Like most of you, Kay and I are longing to go back into the Lord’s house for corporate worship. It has been over two months since we have been in a church building for worship. We have, however, been faithful to watch the live stream worship from our home church each Sunday at 11:00 AM. As I have spoken with a number of our pastors in the past several days, I have heard that churches in our association are beginning to return to the church building for worship. Each church is unique, and thus, all are not re-gathering in the same way, on the same day, or at the same time. The vast majority are only having worship services at this time and seeking to follow the guidelines from the CDC and other governmental health agencies. One thing I have heard is that the attendance upon returning has been about 1/3 to 1/2 of the average attendance prior to the Coronavirus. As we move forward, I want to encourage you to pray faithfully for your pastor and church leaders as they seek the Lord’s guidance in re-opening your church building for worship. I also trust you will prayerfully consider when you should return to corporate worship. As we have heard, older adults are more at risk from the Coronavirus than younger adults. You may want to consult with your doctor about attending services with others.
Numerous camps and ministries have been cancelled this summer out of an abundance of caution and concern over the Coronavirus. In our association, Debbie Marotte, our Camp “I Am” director, has cancelled both Camp “I Am” Jr. and Sr. this summer. She and her dedicated team are already planning for 2021.
Out of that same abundance of caution regarding the Coronavirus, I cancelled our associational Mission Trip to the Savannah Baptist Center on May 20. I am praying we will be able to go on our scheduled mission trip there on August 19 to work with the homeless and needy. At this time I have 12 people signed up to go. I can take up to 30, so if you would like to go with us, please call the Associational Office at 764-3620 and let Debbie know of your willingness to serve with us. She will need your name, cell phone number, and the church you attend.
Serving alongside you,
Greg Abercrombie