September 30, 2020
Dear Knox Family,
Thank you for your patience and graciousness as we continue to navigate the many decisions amidst this pandemic. We recognize the toll the ongoing decisions regarding gathering for worship have taken on many of you, and we appreciate the way that God has demonstrated the power of the gospel in your responses to us and to each other along the way.
As we mentioned in our letter a few weeks ago, we are trying to balance many considerations in our decisions on gathering for worship. We are trying to be mindful and proactive without becoming unnecessarily alarmist or fearful. We are trying to listen carefully to the guidance of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, and our local Health Department. We are also trying to listen carefully to what our own doctors are saying, as well as pay attention to local conditions. In addition, we are seeking to be a good community partner and avoid becoming a hotspot for infection. In all of this, we are trying to honor one another and show consideration to those with different convictions and comfort levels.
As we face the cooler weather coming soon and the prospect of the long winter months ahead, as we consider the spiritual needs of the Knox family, as we reflect on the effectiveness of the measures we implemented for in-person indoor worship this summer, and as we appreciate the conscientiousness of the Knox family in participating willingly and lovingly in these measures, we have decided the following:
- In preparation for the cooler weather, October 11 will be the last day of the outdoor worship service at 11:00 am.
- On October 18, we will begin having an in-person indoor worship service at 9:30 am. The requirements will be the same as they were during the summer: a maximum of 175 people in the sanctuary, social distancing and masking required, and the implementation of contactless procedures. Communion will be served. If the 9:30 am service reaches capacity, we will add a second in-person indoor service at 11:00 am to accommodate all those who desire to come to in-person worship.
- The indoor service at 9:30 am will continue to be live streamed for those worshipping from home.
The continuance of the in-person indoor worship service will be dependent on local health conditions and the guidance of public health professionals as well as our own doctors. If local cases spike in Washtenaw County, we may need to suspend the in-person worship service for a time (though live streaming would continue).
If someone in the Knox family who attended an indoor service tests positive, we will contact all those who were at the service that day so that they can get tested or quarantine. We may also consider suspending the in-person worship service for one or two Sundays, in an effort not to become a hotspot. To this end, we will continue to ask that you sign up for worship. This will help us manage the numbers for social distancing and give us a contact list should someone later test positive.
As we move forward we encourage all of us as a family to continue showing grace and honor to one another. If you feel uncomfortable with in-person worship for any reason, please continue to worship from home through the live stream (and perhaps consider joining with a small number of others to worship in community). If you have any of the common symptoms for Covid, please stay home and worship through the live stream. If you choose to come to in-person worship, please love your brothers and sisters by graciously wearing a mask and respecting the need for social distancing.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact one of the pastors. We will be glad to talk more with you.
Affectionately in Christ,
Your Pastors
