A Word from Pastor Nathan

Dear Friends:

On Tuesday, April 13, 2021, we held our regularly-scheduled board meeting via Zoom. Board Chair Mark Mathes called for an item of new business, which included sharing a video with news about our intention to regather for in-person worship on Pentecost Sunday,
May 23, 2021, at 9:30am. Following the Board meeting, we made this video public, posted it to social media and our website, and sent it out via email to our worship distribution list.

When we regather, the following mitigation measures will be in place: masks covering both mouth and nose are required and will be worn at all times; every-other pew will be unoccupied; and, every occupied pew will have a bottle of hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes. We will use pop-top communion and a secure offering box where we can place our offerings. Additional information will be forthcoming, and we will provide a video ahead of May 23 showing what you can expect upon entering the building.

We also understand that not everyone is ready to gather again in-person. Our online worship will continue, though the online premiere will shift to a later time on Sunday evenings. For those without Internet access, we will continue to mail a DVD and a copy of the worship guide. theAlternative will remain online only for now.

Ahead of our gathering, will you make covenant with the church in the following ways?
First, pray with and for the ministry of Washington Avenue Christian Church and its leaders. Second, get vaccinated. Third, continue to make stewardship a first-fruits priority. Finally, I ask for your patience as we navigate a new landscape, grace for when things don’t go as planned, compassion for our good faith efforts, and your encouragement that will keep the flame of faith alive.

I cannot wait for Pentecost; it’s my favorite church holiday. What will Pentecost be for us this year? I’m not quite sure, but this I trust: Everything will be holy. Pentecost will happen. As a result, we won’t turn back to an old normal. Instead, we’ll take new, daring, and faithful steps toward the future that God wants and ultimately will have.

Peace abundant,