Dear Forcey Family,

I remember talking back in January and February about the “adventure” in worship we would have this year due to the wonderful renovations that would prevent us from using the sanctuary for a number of weeks. Well, WOW, it has been a much greater adventure than we could have ever anticipated! Our last in-person public worship service was almost exactly 6 months ago! Throughout that time, we have not stopped seeking to obey Hebrews 10:24-25:

“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another!”

I praise God for enabling us to continue to gather through our livestream and small groups. However, our board has now agreed that our next adventure in gathering should be to aim for outdoor services in addition to our regular livestream. So, beginning this Sunday 9/13, we will gather at 9:30am for an outdoor worship service. For those unable to gather in person, we will provide the livestream at 10am in the same format we have been using in this season. All groups are encouraged to continue to meet as they have been, mostly around 11:30 after the livestream.

Why now and why outside?

We have now fulfilled the initial steps in our regathering plan, which was to finish renovating the sanctuary and then to host three open house events (with the final event being 9/9). The open houses have been a great blessing and we have learned much in the process. One thing we have learned is that we are still very limited inside. Our County currently allows for one household unit for every 200 square feet of worship space, meaning we can only have about 22 units in the space. Outside, we can gather with 150 total people. We believe that outside provides for a bigger, better, and safer worship experience. And we are hopeful for some nice fall weather!

What to do?

• It would greatly help our check-in process if you pre-register online for each worship service. However, if you do not pre-register, you can still come and “walk-in” until we reach 150 people.

REGISTER FOR SEPTEMBER 13 @ 9:30am

• As you come, you will want to arrive via the Old Columbia parking entrance and park in the large lot. People who need more accessible parking will be directed to a closer lot.
• Bring your own chair and a mask, which will need to be worn anytime you are not able to maintain 6 feet of social distance.
• Check-in at the check-in station.
• Plan to sit together as a family unit. There will be no separate youth ministries at this time.
• Bathrooms are available inside as needed following the same guidelines we have been using.

What about the livestream?

For now we are planning to provide the livestream in the same format we have been using. A message will continue to be recorded just for the livestream and will consist of the same content as the in-person message. We want us all to have as much of a shared experience as possible during this time.

Fixing my eyes on Jesus together with you,

Pastor Mike

REGISTER FOR SEPTEMBER 13 @ 9:30am