Two Gatherings Now

This morning I wrote some notes for my kids, the ones who can read.

I copied Psalm 31:3 — a simple statement of faith:

For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me.

Later we’ll trace the connections here to Psalm 23, but for now, and for what I wanted our olders to get, notice the description of God as a rock-fortress and a leader-guide. He is the place to which we run for cover, and he’s the help with whom we run on mission. He’s a castle of protection, and the energy in our legs. 

And we need both in life, don’t we?

We need a place to hide, and we need the power to move. Retreat and pursuit. Comfort and confidence. Headrest and engine.

God is both for us. 

That’s something I want my children to know, and also something I desperately need to remember myself, especially with where we are in these days. There are decisions to be made, no doubt, but none are made apart from God being God for us, our Almighty Guard and Guide. 

In terms of practice, of our daily living in this truth, there’s no better way than by prayer and Scripture. We bow our knees before the Guard; we read the Scriptures with our Guide. (And if we keep on here we might see that Psalm 31:3 is getting at something central to the Christian life — which is likely to make it in the sermon next week). 

Sunday Morning Plans

But I say all this now because I want you to know the pastors’ hearts as we move forward in our regathering plans. This Sunday, July 19, we are gathering in two locations, a progression from six on June 28 and four on July 12. Our goal is to get back to one gathering at the building, but in the safest and most responsible way. We’ve continued to consult the latest information regarding COVID-19 in our area, as well as abide by the governor’s executive order, all at the same time honoring the preciousness of the church’s corporate worship and recognizing the spiritual needs of our membership. God is indeed our Guard and Guide, and in that hope we are eager for the newest plan for this upcoming Sunday and beyond.

This upcoming Sunday, July 19, Cities Church will be gathering for worship in two outdoor locations. One gathering will be north of our building at Spooner Park in Little Canada; the second gathering will be south of our building at Veterans Park in Richfield. 

According to the attendance of our previous gatherings, and the feedback you’ve given us, we anticipate each of these outdoor gatherings to include between 140–170 people who will have adequate space to socially distance and adhere to the issued guidelines. This anticipated attendance (and space) is still significantly lower (and more spread out) than the 250 person capacity that is allowed indoors, but we believe this is the best step at this point. 

We will continue to provide the teaching videos and household liturgy for those who are unable to attend these outdoor gatherings. 

Please pray for our church, and for God to end this pandemic.

In hope,
Pastor Jonathan