Increased COVID Measures for Worship, Starting this Sunday
Brothers and Sisters,
As most are probably aware, Governor Beshear has requested that Kentucky churches cancel in-person worship for the next three weeks. We want to thank the Governor for respecting religious liberties by not mandating a closure, and we want to take his request seriously by doing our part to slow the spread of COVID-19. At the same time, we also recognize that there is more to consider than the virus. Some in our congregation feel led by conviction to gather for worship no matter the risk. There are others who are weary, lonely, and need to gather for the sake of their souls. After weighing all these factors, the session has decided on a response we hope will honor the spirit of the Governor’s request, while also offering an option for worship to those who need to gather.
Our health experts believe our current safety measures have been successful, however, in the spirit of humble submission to the authorities God has placed over us, we have decided to add further restrictions to our gatherings. Our attendance capacity will be limited to 150 per service. Including overflow rooms, this number is roughly 10% of our total space capacity, providing more than enough room to spread out attendance beyond the recommended social distance. Additionally, we are requiring masks to be worn throughout the entirety of the service, and we are not permitting congregating in the parking lot before or after. These restrictions will be in place through the December 13 worship service, and may continue past December 13 if health experts believe it is prudent.
If you are comfortable abiding by these restrictions, you are welcome to attend, but if you are not bound by personal conviction or spiritually desperate to gather, our request is that you make use of our livestream technology and worship at home. We understand that we are weary of this pandemic and eager for normalcy, but the physicians on our session who serve on the frontlines of this pandemic want to remind our congregation that this virus is real, dangerous, and spreading at an alarming rate within our state.
For those who have already RSVP’d for this Sunday: if you would like to adjust or cancel your RSVP, please click here and fill out this form.
In all things, let us remember that, unlike our circumstances, our God is unchanging and unfailing. Please join us in praying for the Bluegrass we love and serve.
Yours in Christ,
The Session of TCPC