The Rock’s Plan to Tentatively Resume Public Worship, June 7th
After prayerful consideration, hearing from our church body leaders, and reading through “Nebraska State Guidelines to Resume Worship,” The Rock leaders have decided to tentatively resume public (in-person) worship gatherings June 7th. We will visit each week about opening earlier than June 7th if restrictions change. Until then, The Rock will continue to stream worship.
God’s Word reminds us in Philippians 2:1-4 (NIV),
“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Guidelines for the Conduct of Faith-Based Services Including Weddings and Funerals Held in Houses of Worship from the State of Nebraska says,
“Faith leaders are responsible for the safety of those who attend services in houses of worship and must limit physical participation on the premises depending on the size and structure of the house of worship. This document anticipates flexibility in the timing of reopening of services at houses of worship throughout the State based on the judgment of the faith leaders responsible for making such decisions.”
You can see the full guidelines at http://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/COVID-19-Guidelines-for-the-Conduct-of-Faith-Based-Services.pdf#search=Faith%20Based%20Service
This was not an easy decision knowing people are on both sides about public gatherings. At this time there are many unanswered questions. How do we continue social distancing with the space at The Rock?
Would we need additional worship gatherings? If so, how many? How would we do Holy Communion? How do we thoroughly clean after each worship gathering and how many people are needed to accomplish this? What will be required to do a public worship gathering(s) AND continue Facebook, YouTube online worship for those at risk, sick, older population, and those who do not feel it is safe to be in a large group?
We tried to make this decision as being the best witness of Jesus Christ to the Forever Family, community of Seward, and the surrounding area. Even now, the Ambassadors are crafting a plan to offer “drive thru” Holy Communion in the days ahead. The leaders are very thankful to God that we can worship online through Facebook and YouTube. We also understand everyone may not be able to worship this way. If you’d like to discuss other ways we could bring God’s Word to you, please contact us through one of the following methods:
- Phone: 402-643-6624 (please leave a voice message)
- Email: info@therockseward.org
- Facebook message: The Rock
How can I best help our ministry right now?
Pray: please keep our Forever Family, Pastor Mike and our entire community and world in your prayers. Pray boldly that God will use this time of hardship to show us His power and love.
Engage: use the tools and/or resources you have available to connect with people and offer the Christian care and concern they need. People are anxious, and there is no better remedy than Jesus, our Rock. We are Jesus’ hands and feet, and we can make a difference by showing His love or sharing an encouraging Bible verse with others.
God is good, all the time…all the time, God is good!
Your Ambassadors, Directors, and Pastor of The Rock
