Dear HLPC family,
Upon recommendation of the In-Person Worship Task Force and with approval of the Session, we are planning, Lord willing, to continue to worship outside through June 21st rather than move indoors this Sunday. Why are we doing this?
- Our outdoor worship has gone extremely well. God has blessed us with a great place to hold such services with a shady front lawn. We’ve even had visitors join us during this time and we rejoice in their presence with us. There is a sense of “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
- Outdoor worship is an aid to parents with younger children. When we do resume indoor worship, we will be unable, initially, to offer a nursery. Outdoor worship affords younger families more freedom to join us.
- Moving indoors will necessitate addressing questions of using masks and even singing. Waiting a few more weeks may serve to lessen some of those concerns for us. Outdoor worship feels the most like “normal” worship for us given our current context.
In order to mitigate the rising temperatures of summer we will continue to meet at 9:30AM. So far, for those in the shade, it’s been very comfortable. If there is a strong possibility of rain, we will announce alternative worship plans on Saturday via email, text, and the church Facebook page. We will continue to offer livestreaming of our worship services.
I want to say that as pastor, no one is more desirous of greater stability in our planning and a return to indoor worship without COVID-19 precautions that I am. I need God’s grace to remain patient and trusting in His providence. Thank you for your patience as a church family in this unique and ever-changing situation we all face.
Lastly, let me say how grateful I am for the Biblical form of church government God has designed for His Church. He has ordained shared responsibility among Elders and Deacons that I greatly value. I’m also very thankful for the “all hands on deck” response we have had from so many. Rather than tear us apart, this pandemic has, in many ways, strengthened our bonds of love and fellowship. Let us also be thankful how God has sustained us financially! It is remarkable how He has continued to provide through the generosity of His people. We praise Him for His gracious blessing!
Your Pastor,
Paul