A Note from the Session | April 15, 2021
Dear Christ Church Family,
Thank you for your ongoing patience, cooperation, and prayers through this difficult season induced by a global pandemic. There have been many disappointments from the last year as we’ve been forced to scale back our ministries and implement safety standards to protect the health of our congregation. Despite these disruptions, we’ve managed to forge ahead, finding ways to worship and fellowship. God has been kind to us in granting us peace and unity through issues that have divided many congregations.
Our main priorities during this past year have been to facilitate corporate worship and to create an environment in which all our members are safe to gather. We are happy that the vast majority of our congregation has been able to return to worship. Of course, we’ve done that with the social imposition of face masks. But, at the end of the day, this is a small inconvenience to endure in order to be able to offer a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to God together.
As we move into the summer, we plan to explore more avenues to renew our communion with God and with one another. Our normal fellowship activities, children’s ministries, and educational opportunities are all sorely missed. Please stay tuned over the coming weeks as we roll out a summer ministry plan and also present goals for re-opening several key ministries on August 15, 2021 for the fall.
As announced last week, our Session convened on Monday evening to discuss our current operating procedures. Our mayor, Lenny Curry, has lifted the mask mandate in Duval County; however, in the same communication, he also encouraged citizens to exercise personal responsibility as vaccinations move ahead. As of today, only 20.25% of our population is fully vaccinated; we still have some progress to make before herd immunity begins to wrangle the spread of the virus.
Given this, the Session has decided unanimously to continue to ask congregants to wear facial coverings during worship. Considering the significant number of things that remain unknown about the spread of the virus, it seems wise that we continue on our current path that has enabled us to gather without incident. Our Session will assess operating procedures from month-to-month as the pandemic abates. Masks are inconvenient; however, research indicates that they are effective in reducing viral transmission. Therefore, to prioritize the health and safety of our congregation—vaccinated and un-vaccinated alike—we ask that everyone please continue to wear a facial covering during worship.
Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation. During this season, let’s continue to set our minds on things above where Christ is seated, not on earthly things (Colossians 3.1-4). It is all too easy for us to be consumed by lesser things, elevating minor issues above the things of first importance (1 Corinthians 15.3). Let’s resist that temptation and continue to walk together in love which binds us together in perfect harmony (Colossians 3.14).
Grace and Peace in Jesus Christ,
Chuck Colson, Pastor
Jim Dickenson, Clerk of Session, on behalf of the Session