COVID-19 UPDATE
November 20, 2020
Dear Graceway Family,
By now, I think it is safe to say that 2020 is a year unlike any we have ever seen. It seems like we have experienced the dramatic highs and lows of an entire decade in a matter of only months. Even in the midst of uncertainty, it is still the grace of God and faith in Christ which sustains us. The events of this year have brought a new depth of understanding to the statement, “God is good at all times.” Through the twists and turns and ups and downs, we as a church have weathered the challenge and have seen God be faithful.
It is with this in mind that I write with great confidence of God’s continued faithfulness and goodness in days to come. On Thursday, November 19, Governor Andy Beshear issued a request for churches to consider suspending in-person worship gatherings for the next few weeks as an effort to stem the tide of the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in our state. Immediately, churches across Kentucky were faced with decisions for how to proceed during this new surge in our current pandemic.
After spending Thursday evening and Friday in prayer and consult with area pastors, several church members and the ministry leadership and COVID task force at Graceway, we have come to the decision to move to online worship services effective this Sunday, November 22, 2020. This was a very difficult decision -- not one which was reached flippantly or without great discernment. Ultimately, there were several factors which went into our decision…
With this in mind, it is apparent that our congregation currently presents many concerning elements which makes it difficult to feel comfortable meeting at this time while adequately ensuring we are doing the most we can to ensure the health and safety of the greatest number of our members.
From the perspective of our mission to be good neighbors and servants to our community, there are some factors which also played into our consideration…
We look forward to being able to gather in person again when the spread and risk diminishes. Until then, we will continue to gather in spirit and truth to worship Jesus via Facebook Live Sundays at 10:30am. May God bless you. See you (virtually) on Sunday.
We love you and are praying for you,
Pastor Derek Holmes & Graceway Leadership Team
NOTE
Our Communion Service which was scheduled for Nov. 22, 2020,
will be postponed until we return to in-person services.
By now, I think it is safe to say that 2020 is a year unlike any we have ever seen. It seems like we have experienced the dramatic highs and lows of an entire decade in a matter of only months. Even in the midst of uncertainty, it is still the grace of God and faith in Christ which sustains us. The events of this year have brought a new depth of understanding to the statement, “God is good at all times.” Through the twists and turns and ups and downs, we as a church have weathered the challenge and have seen God be faithful.
It is with this in mind that I write with great confidence of God’s continued faithfulness and goodness in days to come. On Thursday, November 19, Governor Andy Beshear issued a request for churches to consider suspending in-person worship gatherings for the next few weeks as an effort to stem the tide of the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in our state. Immediately, churches across Kentucky were faced with decisions for how to proceed during this new surge in our current pandemic.
After spending Thursday evening and Friday in prayer and consult with area pastors, several church members and the ministry leadership and COVID task force at Graceway, we have come to the decision to move to online worship services effective this Sunday, November 22, 2020. This was a very difficult decision -- not one which was reached flippantly or without great discernment. Ultimately, there were several factors which went into our decision…
- Our current average attendance to our services were reaching around or slightly above 50% capacity in our worship center, making it somewhat difficult to properly expand social distance in light of the growing contact risk.
- In reviewing our attendance records, a great number of our more vulnerable members are our most faithful attenders, and we did not want to put you into a place to have to choose between the feeling of needing to go to service or stay home for the good of your health.
- Along with the medical vulnerability of our congregation, we also have been blessed with several families expecting babies! The risk of exposure to these expectant mothers or those who would be going home to those expectant mothers after a service.
- Added to these concerns is the knowledge that at least two households within our congregation were diagnosed just this week with COVID, and the possibility that more may be diagnosed in a few days after testing.
With this in mind, it is apparent that our congregation currently presents many concerning elements which makes it difficult to feel comfortable meeting at this time while adequately ensuring we are doing the most we can to ensure the health and safety of the greatest number of our members.
From the perspective of our mission to be good neighbors and servants to our community, there are some factors which also played into our consideration…
- Many within our community have been asked to make sacrifices at this time, and we feel it responsible and sensitive to those sacrifices that we sacrifice along those in our community. Schools are going or staying digital and Restaurants are closing indoor dining in an effort to quell the spread. This is a time when our community needs the church, but also needs the church to care for one another by sacrificing for one another’s health.
- We desire to honor those placed in authority over us. Scripture tells us to live peaceably with all as much as possible. The Bible also tells us to honor those who have civic authority. This pandemic has not been easy for anyone, and our leaders are no exception. Our Governor has made a request based upon his expressed desire to provide for the health and well-being of Kentuckians. Our desire is to pray for him and our Mayor and others who hold civic office. In a season where our nation has been deeply divided by a contentious election, it is all too easy to just look through a political lens. As believers, we are not given that option. We must seek to fulfill our civic duty to respect and pray for our leaders and look to cooperate if at all possible. In this case, we believe it is possible.
- We understand that this season is temporary and better days are ahead. The prospects of a vaccine being near completion means that we are getting close to a day when COVID will not present such a risk to our fellow man.
We look forward to being able to gather in person again when the spread and risk diminishes. Until then, we will continue to gather in spirit and truth to worship Jesus via Facebook Live Sundays at 10:30am. May God bless you. See you (virtually) on Sunday.
We love you and are praying for you,
Pastor Derek Holmes & Graceway Leadership Team
NOTE
Our Communion Service which was scheduled for Nov. 22, 2020,
will be postponed until we return to in-person services.