3 Minute video update *transcript below*

Hello church,

No doubt, you know what it means to plan in pencil. Your family has likely made plans, and adjusted plans as a result of this ever-changing season. That is no different for our church family.

Your church leadership met last night and had an honest and good conversation about where we are with our in-person gatherings and have made the decision to transition back to online-only worship services for the month of July.

For many of you this might feel like a huge disappointment. And, I want you to know that I’m sad about this too because I have loved gathering with you for worship and there is simply no perfect substitute for it. But, we believe that this approach is faithful to God’s call on our lives, responsible to one another, honors our governing authorities - and seeks the welfare of our neighbor.

We do desire to resume in-person worship as soon as it is wise to do so.

I want to close with what I hope is an encouragement from God’s Word. Ephesians 5:15-16 says, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” 

This word, evil, definitely refers to evil in a moral sense as in the days are wicked - but it can also refer to evil in a physical or natural sense - as if to say, “make the best use of the time, because the days are turbulent…the days are filled with all kinds of affliction and trouble.” 

That makes sense for us today. And we have a wonderful opportunity - even a command from the Lord - to make the best use of this time which he has given to us. We can waste it - or we can redeem it.

Lord willing, we will never be in a season like this again - instead of being reactive to what the day brings…we are called to proactively engage the day with gospel intentionality.

What an opportunity we have to use our online worship as a time to gather with family and a few friends to be sharpened in the gospel together.

If you go online, we will update resources for participating and even hosting home worship with others. As always, we will continue to navigate this season with prayer and discernment and will update you as soon as things change. 

We love you Holy Cross and we look forward to seeing you before too long.

-Pastor Pete