May 22, 2020

Dear Prairie Avenue Family,

Each day that passes brings us another day closer to returning into our beloved sanctuary to hear the organ soar, the Clavinova jam, and the Gethsemane window shine! It is coming. In order to prepare for the day, I would like you to fill out this survey so we can begin to have everything ready. It will also let us know what (and who!) to expect when reopening facilities.

In preparing for reopening, we are still demonstrating our love for the least of our community--the sick, the immunocompromised, and the elderly. Despite heated political rhetoric, we have not been ordered to stop worshipping, but rather, to limit our group size to avoid infecting others. While it is a good sign that we are seeing more restrictions being lifted a week from now, we will continue to provide worship, small group gatherings online. Stage 3 still does not permit groups larger than 10. Once we cross stage 4, with its permission of groups up to 50, then the reopening process begins. Stage 5, with its improved treatments or vaccine availability, resumes our usual operations.

Remember the early church did not have separate buildings dedicated to church work; they gathered in homes (usually whoever in the congregation had the largest space) to sing songs, share a meal, discuss the apostles' teachings, and pray. Our online attendance has been higher than in-person worship for several weeks, and giving has been consistent or better.

Many have admitted it will be very difficult for them to keep social distance protocols when they are naturally huggers and hand shakers. It would also be awkward to be in the sanctuary with face masks, set markers for pews, and no singing. Being at home in worship is different than our sanctuary, but it is not less. Until the quality between online and in-person can be the same, it is probably best to continue with our best form of worship safely than a mediocre version with ever-present restrictions.

This weekend in worship we will look at the story of Jesus' ascension. There are three versions of the story, one in Matthew and two in Luke-Acts. Only Luke-Acts gives us a narrative (the gospel of John only has three references to ascending/descending). Like the common belief regarding dead Roman emperors at the time the book of Acts was written, Jesus (like Caesar's soul) went from earthly realm to the realm of the gods. The disciples would like to have a timetable for God's restoration plan of Israel; Jesus does not answer them. But he provides what will be needed while he is away; the power of the Holy Spirit and the call to witness in every time and place to come. The mission announced on the Mount of Olives is still proclaimed today, even with our sanctuary shut from our presence. It has not trapped God's purpose or will; you are called to be a witness. Not to stare up into the sky searching for Jesus, but revealing Jesus in every place and to every one. Invite a friend and join us for worship online this Memorial day weekend.

Following Sunday worship, we will have an online coffee fellowship (about 10 am). A group was able to speak together in a Facebook (TM) room last Sunday, and a group page has been established for Sunday Morning Coffee Fellowship. You don't have to be a Facebook (TM) member to join the online group room, but I am unsure how you get to join!

We will keep trying new venues (like Google Meet) and other online resources to provide for small groups and gatherings.

I remind you again, if you need assistance during the COVID-19 shutdown; please let the church know.

See you in worship (online!) this weekend!
Jason
As a church family, we care for and pray for one another.
 Names in Bold are new or updated concerns.
Health
Peggy Bergen, Jeff Baker (Les Ruffner's friend), Joan and John Doll, Jayson Dudley (Brad Trotter's friend) , Chris & Marion Gardner, David & Janet Geibel, Sarah Hazelwonder (Barb Humphries' daughter), Corbin Henderson, Chase Hendricks, Susie Hendricks, Dane Hodges, Jim & Barbara Kater, Sondra Lehew, Tom Little (Dixie June's Son-in-Law/Linda Little's Husband ) , Elizabeth Long , Joan March (Tonda Atchason’s mother), Kathleen McDaniel (Elizabeth Long’s cousin), Stephanie Pulliam (Tonda Atchason’s friend), Kathy Ray, Tiffany Ray Peacock, Karen Sharp, Amanda Sheperd, Mike & Cheryl Sheumaker, Pamela Smith (Amanda Butterick’s sister), Brad Trotter, Melia Yarnell 

Personal
Amanda Butterick , Zachery Hocker, Those who are unemployed, underemployed, furloughed or laid-off by COVID-19.

Long-Term Care
Maxine Henson, Helen Kater, Betty Moore, Maxine Van der Voort

Sympathy
Family of Michael Conway (5/6)
Prairie Avenue Christian Church | Website