It was wonderful to start the process of regathering last Sunday! Many of you continued to use the livestream option either at 9AM or 11AM. Several dozen people served and cleaned. Thank you!
Our guidelines will be the same as they were last Sunday. (They can be found here.) In addition, let me mention some changes and improvements which will help us all: ● Both sets of restrooms will be open in the sanctuary instead of just one from last Sunday. ● Doors will not open until 8:40AM for the early service and 10:40AM for the second service. Please do not arrive early. ● We will be seating people so we can maximize space and maintain social distancing. We will leave some spots open on the main floor for those who cannot use the stairs. ● Volunteers will be wearing badges and are there to assist you. ● For those with young children, feel free to bring coloring books or tablets to occupy them if you are concerned about them being a distraction. (You are probably more concerned than I am!) They are not going to be a problem if they are noisy; we'd love to have them. ● While both services were not at capacity, we had plenty more room at the 11AM service. Though many things were different, the services were not as awkward as you may have imagined. I respect your decision to stay home if you feel it necessary, but also want to balance that by encouraging you to attend in-person. We are doing everything we can to uphold high standards of sanitation and careful procedures for gathering together. It's probably safer than going to Wal-Mart! :) I look forward to seeing many of you this Sunday. Reach out to us if you need anything.
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Please use the attached 15-minute video and PDF for our midweek Bible study for May 20.
Use the study guide independently or as a couple or family to aid in your understanding and application of the passage. Watch the video at your convenience this evening if you can.
FOR OUR NEXT PRE-RECORDED BIBLE STUDY.... I will be doing a series called "What Does the Bible Say About _______________?" Each video will cover a topic that may be a common question that many Christians have, or something you've always wondered if the Bible addresses, or maybe a cultural issue that believers are divided about. Here are a few I have in mind: burial vs. cremation, suicide, what about people who never have a chance to hear the gospel - where do they go, women pastors, the age of accountability, plus more! I have some ideas already but I need your help! What would you like to see a video about? Have you often wondered, "What does the Bible say about (you fill in the blank)? Think of it and tell me! Let me know what topics you would like more information about. Email me at greg.powell@calvaryredbank.org. (Necessary disclaimer: Topics are subject to my approval and I may not be able to cover them all.)
This is lesson 4 in our study of Hebrews and it covers the remainder of chapter 2. Other lessons are available on the Messages tab.
Church Family,
I want to communicate transparently with you about the next few weeks as we make plans to re-gather as a church body for corporate worship. First, I’d like to talk about gratitude. I am grateful for your faithfulness to watch online services and your steadfastness in giving, both in money and areas of ministry. During this time, opportunities for outreach and community involvement have been increased, and many of you have served and volunteered above and beyond. We should all be grateful that we are nearing the end of this trying season. While many restrictions remain in place, I’m thankful that churches are exempted from the large gathering limitations and we can begin to proceed wisely about having regular services again. (Psalm 122:1, Hebrews 10:25) Second, let me be clear about some guidelines. We assembled an 8-person “task force” with people from various backgrounds and differing opinions to ensure that our church would take a balanced approach to the re-opening process. We want to walk in wisdom toward those in our community as well. (Colossians 4:5) Assisted by your input from the church-wide survey, recommendations were made to the deacons and staff to make final decisions on the following guidelines (subject to change) beginning May 17: ● Masks for those 2 years and up while in the buildings. Masks provided if you need one. ● Social distancing of 6 feet, seating every other row, 3 seats between families, no contact. ● No passing offering plates; collection boxes will be used instead. Online giving still encouraged. ● No choir or orchestra until further notice. ● No nursery or children's church offered; all services are family worship until further notice. ● Two morning services: 9AM for elderly/vulnerable population & 11AM for all others. (Livestream same times) ● We request anyone who has fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, loss of taste and/or smell, or other symptoms not attend. ● No Sunday PM or Wednesday PM physical gatherings at this point. ● Everything will be sanitized between and after each service. This leads me to remind everyone of the need for grace. Let’s be honest, the Bible doesn’t speak specifically about how to behave as a Christian during a pandemic....or does it? We must lean on Bible principles during seasons of difficulty, confusion, frustration, and disagreement. The Scriptures about “one another” are clear that in our relationships, we are to admonish, edify, love, forgive, be kind to, honor, and prefer one another. Not everyone will agree on all aspects of how this virus has affected or will continue to affect our country – but we can all show grace. If some choose not to return yet, we should all show grace. On the spectrum of the young to the old, we may not all think wearing masks is right or even helpful, but we can show grace. The lines are divided over those who think this is serious and those who think this is ridiculous. Some are concerned, some are cautious, and some are carefree, but all can show grace to others. What an opportunity to live “in honor, preferring one another.” (Romans 12:10) Not everyone will agree with our reopening plans, but I plead with you to show grace. Finally, let’s work and pray for growth. God has sent us to the schoolroom of isolation, flexibility, economic upheaval, sickness, death, event cancellation, and much more. We have undoubtedly learned things about our country, our families, our friends, our church, and ourselves that we would not have learned otherwise. God allows these teaching times so that we conform to the image of Jesus Christ. There is a purpose, so let’s not waste the lesson. Let’s strive to grow in our love for others, and not just emerge from social distancing thinking only of our needs and opinions. I am praying that when things return to normal, the result will be a renewal that will bring not just numeric growth to our church, but most importantly, spiritual growth. May we walk worthy, continue to be fruitful, and increase in our knowledge of God. (Colossians 1:10) You are loved and missed! Pastor Greg
Please use the attached 15-minute video and PDF for our midweek Bible study for May 13.
Use the study guide below independently or as a couple or family to aid in your understanding and application of the passage. Watch the video at your convenience this evening if you can.
Just a quick reminder for dads or children to submit a 30-second or less video honoring or thanking the mother in their lives. Videos need to be submitted via email to media@calvaryredbank.org by midnight tonight.
On Mother's Day, there will be no evening service/livestream. Please enjoy time with your family! Everything else is normal for the morning schedule for May 10: Life Group with Pastor Chris at 9:30am Worship and message at 10:15am There will be additional videos available on the website for teens and children.
Please use the attached 15-minute video and PDF for our midweek Bible study for May 6.
Use the study guide below independently or as a couple or family to aid in your understanding and application of the passage. Watch the video at your convenience this evening if you can.
Please use the attached 15-minute video and PDF for our midweek Bible study for April 29.
Use the study guide below independently or as a couple or family to aid in your understanding and application of the passage. Watch the video at your convenience this evening if you can.
Please use the attached 15-minute video and PDF for our midweek Bible study for April 22.
Use the study guide below independently or as a couple or family to aid in your understanding and application of the passage. Watch the video at your convenience this evening if you can.
It’s been a while since I just wrote to encourage and inform you about what God is doing during these unique times.
Good News • Many are being impacted by our livestream services. People not previously associated with our church are watching. It’s interesting that we are able to share the gospel with more people than ever before in the middle of such unusual circumstances. (Much of this is because of you reaching out, sharing, and inviting others.) • We have received emails from people who have trusted Christ and who can’t wait to attend our services in person! (Let’s be ready for visitors when we get back to church!) • Your giving and volunteering have allowed us to impact our community in helpful and tangible ways. We have provided pizza to struggling families, assisted the local food bank with food packing, collected groceries for Red Bank Elementary, cleaned up tornado damage, and countless other acts of love and service many of you have done for others that didn’t make headlines or a social media feed. • God is still working in amazing ways through YOU. Be encouraged and keep going! Thank you! Stay Involved • Another team of volunteers will be going to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank next Tuesday. We are all full for that time slot, but there may be other opportunities in coming weeks if you are interested. • The YMCA and other local groups still need help in the areas affected by the tornados. Chris put out a Realm post last week with contact information. • Plan to join one of our Zoom gatherings. Many of you are missing out on the simple blessing of seeing others from the church family to just say hi and hear what’s going on. The next Zoom meeting that we do will be tomorrow night (Thursday) at 7:30PM. Details will be given tomorrow. • Watch the Kairos teen service live on their Facebook page tonight at 7 and catch the latest Bible study video from me on the fruits of the Spirit. • Text or call 5 people each day to see how they are doing. Stay in the Word and prayer. Looking Ahead • We are monitoring the recommendations and guidelines set forth by our local and state officials and are hopeful for positive updates that will help us ramp back up to “normal.” • Things we are considering concerning re-opening are timetable, our testimony, temporary changes to schedule and ministries, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. • Important: My philosophy won’t necessarily be to open as soon as the restrictions are lifted – we won’t focus so much on re-opening sooner as much as doing it better and in the right way. • Be aware...things may look different for a while even after we return to church. If social distancing guidelines are still in place to some degree, our choir may not sing, we won’t have greeting time, giving will be done via collection boxes and not passing the plates, service times may vary, and children’s ministry may operate differently. We may have Sunday morning services only for a few weeks. I’m not sure of much at this point because so many factors are unknown and many options are on the table. • You can really help us by being flexible and understanding. You may not think any of this is a big deal, but you worship with others in a church family that do take it very seriously. We will strive to find balance and reason to our decisions. • For all these reasons, we are working to assemble a “task force” that will be crucial in guiding our church through the re-opening. This will include church staff, ministry leaders, cleaning personnel, and medical workers. Stay engaged in what God is trying to teach you through this season. You are truly missed! Please let us know if you have a need, a prayer request, or if there is any way we can serve you. We can’t wait to see you again, and hopefully sooner than later! Pastor Greg |
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