Greetings Church Family,
As I have been watching our local data concerning the COVID-19 reports, speaking with other pastors, and praying for our church family, I keep thinking of Psalm 122:1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!” I am glad to write and inform you that we will begin gathering again in a limited capacity this week (May 10th). I want to share with you the reasons we are making this decision and also encourage you to prayerfully consider your response.
The Lord has greatly blessed N. Brevard over these past weeks. We have less than 20 cases at this point for a population of nearly 50,000. We have had testing available for anyone in our community for over 2 weeks now with no surge in cases. Capacity of hospitals to care for patients was a major reason for the measures we had put in place not to meet. Parrish is now well equipped and ready to treat anyone who may need medical attention and yet currently has no COVID-19 patients admitted. While many regions in our country and state are not in the same position, after looking at the official data we (along with a number of other similar sized churches in the community) feel it is safe to begin Phase 1 of returning to worship together this Sunday, May 10th.
While all this is very good news, I want to admonish you as your pastor to continue to take your personal safety concerning this virus very serious. If you or someone in your household is running a fever or not feeling well, do not join us in person. This sickness is not one that anyone wants to have and is increasingly dangerous for the elderly, those with underlying chronic medical issues, and individuals with weakened immune systems. We are not encouraging you to think this virus is a hoax by meeting but seeking to balance the risk with our mandate in scripture to meet as a church. The danger of this virus is real and while many of our church body will be ready to gather again, we also know that many will not be ready. I want you to know as your pastor I fully understand. I want you to look at the data yourself (Florida Today has been giving excellent updates by cities in Brevard based on FL Department of Health data) and I want you to prayerfully make a decision for you and your family. I trust you and the Lord to make the right decisions and take the best precautions for yourself and your family.
If you are not ready to join us in person this Sunday, please worship with us through the radio at 89.3 FM. Or by video live-stream at 11 am at https://www.fbctitusville.org/live.html. However, if you are led to gather this week, I want to make you aware of what to expect. We will be in Phase 1 of our plan to return to regular worship.
● We will gather for a shortened worship only service with precautions for distancing within families throughout our sanctuary.
● Interactions will be limited and there will be no choir, greeting time, “passing the plate,” or handouts.
● There will be no other activities to meet on campus throughout the week.
I know this seems like a lot of “rules” for worshiping together but we want to balance prudence with obedience. In time, this too shall pass; until then please help us to work through the phases together with much love and grace for each other.
I love you Church and I am so excited to say, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!”
In His Grace, and for His Glory,
Pastor Bob Wilson
As I have been watching our local data concerning the COVID-19 reports, speaking with other pastors, and praying for our church family, I keep thinking of Psalm 122:1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!” I am glad to write and inform you that we will begin gathering again in a limited capacity this week (May 10th). I want to share with you the reasons we are making this decision and also encourage you to prayerfully consider your response.
The Lord has greatly blessed N. Brevard over these past weeks. We have less than 20 cases at this point for a population of nearly 50,000. We have had testing available for anyone in our community for over 2 weeks now with no surge in cases. Capacity of hospitals to care for patients was a major reason for the measures we had put in place not to meet. Parrish is now well equipped and ready to treat anyone who may need medical attention and yet currently has no COVID-19 patients admitted. While many regions in our country and state are not in the same position, after looking at the official data we (along with a number of other similar sized churches in the community) feel it is safe to begin Phase 1 of returning to worship together this Sunday, May 10th.
While all this is very good news, I want to admonish you as your pastor to continue to take your personal safety concerning this virus very serious. If you or someone in your household is running a fever or not feeling well, do not join us in person. This sickness is not one that anyone wants to have and is increasingly dangerous for the elderly, those with underlying chronic medical issues, and individuals with weakened immune systems. We are not encouraging you to think this virus is a hoax by meeting but seeking to balance the risk with our mandate in scripture to meet as a church. The danger of this virus is real and while many of our church body will be ready to gather again, we also know that many will not be ready. I want you to know as your pastor I fully understand. I want you to look at the data yourself (Florida Today has been giving excellent updates by cities in Brevard based on FL Department of Health data) and I want you to prayerfully make a decision for you and your family. I trust you and the Lord to make the right decisions and take the best precautions for yourself and your family.
If you are not ready to join us in person this Sunday, please worship with us through the radio at 89.3 FM. Or by video live-stream at 11 am at https://www.fbctitusville.org/live.html. However, if you are led to gather this week, I want to make you aware of what to expect. We will be in Phase 1 of our plan to return to regular worship.
● We will gather for a shortened worship only service with precautions for distancing within families throughout our sanctuary.
- We have placed green tape on the top rail of pews where we would like you to sit in order to maintain spacing. We ask that you sit in these areas first with those in your household or those who you have been regularly interacting with over these weeks. Once the “green zone” seating has been fully occupied we can begin to sit in other areas with spacing of 6’ maintained.
- There will be no nursery or preschool during the service so children must sit with families.
● Interactions will be limited and there will be no choir, greeting time, “passing the plate,” or handouts.
- Offering plates will be located at the front and back of the sanctuary where you may place your tithes and offerings as you come in or leave.
- Please arrive no sooner than 15 minutes before 11 am and leave promptly at the conclusion of the service.
- Please refrain from handshakes and hugs. We encourage you to maintain 6’ distance and to have conversations with others outside if possible. This is very important for us as a church to follow during this phase. I know it will be difficult to be around those you care for so much and not have contact, but the last thing we want to see is our church family unknowingly infect each other.
● There will be no other activities to meet on campus throughout the week.
- Office hours are still prioritized to essential only tasks.
- Prayer bulletins will be sent out each Wednesday.
- Sunday Schools are not meeting in person.
I know this seems like a lot of “rules” for worshiping together but we want to balance prudence with obedience. In time, this too shall pass; until then please help us to work through the phases together with much love and grace for each other.
I love you Church and I am so excited to say, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!”
In His Grace, and for His Glory,
Pastor Bob Wilson