Dear COG Parents,



I pray this email finds you and your family well. I want to inform you of the direction that COG is taking in light of the recent 'mask order' for students. 

As you are probably aware, Tri-County Health Department and Arapahoe County have issued a mask mandate for all children from 2 years of age through 12th grade while at school, childcare, or in a classroom setting. In reading the information put out by these two agencies, the COG Elders and myself believe this mask order applies to the classroom setting for churches as well. We will maintain the position that we have held from the beginning of the pandemic of complying with the governing agencies mandates as long as they don't force us to compromise our biblical beliefs or inhibit us from worshiping together.

We believe it is important to hold this position for these reasons:

1. Protecting our children. This has been and will continue to be a high priority for me as your Pastor. Though some will say a mask doesn't protect them at all, we believe in our position that we need to lead on the side of precaution (I removed the rest of this sentence per J's recommendation).

2. We are instructed in Scripture to obey those that govern over us (Romans 13:1-2). I am not naive to the fact that many are not proud of our government, and I believe the first century Christians would have sympathized with that view as they were under the rule of the Roman government. But here we are, and we are having to deal with masks once again. We will make it through this.

Possible questions:

How will this play out at church?

- We are asking parents to have a mask on your child while in the Children's area and youth in their small group settings. 

- Once you pick your child up and out of the Children's area, you are free to remove the mask from your child.

What if my child takes their mask off while in the class?

- We will kindly ask the child to put it back on. Please be assured that our volunteers are sensitive to the situation and will treat your child with love and grace. We realize this is an almost impossible request of the small children, especially if they are not in school where it is required as well.

Can I take my child into the worship service with me?

- Absolutely. We understand that this situation is not ideal. We will be a community of grace. As we understand the mandate from Tri-County Health Department, this is for the classroom setting. Your child would not have to wear a mask in the worship service.

Church please hear my heart on this. We (the Elders) know how divisive masks have become in our society. We are seeking the Lord, praying for protection over the church, and for the health of its people. Let's continue to keep our eyes on the Lord and shine brightly for Him.

In His Grip,

Pastor Joel