AT GRACE we are being as proactive as possible when dealing with friends and family on COVID-19 / Coronavirus. Our thoughts and prayers are with others across the globe, as families and individuals are dealing with the impacts of this virus. As we work together to do our part to help minimize the spread of the virus, we will be following the recommendations put forth by health care professionals and governing agencies. We hope to keep you informed and connected to Grace during this time. With the current request from the Governor - We will be providing alternative ways for people to stay connected.
Check out the UPDATES BELOW about upcoming events and ministries.
I want to thank you for your faithfulness in participating
in online & on-site worship, staying connected, taking care of each other,
and your continued financial support. Because you are sharing our live
broadcast, inviting them to join you in church, every week, by the end of the
week, we more than double our Sunday morning online views. Grace, that’s all
your fault, thank you for inviting your friends and family to join you in
church at Grace. Don’t forget to “Follow Us” or “Subscribe” to our broadcast.
My Updates:
Second Worship Service: Your Lead Team and I passionately
want to reach and connect with as many people as God allows. For that reason,
"Over the past six weeks, we have attempted to provide an on-site worship
experience for those who struggle with wearing a mask and meet the State mask
exemptions. We have discovered there is little to no interest in a service for
mask exemptions. Since we have available space in our 9 am (Mask Required)
service we are temporarily discontinuing the 10:45 (second service).
As our 9 am service fills up and we are consistently at or
near capacity we will re-launch the 10:45 service. If we get enough interest in
a mask exemption service we will revisit the discussion.
ATTENDING SERVICE:
FIRST SERVICE, 9 am: Onsite & Live Stream - Masks are
required.
NURSERY IS AVAILABLE CURRENTLY FOR UP TO 4 FAMILIES: Our children's team has worked to provide a safe way to care for younger children (0-2 years old). RSVP needed. You can RSVP here when you RSVP to attend worship. RSVP all your babies as 1 person attending for your family on the Grace Nursery service. The nursery area will have minimal supplies to help keep the area clean and sanitized. Parents are encouraged to bring their own toys and supplies for their children for health and safety reasons.
NOTE: Due to social distancing requirements and our limited
children's space we are currently not able to provide children's programs or
child care. However, children are welcome to sit and worship with their family
group.
We value our online worship family and friends, so we will
continue our 9 am Live Stream. If you are more comfortable worshiping online,
please feel free to continue to join us there. Those of you in the more
vulnerable groups, please join us on our Live Stream.
A Personal Thank you:
On the first of
October, I shared with the church that due to the impact of COVID-19 our
donations over the past few months had tracked downward and to an unsustainable
level. Because of your faithfulness and sacrifice our donations for October and
so far in November have tracked upward, thank you.
I know this has been difficult and can be a scary time for
many of our families, so I want to thank you for your continued sacrifice and
faithfulness in practicing generosity.
We have reworked our 2020 Budget to a Mission Critical
approach and we will continue that budget into 2021. Your Lead Team and key
leaders are doing a great job managing of your gifts.
I ask you, to Ask God
what He wants you to invest in the mission and vision of Grace and be faithful
in that.
Remember this Biblical Truth:
“6 ...The person who sows sparingly will also reap
sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each
person should do as he has decided in his heart , not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since
God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make every grace overflow to
you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in
every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (CSB)
Always remember, You don’t give to Grace, you give through
Grace.
Your Lead Team and I trust God to provide for His church and
I know you will join us in trusting Him.
WHAT WE NEED YOU TO DO:
1. PLEASE REGISTER, Seating is limited, so register for the
service you will attend (Registration is available on our
websitegracebaptistlv.org or our Facebook page). REGISTER FOR SERVICE HERE
2. Read through the information on this COVID-19 Response page for more instructions and detail.
3. Please sit in your family groups.
4. Support and Follow the guidelines we have put in place
with love and respect.
WHAT WE HAVE DONE OR ARE DOING:
*Practicing Social distancing: Seating is arranged in family
groups of 3 & 4 with 6' spacing - Seating Capacity is 50 people (Each
Service). Please sit in your family groups
*Following Mask requirements & exemptions stated above,
and we will provide one if you forget yours.
*The building will be cleaned & sanitized before and
after each service and Life Groups.
*Created Turn Around Teams: These teams will assist with
security, seating, and cleaning / prepping the building between services. WE
NEED MORE VOLUNTEERS FOR THIS TEAM. If you can help, let us know on the online
Connect card or email mike@gracebaptistlv.org
*Checking body temperature at the door. Anyone experiencing
a fever or any symptoms related to COVID-19 should worship On-line for the
quarantine time.
*Added Hand sanitizing stations
*New signage for social distancing, hand sanitizing, and
restroom capacity (2 each restroom)
*Water Fountains closed
Grace, as we move
forward,
I hope you will join
me, your Lead Team, and key leaders and continue to be part of the solution.
Let’s, together, continue..."Loving God, LOVING PEOPLE at home and around
the world".
When Jesus was
asked...
"What is the most important command?", he responded,
"First, Love God and second, love your neighbor (people)" Mark 12:30-31
Let's continue to
practice what we have built Grace to be. Let's err on the side of caution
through love and respect, basically let's "Love people.” Emotions are
still running high and there are a lot of different opinions on most of the
steps we are taking. Let's practice love and respect for each other, even the
people you don't agree with. Give each other room for their opinions and don't
assume, “I am the one that is right.” The steps we are taking as a church are
designed to practice what Jesus said, "love One Another" while
creating as safe of an environment as possible. First and foremost, we are
going to open doors for the Gospel.
“Everything is
permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but
not everything builds up. No one is to
seek his own good, but the good of the other person."
1
Corinthians 10:23-24 (CSB)
Grace remember, I love you, God loves you, and YOUR CHURCH
NEEDS YOU!
Pastor Tony
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE: WE WILL NOT BE HOLDING LARGE EVENTS OR GATHERINGS OVER 50.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT YOUTH HAS RESUMED ON WEDNESDAYS @ 6PM! - HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
THINGS YOU CAN CONTINUE TO DO:
a. Be careful not to diminish the fears of others or over
spiritualize things.
b. Listen to peoples concerns & fears and reminding them
God loves them. and cares about them.
"...remember, I am with you always...” Matthew 28:20
(HCSB)
c. Be proactive and take care of our families without giving
into panic fueled by fear.
d. Remember, being a believer doesn't insulate us from this
or any other type illness or major event. It does give us a source of strength
and hope.
e. Look for
opportunities to share the message of Hope - Jesus.
f. Above all else, remember God is still control.
TIPS:
If you are feeling
sick, or need to practice social distancing:
1. See a doctor, stay home, and take care of yourself. Let us know on our online connect card, so we can be praying for you! See the "Get Connected" link below.
2. Stay connected:
a. Watch our service live streamed on Facebook and available
on YouTube.
b. Go to the "Get Connected" link and find ways to
stay connected and support your church.
d. If you know anyone who get's sick from this or anything
else, reach out to them, call them. Tell them about our Live Stream, and help
them stay connected
3. If large groups
are a concern, invite a your Life Group or a few people to watch the Live
stream with you.
