Dear First Christian Church Family,

I had always heard it said that if you did not like the weather in Illinois, just wait…apparently the same is true when trying to figure out our state’s guidelines for churches in the age of Covid-19. 

I was delighted to hear of our Governor’s decision to lift restrictions on Illinois churches after a challenge from the U.S. Supreme Court. In lieu of the Governor’s restrictions, the Illinois Department of Public Health has issued a lengthy series of guidelines.  The guidelines were roughly in line with the planned phased reopening that the Eldership recommended on May 26.  

The guidelines we recommended Tuesday will still be in place as in accordance with the state’s recommendations, but we will not hinder worship in our sanctuary. We ask anyone in the sanctuary to observe 10-foot social distancing between family groups to accommodate singing.  It is our hope to keep numbers within reason while we ease back into worshiping in the Sanctuary since we are still working out the details of distancing and cleaning. 

All previously stated guidelines will be observed.  We are also asking anyone worshiping with us this week to consider bringing their own communion elements and facemasks as we continue to develop appropriate and sanitary communion options.  

We will be having both the 8 a.m. and the 10:30 a.m. services starting this Sunday.    

We will also be streaming both services in the Crossroads Center Dining Room and Gym in numbers of no more than 10 for those who desire to limit their exposure. We will offer this as needed.  

We hope that offering these options for worship (streaming at home in groups, streaming in small groups at the Crossroads Center, or worshiping in the Sanctuary) will help us in our pursuit of Christ.  

Please remember to be responsible and gracious.  These past few days have been a whirlwind for the staff.  This is a very fluid situation, but if we are all responsible, respectful, gracious, and loving, we will grow together in Christ through this time.  We ask for your patience with us as we strive to provide a safe and authentic worship atmosphere.  

Loving you all, 

Michael  

P.S. Bring your own Coffee, Facemasks, and Communion if choosing to worship with us Sunday!  We will not have Sunday School and we will not have the nursery open.  More information will be released next week.