March 28, 2020

Dear Waterbrooke Church,

We are looking forward to safely and joyfully beginning to open up church family worship this Sunday. (9 a.m indoor service and 11:00 a.m outdoor service). Thanks to everyone for their prayers. A great big
thank you to all those who have been volunteering their time and energy to ensure the building is prepared, the technology is available, the property is ready, and everything is safe to come together.

I just wanted to bring everyone on to the same page with several things of importance.

First of all, we are not encouraging anyone to come back unless they personally feel that they can do so safely. This may mean choosing to wait for those who are in a particularly vulnerable group due to health and immunity concerns. This may also include those of you who are ministering to those who are vulnerable. We will keep live streaming so that you can stay connected with our worship services. Coming to worship may have risks, and by coming, each of us must own that decision personally. Each of us must make the best decision possible for ourselves and our families.

Also, we are asking everyone to be super-Christlike in your approach to one another as we come together. This simply means that what we prefer personally is surrendered to Christ so that we can serve one another in grace and mercy. There are, obviously, various comfort levels in this. We ask you to live by the Word of God and especially, its teaching in Romans 13 and 14. Romans 14 teaches that our personal preferences are not as important as Christ-likeness: “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness, and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” (Romans 14:17-19) Let’s be great examples to each other and to our neighbors of what it means to be kind, considerate, gospel living servants.

Therefore, please practice all the principles of safety while we gather. Please do not come if you are feeling unwell. Let’s practice social distancing, covering our mouths when we cough or sneeze, not shaking hands, and washing our hands consistently. We are recommending that people wear masks for indoor services for the peace of mind and safety of others around us. The pastor and worship leaders will not be wearing masks as they lead so that worship isn’t hindered.

Important Points for Planning:

• We have given the opportunity for you to let us know which service you are coming to by going online to www.waterbrooke.church or you can email or call the office. We are not keeping records of your names but we would like to know numbers for planning if possible.
• Children: We have consulted with other churches and like most, there will not be a children’s program or nursery initially. This rollout will be adapted as we go, so stay tuned. Our initial priority is keeping things simple and safe. We will update you on this as it changes.
• 9 a.m. – There is overflow into the downstairs if needed. The sound and projection are very good down there. Thanks, team!
• 11 a.m – Outdoor service – Please bring your own chairs or blankets. We have set up a small stage and sound equipment but there will be no chairs provided outside. We are expecting this to be the larger attended service and we encourage you to invite others since we have space. (If it rains, we can move inside.)
• No offering will be taken but there will be offering boxes available or you can continue to give your tithes and offerings online.

Once again, I am super thankful to the Lord for how well people have put Jesus and His mission above all. God has ordained this entire experience to remind us that our lives and circumstances are under His sovereign rule. He is God. We are not. He is good. All. The. Time.

Would you pray for a work of the Spirit in and through Waterbrooke Church? Would you pray for people to come to know and to love Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord? Would you pray for our community, our county, our country, and the nations? Would you pray for the people of God to grow in the grace of the gospel? Would you pray for your own heart, life, and commitment to Christ?

You are loved with an everlasting love. Christ is worthy of our worship.

Looking forward to exalting Him together with you,

Pastor Kevin
On behalf of Waterbrooke’s Board of Elders.