Reopening

I. Greeting

A. Hello Friends

a. This live video may b a bit o a long 1, but please bare w/me through it…lot’s to cover w/ some encouragement frm scripture as well

II. Church opening

A. Lot’s o questions surrounding in-person gatherings

a. when?

b. how will it look/what can we expect?

c. What guidelines, if any will we be following?

B. response:

a. First let me say thank u so much 4 ur patience w/the GMCC leadership team.

1. There’s a lot of unknowns & variables & guidelines that must be taken in2 consideration.

2. & this is all uncharted territory for us

3. If that’s not enough the state guidance regarding in-person gatherings r constantly shifting & changing

b. Second: the elders & deacons have been discussing & preparing 4 our eventual in person gatherings 4 a long time…

1. we’ve been preparing so that we aren’t taken by surprise.

2. to that end, our E/D team made a number o phone calls to our GMCC folks & asked them 4 their perspective…we wanna hear from u!

3. furthermore, we bumped up our E/D meeting 2 Last night so we could...

i. make decisions &...

ii. get info out to u ASAP.

4. The decisions we’ve made were prayerful & w/our people’s best interest in mind.

III. GMCC’s approach 2 in person gatherings

A. We will have 3 options that will begin simultaneously

a. Designated home group watch party, based on geographical location.

1. Why Hm group watch parties

i. allows more of us to gather in smaller groups

ii. promotes community & helps us build stronger rel.

iii. allows us 2 take time 2 pray 4 1another specifically

2. The Brinzo’s & the Bell’s have already opened up their homes. Looking for more host homes.

i. If ur interested, please message us

b. Gathering @church building

1. We r mandated 2b @ 25% of capacity, & following ALL guidelines outlined by state.

c. Those uncomfortable with gathering are free to continue watching at hm.

1. If this is u…please know there is no condemnation, judgement, etc.

i. we want u 2 b safe!!

B. (might b asking) why it’s taking so long

a. we’re following the state guidelines 2 the best o our ability

1. these guidelines look a lot diff. then retailers & look more like restaurant guidelines

b. W/that said, there’s a lot o prep work 2b done b4 we can open

1. We’ve purchased wall mounted hand sanitizer units which we’re waiting 2 b delivered & must b installed prior to opening.

2. We have to mark off pews & rows & designate entrances & exits.

3. Post guidelines on our entrances & exits

4. Give enough time b4 we gather so that we can all b prepared & understand expectations.

c. Our team would rather move precisely & intentionally w/God’s wisdom than quickly & rashly which could cause harm & be un-neighborly

1. We want Bennington to know they can trust us as the church w/a heart in the heart o Bennington

d. Exact procedures will b outlined in the days ahead so keep an eye on Facebook live, email, & website

IV. (another question) to mask or not to mask

A. Lots disagreement w/in American Christianity about this point.

a. anti-maskers say “where’s ur faith?” or the less extreme, “u wanna wear a mask great…but don’t make me”

b. maskers say, “where’s my faith?! where’s ur common sense” or “ur desire not to wear a mask puts me & my fam. in danger”

c. U won’t find this argument settled directly in our bible…but we do find a principle I think can b applied.

B. meat sacrificed to idols in 1 Cor 10

a. Context

1 Corinthians 10:31–33 ESV

31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.

C. Application (what’s this got to do w/masks)

a. anti-maskers:

1. in the presence o other anti-maskers, don’t wear a mask. If it’s a question o liberty, u r free.

i. BUT when in the presence o maskers, wear a mask…not for ur sake, but theres!!

2. Don’t let ur liberty be a cause for offense o a brother/sister-in-christ.

i. this way o living glorifies God & promotes unity among believers

3. When ur around maskers, no mask-shaming

b. Maskers:

1. follow ur conscience & wear ur mask

2. when u see folks wearing a mask that u know 2b an anti-masker

i. don’t cause a fuss, but give verbal appreciation

-it won’t kill ya 2 say thanks

3. if u see some1 not wearing a mask…no mask shaming

i. just do ur due diligence to keep u & ur fam’s distance.

ii. Pray 4 God’s protection for u, fam, & the anti-masker

-Consider Paul’s words 2 the Romans in...

Romans 12:16–18 ESV

16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

c. The Gospel & living a life that glorifies God is far more important than our opinion

1. even if we’re sure we’re right

V. Keep an eye out for more info on facebook & website