Dear Crossroads Members and Friends,

As of May 23rd, face coverings will be optional for worship, adult small groups, when in the building, and outdoors.

The Session has made this decision based on prayerful dialogue and input from many sources. We are taking into account the vaccination and COVID data from our local community, as well as the new CDC guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals.
 
We are aware that unvaccinated congregants and guests will be at risk if they choose not to wear a face covering. We also know that some will continue to wear a face covering for a variety of reasons. Both choices are fine. We pray members of our community can decide for themselves and respect one another.

We are mindful that portions of our community have not had access to the vaccine.

Here’s what that means:

  • The Preschool will continue with its current COVID protocols requiring face coverings at drop off, pick up, and for teachers.
  • Childcare workers providing childcare will wear face coverings.
  • VBS and Youth programs will continue with current face covering protocols.

Social distancing will still be practiced on our campus. But the sanctuary now has a new, more generous seating pattern.

  • The sanctuary is marked using a checkerboard that allows for an increased capacity up to 240 while still preserving social distancing between pods.
  • Registration for worship is no longer needed.

To be on the safe side, we will continue to monitor the situation, and protocols may be adjusted.

We have so much to be thankful for!

We are grateful for those who developed many treatments to protect against COVID. We thank God for those serving on the front lines in healthcare and other sectors. We give thanks for the remarkable vaccines that have been developed, distributed, and deployed. But even as we rejoice, we continue to pray for those in other parts of the world, especially in Brazil and India, where infections and deaths are surging.

Friends in Christ, we have come so far. 

It is our prayer that as we continue to regather, we will honor and respect one another “bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3)
 
In Christ, 
The Crossroads Session

Harvey Bootsma, Tom Giles, Hank Hart, Rebecca Hasley, Wanda Hodge, Richard Janssen, Debra Krygiel, Lowell Lampen, Rev. Scott D. Samuelson, Jay Sanders, Linda Schmale, Elizabeth Sellars, Hyndie Steck, Claire Steidinger, Rev. Susan Sytsma Bratt (Moderator), Diane Tegtmeier, Laurie Uhl, and Mark Van Genderen