Next Sunday we will observe Independence Day. My sermon will deal with the Christian roots of our nation. There can be no doubt that there are forces at work in our country trying to move us away from our Christian heritage.

The Board and many of the congregation met after church Sunday for a brief meeting. The consensus was that we will continue with our 10:00 service with masks optional and social distancing. There are those who will not come unless everyone is masked. In an effort to meet that need we will invite the “mask only” members to come and sit in the Fellowship Hall. They can hear the service and will be isolated from those not wearing masks. We continue to pray for an end to this virus.

Pastor Bowman

We were back to a single service last Sunday. While attendance was lower than usual, things went well. We will meet again this Sunday at 10:00 AM. Again, no Sunday School, masks optional, enter at the side door to have your temperature taken, sit where you wish in pews not blocked off by tape, observe social distancing. In a word, everything the same as last week. Speaking for myself and the Church Board, we do appreciate the way everyone has cooperated with this new reality. The Board wi;; meet again on July 17 to discuss future changes. Your prayers for guidance are appreciated. While we are eager to return to normal, our main concern is to keep everyone as safe as possible. Call me if you have any questions.

This Sunday we will continue our examination of the Gospel of John. Jesus continues to make astonishing claims about Himself, declaring that He is the bread of life in John Chapter 6. As He explains what He means the Jewish leaders are horrified, and even some of His own followers abandon Him.

Blessings to all in Christ, Pastor Bowman

We had our second Sunday with two services. The Official Board will meet this Tuesday (6/16) at 6 PM to discuss possible changes. I will issue a report on that meeting on Wednesday. If you have any comments or suggestions please let me know. While things have gone smoothly, the present situation is certainly not ideal. Everyone has been super-cooperative which is much appreciated.

I am somewhat perplexed about social distancing. We observe it in church, but last week Marie and I attended a wedding (outdoors) with no social distancing. After church, we ate at a restaurant that was full, and again no social distancing. I was sitting elbow to elbow with a perfect stranger! No one was wearing a mask. I think, as a church, we will try to follow the health department guidelines. Anyway, we have a few things to talk about in the board meeting.

Again, if you have any suggestions for the board please respond to this email either today or tomorrow.

Next Sunday I will continue the sermon series from the Gospel of John. We shall leave the Samaritan woman, and move on John 5 where Jesus discusses at length His identity. Borrowing from a C.S. Lewis phrase, I have entitled the sermon, “Jesus; Liar, Lunatic or Lord?”

Blessings to All, Pastor Bowman

Well, we got through our first Sunday back in church without a hitch. I know all the changes can be frustrating, but everyone cooperated. I commend you for your willingness to adapt to change. For those who do not yet feel safe to return, we understand. No need to apologize. Just come when you are ready.

I don’t think you need to “sign up” for services next week. We will again have a 9 AM service, masks required, and 10:30 service, masks optional. We found a place for everyone last Sunday while maintaining social distancing. So, just come to whichever service suits you.

I will be finishing up with the Samaritan Woman in John Chapter 4 next Sunday. I will be doing a first-person sermon to summarize the important dialogue that took place between Jesus and a sinful Samaritan woman.
I love the Gospel of John where the divine identity of Jesus is so plainly revealed.

A reminder that Sunday School, Bible Study, and Choir are suspended until further notice. We hope things will return to normal soon, but the “experts” do not seem to agree on when that might happen!

We are still doing well financially. Thank you for your faithful support of the church during the past several months when we were unable to meet together.

We will continue with the daily devotions for now. Grace, mercy, and peace be with you all. Pastor Bowman

First, a reminder to Board members that we meet tomorrow night (Tuesday, 6/2) at 6 PM. We will be discussing the details of reopening.

Finally, we will resume worship services this Sunday, June 7. Because of social distancing, we will have two services. The 9 AM service requires that masks be worn. Masks are optional at the 10:30 service. I will not wear a mask while in the pulpit at either service. As of this morning, we have 16 planning to attend at 9 AM and 26 planning to attend at 10:30. If we have any more come to the 10:30 service, some will have to be seated in the fellowship hall. We have a speaker set up. IF YOU PLAN TO COME ON JUNE 7TH, IF YOU HAVEN’T DONE SO, PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS EMAIL WITH YOUR TIME PREFERENCE. I know this is a nuisance but it will greatly help us in planning.

For now, we will not have Sunday School or Wednesday Bible Study. We will need to have you sign up for your service preference weekly until we can drop social distancing. I spent my entire life fretting about wanting more people to attend church, and now I am concerned that too many will come and we won’t have enough seating! I do appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

The sanctuary is marked off indicating where you may sit. We desire that families sit on the parking lot side of the sanctuary, with singles sitting on the opposite side. The service will be a little different. We will not pass offering plates or communion trays. There will be an offering plate at the center aisle for your tithes and offerings. You will pick up the communion elements upon entering and take them with you to your seat (more on that later).

After the 9 AM service, the sanctuary will be cleaned. In spite of all these changes, I look forward to holding services again. The sermon theme will be on worship as I continue the series from the Gospel of John and Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman.

If you are in touch with members who do not have email. please contact them and share this information. I will be sending additional updates as needed. My prayer for all of you is that the Lord will bless you and keep you in the center of His love.
Pastor Bowman