Hello Friends,
Two great things to talk about today. First, I want to join the ongoing celebration of our Easter gathering on Murfreesboro's Civic Plaza. What a day it was. The weather was perfect, despite causing a few unexpected, strategically placed sunburns. The venue was beautiful; a perfect place for a church in the heart of the city with a heart for the city to congregate to celebrate the resurrection. And personally, it meant the world to me to see you all in person and to be able to preach to you in real time. It was like having a first Sunday three months into my pastorate. It was such a joy. A huge thanks goes out to the staff for their work, especially Sir Bryan whose areas of coverage, ever growing, were vast on that day. Thanks to all who were part of the service and to the many who helped with set up, take down, greeting and the like. And a huge thanks goes out to the city for being so affirming, helpful and cooperative. It was a lot of work, but worth it all and then some.
AND NOW.... At the risk of burying the lead, here is a word we have been waiting to hear for a long time.
FBC MURFREESBORO WILL REGATHER FOR CORPORATE WORSHIP ON SUNDAY, APRIL 25.
And all God's people said, Amen!
You will be receiving more details in the days ahead as to times and what to expect. To that end, you received an email with a chance to let us know how you will plan to respond. This will help us make important decisions regarding times and numbers of services, responding to room capacity and the like. If you haven't already, please have a member of your family weigh in. There is a link included in the Midweek to make it convenient for you.
I want to give great thanks to the COVID 19 Task Force for their great work in the past year. Balancing the urges for boldness and discretion in appropriate measures is not an easy job. Please know the seriousness with which they have approached this task, the incredible levels of expertise and experience they have brought to the table, and the amazing love for God and this church that has driven every decision. Their work is not done. We have moved into a modified "Phase Three", based on shifting metrics and their ever changing sense of relevance and instruction. You should be proud of and thankful for each of them. For all you know, you and someone you love may be here because of their restraint. Let them know you are appreciative of not taking the paths of either least or unnecessary resistance.
In the weeks between now and then, we will continue online and are doing the hard work of shifting to a dual approach to worship, in house and online. We are happy to welcome those who are ready, willing and able to return. We also want to say clearly that for those who are not able to or comfortable in returning to live worship, your participation online is still as viable and valuable. We will work hard to make sure you and others have access to worship and the opportunity to be fully engaged and cared for in the church family.
Also, our return is yet another phase in our ongoing process. It will allow for and call on us to do some things differently than before and during the pandemic. I know I can count on you to follow our lead as we listen to, learn from and love on each other along the way. This is a time for celebration and cooperation as we move into an era that feels both old and new to us. God bless you all, and I so look forward to April 25th. I know you do too.
Blessings,
Your Pastor