Summary Report From the Listening Sessions and the Online Survey

“Torn...nervous...conflicted...appreciative...anxious...thankful” - these are just some of the emotions expressed during our recent listening sessions concerning reentry to indoor worship. What a difficult decision this has been for the Worship Team as we have struggled with how to keep our Joy Reigns family safe while at the same time providing worship options that are meaningful and that speak to all. We appreciate the thoughtful and prayerful input you provided during the listening sessions and through the survey, and we appreciate your support for the Worship Team as we have worked through these past months. Here are some key take-aways from our discussions with you: From the Listening Sessions Some are concerned about not being able to recite in unison parts of the service such as the Lord’s Prayer and Apostles Creed. Many of you miss the music and miss the service as it used to be.   The term “underwhelming” was used a couple of times for what a covid restricted service would be like. Some mentioned that they yearn for a return to Holy Communion. A few suggested that perhaps the time and effort it would take to return to indoor worship would be better spent enhancing the current digital worship. From the Survey All 56 who replied have been attending online worship. 12 attended the outdoor worship. This number included the worship leaders. 25 stated they would attend outdoor worship. 18 would not do indoor worship until we can worship without restrictions, like before Covid. 9 would return to indoor worship now. 22 would return to indoor worship when there are effective COVID treatments. 29 would return to indoor worship when there is a vaccine. When asked which service participants will attend, we received this response:

The Worship Team and Church Council have taken all of the above information into consideration and, even as schools and other lower risk community activities are slowly beginning to reopen, we have decided to remain with online only worship until January, 2021. At that time we will re-evaluate conditions related to the pandemic. Please know that this was not an easy decision. You, like us may have mixed feelings; both sadness and confident that this is the wise decision.  The Worship Team is committed to working to enhance the current digital worship service and has already begun plans to make the coming Advent and Christmas season a meaningful experience. Thank you for your support and may God bless all of you as we continue through these difficult times together.

Sarah Adams Council President

Debby Kaempf Council Member for Worship

Pastor Sara Yotter Pastor

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