One more week of reduced church, and then on June 7 we are open for business. Communion is available on an individual basis this Sunday from 9 to 11 AM. Things will be very different when we have church on June 7th. We can only accommodate around 25 persons and maintain social distancing so we will provide two services, one at 9 AM and one at 10:30. As of this morning we have 16 planning to come for the 10:30 service and 9 coming at 9 AM.
I know this is a nuisance but if you haven’t yet responded regarding your plans for June 7, would you please respond asap? If you are not yet ready to come to church, that is fine. We don’t want to criticize those who do not yet feel safe. If you are not planning to come just indicate “not coming yet” in an email to me. If you plan to come at 9 AM or 10:30, please indicate your time preference. Remember, masks required at 9. Mask recommended but optional at 10:30. The sanctuary is marked off, so you will know where you may sit. Your favorite spot may not be available. We are trying to keep everyone safe, and I know you will be understanding.
The Official Board will meet June 2nd to finalize plans. Watch your email for any last-minute changes.
Finally, on this Memorial Day, we want to honor and remember those who gave their lives for this country to preserve our freedoms. I am reminded of the words of Jesus: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
Blessings in Christ to all, Pastor Bowman

Good morning, church family. I sure miss seeing you face to face. This week will be the same as last week. We will offer communion on Sunday morning on an individual basis from 9 to 11. Looking ahead, I think we will plan to open for services on June 7th, pending board approval. So far 33 of you have indicated you will plan to return to church in June. Things will be very different when we open again for services. Here are some of the changes you can anticipate in June.
In order to maintain social distancing we can only seat around 20 people in our sanctuary. This may mean we will have two services. One at 9:00 and one at 10:30, again, pending board approval. Here are some of the changes you can anticipate.

1. Masks are recommended. Since we have people with strong feelings regarding masks I am suggesting that they be required at the 9 AM service, recommended but optional at 10:30.

2. No offering plate will be passed. Offering plates will be present at each entrance for your use upon entering or leaving the sanctuary.

3. Communion elements will be picked up at the door when you enter the sanctuary.

4. There will be no hymn books or Bibles in the racks. Hymns will be printed on paper in the pews. You may discard them after the service.

5.No touch hand sanitizers will be located at each door.

6. For now, there will be no Sunday School, choir or Bible study on Wednesday.

7. Families may sit together, others maintain the 6 foot distance.

8. Doors to the church will be open so you will not have to touch the doorknob.

9. Communion will be done with the elders, but no deacons will be needed. Details later.

10. Bulletins will not be handed out but will be laid in the pews with the hymn sheet.

11. After the first service, the sanctuary will be thoroughly cleansed,

12. Please indicate whether you plan to come to the 9 AM service or the 10:30 service on June 7. I hate to ask you to make a reservation, but seating limitations make it necessary.

13. There may be other changes which will be announced. All of these changes are the result of informal discussions.

The board will make the final decision, so stay tuned!We are trying to adjust to an unprecedented set of circumstances. None of us are happy with these changes. However, the reason we come together is to worship God, and honor His Son, our Savior. We can still do that in spite of these changes.

Blessings in Christ, Pastor Bowman

I am sooooo eager to return to regular church services. I know some churches resumed services last week, while we decided to wait as did other congregations. I am hopeful that we will be able to resume services in June, with several changes. I just spoke with one pastor who resumed regular services last Sunday, with about 1/2 the usual number in attendance. I think we can expect that as well.

I just heard from our treasurer, Jackie Barb, and I am happy to report that finances are in good shape. Again, thank you for remembering our church needs during this unusual time.

For now, we will continue to offer individual communion this Sunday for those who feel safe to venture out. We maintain social distancing. Usually, only 2 to 4 persons are served at any one time.

I will continue to send out a weekly sermon in manuscript form. Daily devotions from Mark Simmons and myself will continue, along with Marie’s daily Bible serve.

So, we are continuing to function as a church, but in a reduced capacity. I look forward to seeing many of you this Sunday for our 3-minute communion service.

Keep the faith and keep those prayers going!

Pastor Bowman

Our church board will meet on Tuesday to discuss options as the state of Missouri moves into stage one of reopening. I will report the results of that meeting on Wednesday. Thanks to all who responded to yesterday’s survey, expressing your feelings about having services this week. If you have not yet responded, there is still time. Our board needs to know the thoughts of the congregation about holding regular services.

Of course, we have never really shut down. We have had communion available every Sunday on an individual basis for all who felt safe to venture out. We have been sending devotionals and sermons via email and by regular mail.

That is all for now. I will report again on Wednesday.
Pastor Bowman

Unfortunately, it will be another quiet week at the church. No activities are scheduled involving groups gathering together. I heard on the news that social distancing may occur throughout the summer. The church board is considering options. We are on hold for the present, hoping and praying that the virus will disappear.

We continue to send out daily devotionals via email. Thanks to Mark Simmons for his help, and Marie for her daily Bible verse. Today’s verse is very appropriate as we are seeking to walk by faith, not by sight. Mark’s reflections on Thomas are also relevant to our situation today. Many “doubt” God when tragedy strikes. We need to surrender our doubts to Jesus and continue to trust Him.

I am also sending out copies of the Sunday sermon both by email and regular mail. We will continue to serve communion from 9 to 11 on Sunday morning for those who wish to venture out.

Thank you for sending in your offerings. Our expenses for utilities, insurance, salaries, etc. continue. Please keep me updated on prayer requests, and let me know if you need anything. We will do our best to help.

Our church phone answering machine was not working for several days before it was noticed. If you left a message and we did not respond, we did not receive your call. The answering machine is working now.

Blessings to all our church family.

Pastor Bowman