We are excited to finally be together once again, and I wanted to update you on our plans for gathering in person. I do want to acknowledge right away that every individual’s situation is unique. Your age, your health history, the people you interact with on a daily basis — the list of things that impact your ability to gather right now goes on and on. As we discussed in our sermon on May 24 (“A Christian Response to Covid-19”), we each have to “drive our own speed” as we make decisions on the wisest ways to live our lives amidst this pandemic. Please know that our church leaders do not view staying home as an unfaithful or uncourageous response. That being said, our plan is to regather in our backyard on June 14 at 10 a.m! To meet everyone where they are at when it comes to social distancing and COVID-19, we are offering three different ways for you to join us: Online from the comfort of your own home. In your car, in our backyard, listening to the service on your FM radio Sitting in the grass or on a lawn chair, listening through loudspeakers, while maintaining distance from others, in our beautiful backyard at Linwood Covenant. If you choose to join us in person, here is how the morning will go: When you enter the parking lot, you will be greeted by parking lot attendees If you plan to enjoy the service from your car, you will be directed to a specific parking spot. If you plan to sit on the lawn, you will be directed to park in our parking lot, and then you will walk to the backyard. Sitting in the Yard Please bring your own blankets or lawn chairs to sit on. The playground/sandpit/gaga ball is not sanitized. Parents can use their own discretion in choosing whether or not to allow their children to play. In line with the governor’s suggestions, masks are strongly recommended, but will not be monitored. We will have masks available if anyone wants one on site. One person at a time will be let into each bathroom, by our restroom attendant. Besides soap and water in the bathroom, there will be hand sanitizer available as you enter and exit. Plans for Inclement Weather If there is a chance of rain, we will have to cancel due to the expensive equipment we will have outside. Please pay close attention to updates via our website, Facebook page and Instagram the morning of June 14. We will be making the decision by 9 a.m. Other Items of Note To minimize opportunities of transfer, we will not be handing out bulletins. As unnatural as it feels for our church family, we encourage people to refrain from hand shakes or hugs in greeting one another. We will have plenty of hand sanitizer available. I am very excited to see many of you again. Our staff and I are tired of you only being able to see us. :) It will be good to regather and encourage each other! I’ll leave you with some great verses from Colossians 3: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Your Brother In Christ, Pastor Dave