Dear Christ Covenant Family,
It’s been more than a year since the pandemic upended all of our lives, and while we aren’t back to normal yet, we are eager to keep taking steps in that direction. The number of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths continue to fall, and the number of people vaccinated continues to rise. Given these realities, we are eager to move back toward normal when and where we can.

Starting this Sunday, May 16, we will have sizeable sections in the sanctuary for those wanting to wear a mask and for those who no longer deem that necessary. The front center sections and those sections directly behind them will be mask-required sections. The remaining sections on the ground level and the entire balcony will be mask-optional sections. In the diagram below, the sections colored in purple will be mask-required; the sections in white are mask-optional (plus the balcony too). If you get to church and can’t recall which are which, just remember: masks in the middle. For the time being, we will continue to have social distancing in place with seating in every other pew.
As I mentioned two weeks ago, I will be back shaking hands (or giving hugs or waves or fist bumps) by the main lobby doors after the 10:45 am service. You’ll also notice that the Bibles and hymnals are back in the pews along with our prayer cards, guest cards, offering envelopes and pens. We hope to return to one service as soon as it seems wise and feasible.

This church has held together remarkably well during an incredibly difficult time. Your cooperation and patience and good spirits have been wonderful to see. I would ask for your flexibility as we navigate this last round of changes (Lord willing!). For example, we may find after one week that we need more space for mask-required or more space for mask-optional. We are trying our best to care for a large congregation with many members who may view the ongoing threat (or not) of the virus in different ways. We appreciate your prayers and your patience.

Finally, as you are able, I hope to see you in church at one or more of our worship services. To be together with God’s people for corporate worship—to pray, to sing, and to sit under God’s word—should be a top priority for us all.
In Christ,

Kevin DeYoung, Senior Pastor
Christ Covenant Church (PCA) | christcovenant.org