And so the redeemed of the Lord will return and come with joyful shouting to Zion;
they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
These words from Isaiah 51.10 describe the joy that will be ours on the Day of our Lord’s return. Joy shall fill our hearts when our Lord gathers us to Himself in our heavenly home. The words may also serve us today, as very soon we will enter His gates and courts together in praise.
As we return to public worship on Saturday/Sunday June 20-21 . . . For our peace of mind and for the sake of good order, let me share the following guidelines:
- Wearing face masks in church will be according to the conscience of the individual.
- Hand sanitizer will be available as you enter and exit the church. All doors will be made open for the same purpose.
- Upon entering the sanctuary, you will find the following:
- Every other pew will be closed to seating.
- Bulletins will be placed in advance with proper spacing. Sit only where you find them.
- Families wanting to sit together may do so accordingly – please watch for distance and body spacing.
- Offering plates will be located on a stand in the narthex, in back of church.
- For those who are alone or in pairs, consider entering the pew from the outside rather than center aisle. All pews will be wiped down between services.
- Service folders/bulletins will not be handed out. You will find them already on pew. The entire service will be printed out – NO hymnals will be used.
- The service liturgy will be kept more brief than usual. Hymn singing will be limited to opening and closing hymn. The decision on wearing a mask while singing is left to members but please be respectful of others space if you sing loudly!
- Holy Communion will be served in a ‘continuous flow’ order. One side of the sanctuary at a time. Along with our communion assistants, I will mask for the entire service of communion. Members will be asked to usher themselves, remember to keep good spacing. Pastor will serve the host (with gloved hands) directly into your hand-Please place one hand over the other in the form of a cross to receive. The wine will be placed, individual cups, upon the communion rail to either side. Please avoid touching the rail. Trash receptacles for the empty cups will be found to either side.
Following distribution of the sacrament, the service will close with the benediction, announcements, and departing hymn.
Our Good Shepherd has gifts of life for His flock. Forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are ours to receive in His holy Name.
To God be the Glory!
