Full Capacity Sunday Service Starts 10 am April 4, 2021
We have now reached the one-year anniversary of the COVID pandemic. One could have never envisioned that in the year 2020 the world would be brought to its knees by such a virus. With all of the medical knowledge, advancements and technology, how could a virus like this win the day? Certainly not something that anyone could have forecast.
The good news that is now upon us is that the world is slowly winning the fight against this virus. Vaccines are now being distributed and over the next few months, the concept of “herd†immunity appears to be in reach. Many of our older members have received this vaccine and the concern that has always been at the forefront of the decisions, we as elders have had to make, is now lessening. Praise God for continuing to bless the Linder Road congregation!
Given the improvement we have seen with the current infections, the reductions of individuals being admitted to the hospital and being placed into the ICU, we believe that we may soon arrive at a place in time where we can return to some semblance of normality. Make no mistake, the virus is still active and among us, but we believe that based on the most current recommendations from Central District Health, the Governor’s office and medical professionals, we should start making plans now to slowly begin returning to normal as conditions permit.
With the above in mind, we are announcing today that, assuming the current positive trends in infections and vaccinations continue, we will take a first step and return to our original Sunday service starting April 4, 2021. On that day, we will begin service at 9:00 AM with a bible study hour followed at 10:00 AM with a worship service. At 6:00 PM we will have another worship service. On Wednesday April 7, we will have a bible study followed by a short devotional. All classes (assuming we have teachers) will once again return to meeting as they did prior to the pandemic. There is some concern that new variants of the virus will result in a resurgence of infection – if this occurs, we will delay the return to the original schedule.
As we mentioned above, we are not yet clear and free of the virus and so it is crucially important to continue to do things that will protect each of us even if you have received the vaccine. The medical professionals are not yet certain whether or not a vaccinated person can still spread the virus to someone who is not vaccinated and so we continue to want to be very cautious in the things we do.Â
With that in mind we ask that you do the following:
- Continue to wear a mask to protect yourself and others
- Be cognizant of social distancing even though we will not be abiding by the 6 foot rule (e.g. no hugs or handshakes yet)
- We will have the remote area setup and running for those that may feel they need a bit more space
- No passing of communion or offering trays, so remember to pickup the communion cup as you walk in
- Wash your hands, we have many hand sanitizers around the building, please use them
- If you are still uncomfortable about joining us, please know that we will continue to stream the services and the adult auditorium class
- Do not violate your conscience in order to feel “compelled†to attend when you are not yet ready. Take advantage of our streaming service.
Since the beginning of the new year, Richard has been preaching about “RESETâ€. Anticipating that this day would eventually arrive, he has encouraged us to begin thinking about the work that lies in front us. The Apostle Paul understood this concept, even though he never used the word, “resetâ€. A quick read of the book of Philippians provides us with that same insight and encouragement. “…but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus†(Phil 3:13-14). Brethren, our work lies in front us. Clint’s lesson from last Sunday should cause us to rethink how we look at a lost and dying world. So many souls to save. Let us “reset†and once again, begin the work!