We are excited to announce that we are laying plans to phase into reopening our church beginning with the Sunday Night Prayer Meeting on May 31, and then Sunday Morning Services on June 7.
As a local body of Christ we take seriously the encouragement of Scriptures to “not neglect our meeting together . . . but to encourage one another” especially in the light of the days in which we are now living. (Hebrews 10:25)
We realize how important it is to engage in corporate worship as an expression of our faith in Jesus Christ and also experience mutual upbuilding by sharing together in the Word and fellowship.
We are greatly encouraged by President Trump’s announcement encouraging states to allow churches to reopen and look forward next week to the outcome of two initiatives to overturn our Governor’s restrictions of church gatherings to 10 or less people. A federal lawsuit filed by two Minnesota churches is expected to have a ruling in court on Tuesday. Also the MN Senate Republicans have formally appealed to Attorney General William Barr to overrule the Governor’s restrictions on churches.
As things are developing very quickly statewide with many churches already moving ahead in reopening, including the mainline Catholic and Lutheran denominations we believe that we are well positioned with such precedents to set the target dates for phasing our reopening as stated above. We want to be cognizant of our example and witness in the community as a church that is functioning as much as possible in harmony with other churches like ours that are reopening. We are working on a well thought out plan that can be submitted to civic leaders as a testimony to our Christian respect for authority and charity toward all.
While we are a people of faith, trusting God for His protection and freedom from fear we are also a people of love who take seriously our care for one another. In the midst of this pandemic we are battling a life threatening virus which requires that commonly accepted precautions be taken to ensure the health and well-being of all; church members, visitors, and especially those who may be vulnerable.
We appreciate your prayers and patience as we do our best to apply the principles stated above while we follow the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and leadings.
Thank you,
The Life Church Staff and Transition Team
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