Dear Members and Friends:
Many of us are longing to get back together for face to face worship. I know that I’m tired of looking at only my face on a Sunday morning as I preach live. We were created for community and not isolation and we have found ways of communicating through technology, but long for the opportunity to gather in celebration of what God is doing in our midst and encouraging one another during these difficult times.
Borth and Poy Sippi Administrative Councils have been diligently working toward opening the church for worship. First and foremost we want to keep people healthy; create vital community and care for the vulnerable. We are aware that those who are older than 65 and those with health considerations are at high risk with this virus. We recognize the need for safety and caution as many of our members are in the age group that is most vulnerable. Therefore we have spent much prayer and thought to be careful and mindful of how we may best gather once again.
Thus the councils and I have worked out some protocols to follow to ensure safety for all as we gather together for the purpose of public worship. First and foremost we are following the guidelines provided by the health department: We request that you stay safe at home if you have traveled in the last 14 days to any other area with a high incidence of the virus; been exposed to anyone known to have tested positive; been in a nursing home, house of correction; meat packing plant or other high-density areas with an outbreak; have a fever or had chills in the last 24 hours or feel sick. We will continue to do sermons on line at www.BorthPoySippi.org and Facebook.
Things will be different in our new reality. We ask that you enter through the front door only, wear a mask (facial covering); use a hand sanitizer, and practice social distancing. Bulletins will include song words (no hymnbooks and please bring your own Bible), ushers will assist you with a seating placement to incorporate social distancing and then again will guide members as when to exit at the close of the Worship, and the offering will be collected as you leave to ensure social distancing. Visiting is encouraged outside for social distancing. All of this is for the safety and protection of others. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated.
These times are a challenge as we continue to journey together but we continue to prayerfully seek God’s wisdom in the midst of the pandemic we are drawn to pray, care, and share as God grants us opportunity. I encourage you to continue to live out God’s mission for us to reach out to the broken hurting world, with God’s unconditional love; offering people Christ and the encouragement to grow in His image.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Becky Kindschi
June 22, 2020