RETURNING TO CAMPUS: OUTDOOR LARGE GATHERINGS
In the months since the entire world was put on hold, businesses, governments, families, schools—and yes, even churches—have had to adapt and adjust to promote the safety and well-being of individuals during the season of COVID-19. Even in our small church community, there are those who have been afflicted, isolated, or quarantined; elsewhere, we deal with the anxiety and concern that stem from an unknown and uncertain future. More than ever, we must focus our hearts and lives on the good news of Jesus Christ, to love God and others with grace and mercy, to preach forgiveness with kindness, and to show the world where our truest convictions lie.
One of the greatest challenges during this season is to know exactly when and how to respond to and ever-changing pandemic, with new guidelines and restrictions either levied or relaxed all the time. Amidst all of that, we want to make sure that our response is honorable (1 Pet. 2:11-17), wise (1 Cor. 10:23), and furthers Christ’s mission above all (Phil. 1:10-20).
Taking this into account, we are excited to announce the next phase of reentry plan:
ON CAMPUS GATHERINGS (OUTDOOR)
Starting THIS SUNDAY, August 16th, we will begin meeting outdoors at the First Baptist Church campus. We want to make every effort to restore the gathering of God’s people together in one place, as safely, respectfully, and manageable as we can.
Gatherings will take place every other week, with house churches continuing to meet during the alternating weeks. We will be praying and considering how best to do this, and we will certainly increase our all-church meetings if it is feasible and in the best interest of the community.
Live, in-person worship will begin at 9am this Sunday to offset the warm weather. We will provide shade, bottled water, seating, as well as masks and hand sanitizer for those who need/want them. We will be practicing social distancing during our gathering, so please do you best to respect other’s space and continue to pursue the health and safety of those around you. Given the public nature of an outdoor gathering right in the middle of Cottonwood, we recognize the message we communicate with our actions as well as our words will represent the God we worship to the world, so please be mindful of your testimony to those inside and outside of the church.
We can’t wait to see you again as we gather together and finish up our long-running series on the Psalms of Ascent, share testimonies of how God has worked in us and through us during this season, worship in singing, and challenge one another to follow Jesus more radically and intently than ever before.
IF YOU ARE NOT READY TO REGATHER:
We completely understand, and we want to be there for you. Please, let us know how we can help! Use the form below on on our CONTACT page, or give us a call at the number below (response is spotty these days with decreased office hours, but we’ll do our best to get back to you in a timely way). We are working out how best to serve you as we make the transition to in-person gatherings. At the moment, we will likely record our time on Sunday morning, and hopefully get it delivered to you by that afternoon. Pray for us as we consider the best way to serve you and encourage you as you follow Jesus wherever you are.
I know I’m not alone when I say this, but this had been the most difficult season of life and ministry I have ever endured. I also know that, because of the compromises and adjustments that have been made in an unprecedented era, I have often stumbled more than I have succeeded, and for that I humbly ask for your forgiveness, for patience, and for grace as we seek out how to honor our commitment to Jesus and his mission to the world. Thanks for sticking with me, and for loving Jesus.
Jacob Parodi
Lead Pastor, First Baptist Church
