While we, too, with great desire, long to see one another face to face again, we must remember that we are separated, "in person not in heart." Let us not forget that we are united in Christ by the present and ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. Because we are bound to Christ, we are inseparably bound to one another. We are torn away in person, but not in heart. For the Lord has given us one heart, and a new spirit He has put within us. (Ezekiel 11:19).
We will continue to keep you updated as new information is announced and new guidelines are developed. May the Lord use this time for our sanctification in Christ. And may we grow in Him in both His patience and His peace.
Blessings,
Jeff Heine, on behalf of the Senior Pastor Team
