CAs you know by now, there are many things changing locally and nationally regarding the Coronavirus. This is an update on the activities and ministries at Cornerstone Baptist Church.
First, we would like to express our thanks and appreciation for our frontline healthcare workers, first responders, and leaders who have had to make many difficult decisions. We continue to pray for families most impacted during those difficult season – physically, economically, mentally, and spiritually.
Second, our elders and staff would like to express our gratitude to Cornerstone for your faithfulness and service during this season. You have prayer paraded through Sedalia, served meals, met benevolence needs, given food to local ministries, worked with our local school system, taught Bible studies, and so much more! We are a better church coming out of this season than we were going into it. With all that I am – THANK YOU CHURCH!
Third, with the “Stay at Home Order” phasing out at midnight, May 4, it is now time to update on our plans moving forward. This week, we have considered all of the information offered by health officials and leaders, considered our faith commitment, and prayed through what is best moving forward. The following is offered as what we believe to be our best approach moving forward for the month of May.
- Sunday May 3rd is DriveWay Church 6.0. – We will not cancel tomorrow’s service, regardless of weather, as there are several events planned for our Graduate Sunday.
- All weekly activities/ministries that normally hosted at our campus for the month of May remain suspended at this time. This includes Celebrate Recovery, Awana, Wednesday night adult Bible Studies, and Sunday night Student ministries. Like you, we are anxiously awaiting the restart of all of these ministries on campus. However, at this time, given the uniqueness of each of these ministries, it is virtually impossible to “social distance” with these ministries, given their approach. – WE CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE YOU TO ENGAGE WITH US IN OUR ONLINE MINISTRIES (CORNERSTONE FACEBOOK PAGE). We offer Q&A’s on Wednesday nights, Adult Bible Study through Zoom with Dr. Loggins, student Zoom ministry through Todd Lewis, Awana FaceBook live (Wednesdays), daily announcements, and other opportunities. There really is no reason to be disconnected during this season.
- With
regard to Sunday Morning Services:
- There will continue to be no Children’s Church or Nursery Services through the month of May. This decision is difficult, but considering the nature of each of these ministries, “social distancing” is impossible. – We hope to begin offering these ministries again starting in June.
- May 3 and 10th, 10:00 A.M., worship services will be DriveWay Church. If our internet connection cooperates, we will also offer livestream during this season.
- May
17, 24, and 31st, 10:00 A.M., worship services will resume inside –
with a few modifications.
- First, pews will be marked to help with “social distancing,” in an effort to make the process as simple as possible.
- Second, the Sanctuary will be limited to 35% capacity. After 35% capacity is met, we will guide congregants to the gymnasium. The gymnasium will be given a live feed of the service and seating will be set up in accordance with “social distancing.”
- The two above protocols will allow us to safely minister to approximately 530 people. We understand that will not cover everyone, but we believe this is the best solution. We will cease livestreaming on May 17th.
- Third, there will be “sanitation stations” established at the front doors of both the sanctuary and gymnasium.
We believe that the outlined preparations are an appropriate and responsible approach to the next few weeks. We are hopeful that the first Sunday of June will be a “Celebration Sunday” (with more details to come) and we will update you in the days to come.
Lastly, we wish to stress, your health is your responsibility. We believe God calls us to honor our bodies and to care for the whole human condition. Therefore, please do what you believe is most appropriate in the weeks to come. While we are not requiring the use of face masks, if you prefer to do so, please do so. If you are more comfortable waiting a little longer before returning to church, please do so. We support you, love you, and look forward to seeing you again soon! As always, the church will be cleaned weekly, including extra sanitation measures taken to make sure gathering and seating areas are disinfected.
Again, thank you Cornerstone Baptist Church for your patience, grace, and service over the past several weeks! May God richly bless you!
Held by Grace,
Pastor Chris Guffey and the Elders