Hi, Friends!
I hope you had a chance to read John Jay's letter about how we will continue to "do church" even in the midst of suspending our usual Sunday morning gatherings. You and your kids have been on my mind extra the last few days, and I am writing with so many emotions as I think of you. I'm sad, of course, that we won't be together in person on Sunday (it's my favorite day because of our gathering!). I'm also grateful for you and our church family, knowing that we get to go through this in community. And I have increasing joy and excitement about the creative ways we can come alongside one another. Today's email is meant to explain what you can expect from me and Pastor Mary in the coming days and weeks, so read on for all the details!
Sunday Specials
Starting tomorrow, everyone will receive an audio church service in place of our usual Sunday gathering. Though there is no substitute for our physical presence together, I promise it will offer its own beauty and meaning. I hope you and your family and friends can take time to listen and interact with it together.
You will also receive a video Bible lesson for kids to watch and some suggested discussion and activities you can do right in the home to go along with the lesson (which will match the theme of John Jay's preaching). It is our hope that these Sunday resources provide fun ways for you and your kids to engage with your faith and one another at home (and we are super pumped to make meaningful and silly content to share!).
Weekday Wonders
Outside of Sunday, I will also be sharing other types of resources for you to use with kids during the week, especially since schools have closed. We want to provide all we can to help you create moments of joy, rest, learning, and fun, and we want kids to be able to experience God's presence and love in new ways during the weeks ahead. In short, we want you to thrive in the home in this season, so we are working hard to help you do just that!
Connection Captains
And, most importantly, we will be checking in on you to see how you are doing, share a word of love and encouragement, and assess any needs you have so we can try to help meet them. We are your church family, and we are eager to live out that special calling. For now, please let me know if you have any pressing needs or questions. We are standing by to take your calls, texts, emails, letters carried by animals (who knew?!)—whatever method you prefer! For reals, connection is most important right now, so don't hesitate to reach out.
One Last Thing
This brief pause in regular Sunday gatherings is its own kind of fast. But it's also the perfect opportunity to have conversations with kids (and adults!) about what "church" really is. We love our church building, and it's truly special. But "being the church" is not about a building; it's about embodying the love of Christ and pursuing God together, in community, as a family. So that's what we are doing as best we can. If you catch anyone in your home saying something like "church is canceled," make sure you clarify that, though a specific gathering may not be happening, church is never canceled. We will keep being the church—and that is such good news!
Sending you so much love and virtual hugs!