|
|
|
Dear MCC brothers and Sisters,
I pray this posting finds you doing well and staying safe and healthy amid this strange and unprecedented time. I believe it can be confidently stated, that none of us have ever seen or lived through anything like this before.
As you all know, we are in the midst of existing in a “closed” environment due to the Stay At Home order issued by our state government with the intent of protecting each of us from the spread of the Corona (COVID-19) virus.
Under this order, we are unable to meet at MCC to worship and celebrate our Lord together, as we are accustomed to doing. Indeed, each of us must live out our belief physically separated from one another, but united as one body by our shared faith in Jesus Christ.
I’d like to focus on the word “faith” for a moment. As faith is the motor which drives our belief and shapes our salvation. We’ve all read, or at least heard it read, that Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith… and it is by the Father’s faithfulness that we have been brought into salvation through his son, Jesus. Throughout God’s word we find clear examples of His faithfulness... from His covenant with Abram and the nation of Israel… to the new covenant established during the last supper and finished/sealed by Jesus’ death and resurrection.
It is only by faith that we know the depth of love our Father has for us, His creation. And it is by our shared faith in His love, that Larry and I have been meeting via several telephone conversations in preparation for that time when we will all be able to once again gather in community to worship and celebrate at MCC.
Recently, the Governor’s plan titled “Restore Illinois” was issued to lay out a phased process by which the state will begin to reopen and eventually allow all Illinoisans to be released from the stay at home order. Once released, however, we will not just go back to “normal” as we once knew it. Each phased step of this plan comes with a set of restrictions and protections which were put in place to preserve the health and safety of all of Illinois’ citizens.
In trying to remain faithful to God, our church family and the government authorities, while also keeping the health and safety of each person in mind, we have developed the following guidelines for when we begin services once again at MCC;
Please watch for future notices via text or on the MCC Facebook page located HERE.
I pray this posting finds you doing well and staying safe and healthy amid this strange and unprecedented time. I believe it can be confidently stated, that none of us have ever seen or lived through anything like this before.
As you all know, we are in the midst of existing in a “closed” environment due to the Stay At Home order issued by our state government with the intent of protecting each of us from the spread of the Corona (COVID-19) virus.
Under this order, we are unable to meet at MCC to worship and celebrate our Lord together, as we are accustomed to doing. Indeed, each of us must live out our belief physically separated from one another, but united as one body by our shared faith in Jesus Christ.
I’d like to focus on the word “faith” for a moment. As faith is the motor which drives our belief and shapes our salvation. We’ve all read, or at least heard it read, that Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith… and it is by the Father’s faithfulness that we have been brought into salvation through his son, Jesus. Throughout God’s word we find clear examples of His faithfulness... from His covenant with Abram and the nation of Israel… to the new covenant established during the last supper and finished/sealed by Jesus’ death and resurrection.
It is only by faith that we know the depth of love our Father has for us, His creation. And it is by our shared faith in His love, that Larry and I have been meeting via several telephone conversations in preparation for that time when we will all be able to once again gather in community to worship and celebrate at MCC.
Recently, the Governor’s plan titled “Restore Illinois” was issued to lay out a phased process by which the state will begin to reopen and eventually allow all Illinoisans to be released from the stay at home order. Once released, however, we will not just go back to “normal” as we once knew it. Each phased step of this plan comes with a set of restrictions and protections which were put in place to preserve the health and safety of all of Illinois’ citizens.
In trying to remain faithful to God, our church family and the government authorities, while also keeping the health and safety of each person in mind, we have developed the following guidelines for when we begin services once again at MCC;
- We will take a graduated approach to restating. Beginning with Sunday morning worship only. We will carefully and prayerfully assess how things progress and then begin to open up our other ministries. Such as, Sunday school, Wednesday services, coffee and donuts, children’s activities, etc. when it is deemed appropriate to do so.
- We are going to do our best to maintain “physical distancing” while encouraging social interaction and fellowship, and ask that each person in attendance does likewise. For seating during service each person or family (families may sit together) shall occupy every other pew and row, alternating from side to side. While also keeping a safe distance from each other.
- We will do away with our church greeters for the time being. Bulletins will be placed on tables outside the sanctuary for each person to pick up as they are comfortable doing so.
- The “meet and greet” portion of the Sunday morning service will not be eliminated. However, we want to get creative with this and discover new ways we can greet one another without milling about the sanctuary and trading hugs. All may submit ideas for consideration. This is always a very joyful time of the service and we wish to continue to share this joy as much as possible!
- Communion will not be passed row by row. Rather, the elements will be set on tables at the front of the sanctuary and each member will be invited to come forward to receive (pick up) the elements following the communion meditation.
- Likewise, we will eliminate passing collection plates for the offering of tithes. Rather, we will place tithing boxes at the front and rear of the sanctuary for members to place their offering during communion or while entering/exiting the sanctuary. The prayer for the offering will follow the communion meditation as always.
- All areas of the building occupied during Sunday worship services will be cleaned and disinfected following/prior to each service.
Please watch for future notices via text or on the MCC Facebook page located HERE.
Guest Information
NEW to the Morton Area,
or looking for a new church?
Have a look inside
and see what Morton
Christian Church has to offer...
or looking for a new church?
Have a look inside
and see what Morton
Christian Church has to offer...
