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Open Doors and Open Hearts

Writer's picture: Revive Church LakelandRevive Church Lakeland


No matter what the days ahead look like, they give us the opportunity to reflect the love of Christ.


The church never closed, we relocated worship services temporarily.  The church (all of us who are one in Christ) has been busy and working to continue fulfilling the mission that Jesus gave us.  Our worship may have been virtual, but through Jesus our ministry has been personal, powerful, and ongoing.


The photos above show a little of what things have looked like while you've been away.  We have enjoyed embracing the challenge of connecting with you online, but we are looking forward to getting back together with some of you on Sunday.


I know that not everyone is ready to come back together for worship, that's totally fine.  I want you to feel totally at peace with whatever decision you make.  It's OK to come, and it's OK to stay home.  My focus is that we extend love and grace to each other as we walk through this time.  Our opinions and decisions will differ, but we need to be patient with each other as we navigate this uncharted territory.  We won't all agree on how to move forward as a church, but we can choose to do so in the spirit of unity and love.  


Here is an outline of our plans.  Some of this may shift as we move forward, but we will do our best to keep you informed.


Update on our current strategy


Sunday worship services - Our 8:00 am and 10:30 am services will resume this Sunday.  Nursery and Children's Church WILL be provided during the 10:30 am service.   In addition, this week only, there will be an open house from 9:00 am to 10:00 am that will give you an opportunity to see the hard work our team has done cleaning, organizing, and painting.


Adult Grow Groups - Our Grow Groups will begin meeting in person on Sunday, June 7.  Until then two of our Grow Groups will continue to meet online.  The Heaberlins are hosting a class at 9:15 a.m. on Zoom (Contact Carl if you want to join).  The Tompkins are hosting a class at 9:30 a.m. on Zoom (Contact Tommy if you want to join).


Young Adults - Due to work schedules meetings have been fluctuating.  Contact Melissa Harp for details.


Legacy Youth Ministry - Wednesday night meetings will resume on June 3rd. Until then our teens will meet Wednesday Nights at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom.  Contact Jason Troyan if your student would like to join.


Little Sprouts Kid's Ministry - Wednesday night meetings will resume on June 3rd. Until then Amy Kelly will be checking in with Little Sprouts for devotions, chats, and prayer through video calls in FaceBook Messenger on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week at 2:00 p.m.  Let her know if your little one would like to join.



Precautions:

Our team has been working hard on developing plans that will help us to be safe as we come back together, while also continuing the warm and inviting atmosphere that we all love.


The following adjustments will be made for the foreseeable future. 


1) Seating has been adjusted to make room to spread out.  Please allow for space between your family and others.


2) Greeters will open doors for you as you enter the building


3) Ushers will hold offering plates, or you can continue to give online


4) Volunteers will serve coffee for you


5) We will set up the coffee bar in fellowship hall to allow for more space, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer


6) Please stay home if you are not feeling well


7) Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the building


8) Feel free to wear gloves or masks if you would like to



Other questions and concerns you may have:


We have all been through a lot recently, and some have experienced greater challenges than others.  We recognize that this has been an anxious time for some, and that we will all handle that differently has we come back together.


I've tried to anticipate some of the additional questions that will come up, and will address them the best that I can below.


For fun the answers to each question will be given in the form of song titles/ lyrics. I hope you enjoy. 


​Should I come or stay home?


“Right here, right now, there is no other place I’d want to  be.” - Jesus Jones


It's totally up to you.  As long as you are feeling healthy we leave this to your discretion.  Please don't feel bad if you choose to stay home for a few more weeks.  Just stay plugged into Jesus.



Should we shake hands or hug?  What if someone wants to but I don't feel comfortable?


“I would do anything for love, but I won’t do that” - Meat Loaf


Do what you feel comfortable with.  Hug, handshake, high five, fist bump, or wave from across the room.  Just be patient with and sensitive to each other's needs.  Whatever you choose, do it in a Christ honoring way, and extend grace to those who don't feel as you do.



What if someone doesn't stay 6 feet away? What if someone stands or sits too close to me?


“These boots are made for Walking.“ - Nancy Sinatra


Just politely move.  There should be plenty of room to spread out.  If someone comes in a little too close, look at it as an opportunity to enjoy the service from another part of the room. 


Differing opinions about everything 


“Let it go.” - Elsa


God gave us different personalities and ways of thinking.  That's a gift, even when we disagree.  We won't all agree on how to navigate this process, so you will more than likely see and hear things that you don't agree with.  Don't let that become a point of conflict or division.  Pray, extend grace, and act in love.  If we can do that, then we can navigate this whole process well, and grow stronger because of it. 


I pray continually for your safety, health, and well being.  I'm also asking that God use each of us for His glory in spite of the challenges that we have and will continue to face together.


Please contact me or someone from our leadership team anytime if you have a need, or want to express questions or concerns.


Let's change the world.


In Him,

Pastor Jason

Our mission is to share new life in Jesus and develop Christ-followers who change the world.





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