June has arrived and we are still navigating our way through this pandemic. Things have changed for all of us, but hopefully we will get back to some form of normalcy again very soon. I am glad to see that some of our churches have already opened their doors for services and many will begin services this month. This has been an incredibly challenging time as we try to figure out how we can still have services and keep everyone safe from the virus. If you are still trying to make plans to reopen and need information on how best to do that, please contact me. I have some information I can share with you so that your church can safely reopen. I am saddened that we will have to have our camp closed for the summer and not provide any children’s and youth camps, but we are using this down time to improve some things to the camp.
There are many things that a church can evaluate during this time as they plan to reopen for services and activities. I think that perhaps one of the things all our churches can evaluate is the Disciple Making efforts. I believe I can say that many of our churches have realized is that we are not just the church when we meet together on Sundays and throughout the week, but we are being the church when are obedient to the Great Commission. We are having meetings with our Pastors every week and we are now discussing discipleship and I am looking forward to what God is going to do as we focus our efforts on the most exciting thing about being a Christian which is discipling others!
One final thought, I want to encourage our churches to still consider having a VBS this year. I know we cannot do it as we are accustomed to doing it, but I know one of our churches that has plans in the Fall to have VBS on five consecutive Wednesday nights. There are also options to have VBS on the weekend. I know this pandemic has caused us to think outside the box, but I do know that it is vital to have this evangelistic method to reach people with the Gospel!
I am praying for each Pastor and their congregation. If there is anything I can do to help you during this time as you prepare for services and figure out the future ministry of your church, I will be glad and honored to help!
Bro. Gary
