Reintegration Statement to the South Sound Church of Christ
As of late last week, Pierce and Kitsap Counties are cleared for Phase 2 in Washington State’s Phased Approach for Reintegration. We also have been given recommendations from the state concerning religious gatherings. We are following the recommendations given by the State/CDC but more importantly adhering to what the Bible would say regarding this current situation. In Romans 14:1-23 TPT, we can see that even with many opinions of how we should approach reintegration, we need to do what’s best for the church as a whole.
All 3 regions are working on a midweek plan for Men and Women to meet on alternating weeks outdoors. Kitsap is a little ahead and will meet this Wednesday, June 10 for Midweek at the Bremerton Seventh Day Adventist Church. Since Tacoma and Puyallup do not have a church facility to meet at, they are currently working on a location and will start outdoor midweeks (men/women split) as soon as possible.
None-the-less, the expectation of engagement are the same for each region:
We will be expecting the State/CDC’s recommendations for social distancing and masks be respected and upheld. (link at the bottom to the state’s recommendations).
If you are high-risk and aren’t ready to meet physically, we will still have online videos available. Please reach out to your small group and stay connected.
If you are able to meet, we would love to see you! We need your help to engage those who might be able to attend gatherings because they are high risk. Let’s make sure we still stay connected.
Again these will be men and women alternating but if you choose to bring your children, we would also request that they are wearing masks and social distance.
In addition it is also appropriate at this time for those who feel safe to reengage in discipling times in small groups of up to 5 at a park or in the backyard (again with the recommendation that you’ll practice safe distancing and wear a mask). At this point we are not officially endorsing any Sunday services or Bible talk meetings. We will certainly get there but we are moving at a pace that we feel will best help even our weakest and most vulnerable members to feel safe as well. We will continue to update you as we move forward.
For the foreseeable future we will continue to provide online services for Midweeks and Sundays for those who choose not to attend and for those who are High Risk until it is determined that we are all able to safely gather together again. And won’t that be a joyous day?!
Click here to see the State’s guidelines for religious meetings.
