The Weekly Epistle 6/10/20

It has been said that, “bad news travels fast but good news takes the scenic route.”  I hope by now you have heard the good news that we are reopening this Sunday, June 14 at our usual service times of 9am and 10:45am.  
 
I have said this before but want to reiterate it.  As important as it is for us to meet together, I don’t want you to feel any pressure about attending.  If you don’t think it is wise to come this Sunday, then by all means, do not come.  
 
You will need to decide what is right for you (and your family) and regardless, that decision is to be respected by all.  And if you disagree with our decision to open at this time, I would ask that you are respectful in your disagreement. We will continue our livestreaming ministry for those who are not able to attend at this time.  
 
Moreover, we are excited to announce that plans are underway to continue our live streaming indefinitely! If this time of quarantine has taught us anything, it is that we are able to reach more people through online teaching than if we limit ourselves to those who will enter the doors of our church.  I have personal examples of this, and I know that it goes beyond what I can even imagine!  Praise God that His word is not chained, as Paul says from prison in 2 Timothy 2:9.  
 
If you haven’t noticed, our services aren’t technically live streamed, they are actually prerecorded. They are then posted to Youtube and scheduled to premiere at 10:45 on Sundays. The equipment and production methods for live streaming are very different from prerecording. We are currently in the process of an audio/video renovation that will enable us to offer a high-quality live stream each week. Please be patient with us as we work through the process. We will be offering an adequate live stream starting this week, but it will take a few weeks to get all of the equipment in place to maintain the quality you have been enjoying with the current prerecorded services. 
 
If you have been enjoying the online ministry and if you see value in it beyond this time, would you please consider making a financial donation towards the project? You can designate your gift as “online ministry.” At times, there are specific requests for projects that go beyond our general budget and capital campaign, buying equipment for greater impact through our online ministry, is one such need. 
 
I want to give a special thanks to Aaron for his time, equipment, and expertise in order to give a quality online worship experience week after week during our self-quarantine.  I appreciate, as well, Nathaniel Jakubens for his weekly dedication on the sound board and KC Knowack’s commitment to providing us with worship along with Pastor Dan.  
 
There were many hours behind the scenes from Pastor Dan to give us online worship, daily reflections, Wednesdays in the Word, and assistance in going forward as a church through this pandemic.  I want to say, “thank you” to Bill Miller and Bill Wixson for looking after our facilities, and to Cori for always being ready to get some task done in a timely fashion- often called upon in “off hours.”  
 
And church, thanks for your words of encouragement, prayers, and support during this season.  We still face many challenges, but I am confident that we will stand united and ready by God’s grace to make the most of the opportunities we have in front of us to impact lives.  Like we saw this past week, I with Paul can say, “I thank my God every time I remember you.  In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel…”
 
Partnering with you as one “under construction,” Pastor Brian