COVID-19 Letter #13 - January 28th, 2021
We have news! Starting on Feb. 21, we will welcome a limited number of people to worship live in the sanctuary at the 9:15 a.m. service only. Woohoo! What to expect:
* no in-person Kid City just yet. We will keep on
doing Kid City Mobile Edition for now
* masks
* complete a health screening before entering the building
* distanced seating
* there will be tech equipment in the middle of the sanctuary and it will sound a little different because we will be mixing sound for online
Staring on April 4 (Easter), we will hold outdoor services at 9:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. in the parking lot, much like we did last summer/fall.
Online services will continue as well at least into the fall.
* no in-person Kid City just yet. We will keep on
doing Kid City Mobile Edition for now
* masks
* complete a health screening before entering the building
* distanced seating
* there will be tech equipment in the middle of the sanctuary and it will sound a little different because we will be mixing sound for online
Staring on April 4 (Easter), we will hold outdoor services at 9:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. in the parking lot, much like we did last summer/fall.
Online services will continue as well at least into the fall.
COVID-19 Letter #12 - November 19th, 2020
Beginning Sunday, November 22, City Life will provide online worship services only. We will livestream at citylifegr.online.church as usual. The service will be available at 9:15 a.m. and 11:00 o'clock a.m. We will not be able to accommodate people in person at this time. This plan will be in effect at least through January 10, 2021.
Covid-19 Letter #11 - October 20th, 2020
Dear City Life,
This communication is for PEOPLE WHO CRAVE DETAILS! (Smile!) This is “extra stuff” for people who are struggling with the decision and want to know more before they decide if they are comfortable attending or not. It’s also info for those who are curious and simply want to know more. If you have already determined how you want to attend worship (either online or in-person), you do not need to read this.
Sincerely,
Pastor Christy
Details Regarding Limited, In-person Services
What we will require of people:
Masks for all people over age 2. (Ages 2 and under are at parent discretion.)
Health screenings & check-in process
Ask people to commit to one service or the other if they are coming
We request that socializing happen outside, and that once people are seated in sanctuary, they do not mingle around the room.
Health Screening and Check-in
This is a two-part process: 1) pre-screening, and 2) check-in.
People will receive a link via email and on our website on Saturday mornings that will take them to the pre-screening form.
The pre-screening form must be completed before people can check in.
For those who cannot pre-screen in advance, they will be assisted to do so *outside in the church parking lot* before they will be permitted to enter.
Arrival & Traffic Flow
There will be a specific process to enter the building in an orderly way.
People are strongly encouraged to arrive early, especially in the first few weeks as we adjust to our online check-in process and enter people who may not yet be in our database.
Check-in will begin a half-hour before the service start time.
People are strongly encouraged NOT TO BE LATE, as it disrupts a service that is: 1) now online, and 2) already shortened in time. Arriving late may also limit chances of attending the service in-person, if we are nearing capacity.
People are encouraged to use restrooms before the service.
People are encouraged to avoid, as much as possible, exiting and re-entering the sanctuary while the service is in session.
A stand-alone, touchless hand sanitizing station will be available center-lobby.
In-sanctuary Seating Team
There will be an in-sanctuary seating team. They will “host” various sections of the sanctuary and will seek to answer questions, connect people with Help Team resources, and simply build relationships.
This team will be prepared to actively manage the crowd both before and after services.
This team will dismiss your section of the sanctuary when the service is over.
Once seated, people will be discouraged from leaving sanctuary or getting up to mingle with others in the room.
Children
Our Kid City plan is in process.
We encourage tolerance of wiggles and giggles in the main service.
Music and Voices
At this time, we discourage congregational singing. We will have a limited number of vocalists on the stage who will sing without masks. They will be placed further back onto the stage.
Other speakers and preachers will also be placed further back on the stage.
We will not have choir in this season.
Service Length
We will limit services to an hour or less.
We desire to still create enough time and space to listen to the Holy Spirit and engage in heart-worship.
Sanitation
Thorough sanitation will happen after both services (chairs, hard surfaces, doorknobs, bathrooms, tech equipment, etc.)
HVAC system will run during all services for full ventilation and pulling in fresh air from outside.
Service Omissions
No physical communication cards
No refreshments/coffee
Limited communion (not every week)
No prayer time at altar
Encourage online giving
Future Plans Survey Results
10/17/2020
Survey respondents: 55
1. If we reopen the church building for worship services, would you attend in person?
Yes 47%
Yes, but without my children 0%
Unsure 27%
No, but fine with others attending 18%
No, and I don’t think we should reopen yet 7%
2. This is how I feel about the possibility of reopening the church building:
Reasonably comfortable, with safety precautions 60%
Unsure 15%
Uncomfortable 22%
Strongly opposed to meeting indoors 4%
3. If I attend in-person, I would be most likely to attend:
9:15 a.m. 28%
11:00 a.m. 22%
I switch 26%
Won’t be attending 24%
This communication is for PEOPLE WHO CRAVE DETAILS! (Smile!) This is “extra stuff” for people who are struggling with the decision and want to know more before they decide if they are comfortable attending or not. It’s also info for those who are curious and simply want to know more. If you have already determined how you want to attend worship (either online or in-person), you do not need to read this.
Sincerely,
Pastor Christy
Details Regarding Limited, In-person Services
What we will require of people:
Masks for all people over age 2. (Ages 2 and under are at parent discretion.)
Health screenings & check-in process
Ask people to commit to one service or the other if they are coming
We request that socializing happen outside, and that once people are seated in sanctuary, they do not mingle around the room.
Health Screening and Check-in
This is a two-part process: 1) pre-screening, and 2) check-in.
People will receive a link via email and on our website on Saturday mornings that will take them to the pre-screening form.
The pre-screening form must be completed before people can check in.
For those who cannot pre-screen in advance, they will be assisted to do so *outside in the church parking lot* before they will be permitted to enter.
Arrival & Traffic Flow
There will be a specific process to enter the building in an orderly way.
People are strongly encouraged to arrive early, especially in the first few weeks as we adjust to our online check-in process and enter people who may not yet be in our database.
Check-in will begin a half-hour before the service start time.
People are strongly encouraged NOT TO BE LATE, as it disrupts a service that is: 1) now online, and 2) already shortened in time. Arriving late may also limit chances of attending the service in-person, if we are nearing capacity.
People are encouraged to use restrooms before the service.
People are encouraged to avoid, as much as possible, exiting and re-entering the sanctuary while the service is in session.
A stand-alone, touchless hand sanitizing station will be available center-lobby.
In-sanctuary Seating Team
There will be an in-sanctuary seating team. They will “host” various sections of the sanctuary and will seek to answer questions, connect people with Help Team resources, and simply build relationships.
This team will be prepared to actively manage the crowd both before and after services.
This team will dismiss your section of the sanctuary when the service is over.
Once seated, people will be discouraged from leaving sanctuary or getting up to mingle with others in the room.
Children
Our Kid City plan is in process.
We encourage tolerance of wiggles and giggles in the main service.
Music and Voices
At this time, we discourage congregational singing. We will have a limited number of vocalists on the stage who will sing without masks. They will be placed further back onto the stage.
Other speakers and preachers will also be placed further back on the stage.
We will not have choir in this season.
Service Length
We will limit services to an hour or less.
We desire to still create enough time and space to listen to the Holy Spirit and engage in heart-worship.
Sanitation
Thorough sanitation will happen after both services (chairs, hard surfaces, doorknobs, bathrooms, tech equipment, etc.)
HVAC system will run during all services for full ventilation and pulling in fresh air from outside.
Service Omissions
No physical communication cards
No refreshments/coffee
Limited communion (not every week)
No prayer time at altar
Encourage online giving
Future Plans Survey Results
10/17/2020
Survey respondents: 55
1. If we reopen the church building for worship services, would you attend in person?
Yes 47%
Yes, but without my children 0%
Unsure 27%
No, but fine with others attending 18%
No, and I don’t think we should reopen yet 7%
2. This is how I feel about the possibility of reopening the church building:
Reasonably comfortable, with safety precautions 60%
Unsure 15%
Uncomfortable 22%
Strongly opposed to meeting indoors 4%
3. If I attend in-person, I would be most likely to attend:
9:15 a.m. 28%
11:00 a.m. 22%
I switch 26%
Won’t be attending 24%
Covid-19 Letter #10 - October 20h, 2020
Dear City Life,
We are not going to “quit church” or disengage in this season. That is not an option. We are still called to “Manifest God’s kingdom now, as we call out disciples and renew our neighborhoods.” People still need Christ and still need to grow! But we also think that going “back to normal” with our worship services is not in our best interests either.
We have communicated that we would be outdoors through the end of October for worship services. This past Sunday, we announced that starting Nov. 1, we will continue live-streaming the service, but we will also offer limited in-person services.
We are moving forward with the plan to continue live-streaming, but with limited in-person services. However, we have also made the decision to be FLEXIBLE regarding Sunday, Oct. 25, as it is City Life’s 15th birthday celebration. Please continue reading for details about that day, as well as more info about what the indoor services will look like in November.
Oct. 25: City Life’s 15th Birthday Celebration!
We will be OUTSIDE IN OUR PARKING LOT, unless it rains.
If it rains, we will move the services inside, where we will both livestream AND permit a limited number of people to attend in person. We will hold two services at our normal times: 9:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Information about the Rain Plan:
-We were already planning to allow limited in-person worship on Nov. 1, so we would move in-person worship up one week to accommodate for our birthday celebration.
-We will NOT have Kid City on the birthday if we move indoors for that Sunday.
-We are planning to have a digital health screening/check-in process for any who enter the building. We were already planning to implement this on Sunday in a “practice” format even if we were outdoors. But if we go indoors, we may not have our system fully glitch-free by this Sunday, so we may do a combination of paper and digital health screenings.
-The max capacity that we will permit to enter the sanctuary will be 75 per service. This is less than 25% of our capacity. We do not anticipate too much of a problem with bumping up to this number, but if we do, we will turn people away.
-Masks are REQUIRED. Masks for children ages 2 and under will be at parent discretion. If you cannot wear a mask, we request that you do not attend in person.
Of course, if it does not rain, we will be outside as originally planned. (Just bring a warm blanket!) We still hope for this as the preferred option for worship for our birthday celebration! We recognize that if we have outdoor services, it may be our last chance to be together in a larger gathering for awhile. We are still keeping the outdoor service as the #1 option.
Nov. 1, and future Sundays for the foreseeable future
We will be ONLINE with a “LIVE STUDIO AUDIENCE.”
1. We will continue to livestream live worship services.
2. We will permit a limited number of people to worship in the church in person.
We are NOT:
--doing online services like we did last spring
--returning to “regular” church pre-Covid
We are not requiring either Team Leaders or volunteers to be present at in-person services.
Here are some key things to know about in-person worship:
1. Masks are required. Masks for children ages 2 and under are at parent discretion.
2. All who enter the building will be required to: a) complete a health screening (this can be done ahead of time), and b) check in. The greeters will permit people and family groups into the building one group at a time. You will receive further instruction on this in the next few days.
3. How children’s discipleship will happen is still in the works and will be announced soon.
4. Unfortunately, we will encourage the congregation not to sing. The worship team will still bring music, but we will discourage congregational singing.
5. We will not: pray at the altar, regularly serve communion, have paper communication cards, or have coffee or refreshments. We will discourage hugs and handshakes.
6. You will be strongly encouraged to remain seated in the sanctuary after you enter. Please avoid, as much as possible, exiting and re-entering the sanctuary. Please seek to take care of restroom needs in advance.
7. You will be dismissed by row at the end of the service.
8. We request that you commit to attend either the 9:15 a.m. or the 11:00 a.m. We understand that some like the flexibility of switching back and forth between service times, but we are requesting that, if possible, you choose one service time and stick with it each week that you come.
We have a detailed list of procedures and steps that are being taken by a variety of ministry teams. We will make this info available for those who wish to have a closer look at details.
We realize this is a lot of info. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.
Sincerely,
Pastor Christy
We are not going to “quit church” or disengage in this season. That is not an option. We are still called to “Manifest God’s kingdom now, as we call out disciples and renew our neighborhoods.” People still need Christ and still need to grow! But we also think that going “back to normal” with our worship services is not in our best interests either.
We have communicated that we would be outdoors through the end of October for worship services. This past Sunday, we announced that starting Nov. 1, we will continue live-streaming the service, but we will also offer limited in-person services.
We are moving forward with the plan to continue live-streaming, but with limited in-person services. However, we have also made the decision to be FLEXIBLE regarding Sunday, Oct. 25, as it is City Life’s 15th birthday celebration. Please continue reading for details about that day, as well as more info about what the indoor services will look like in November.
Oct. 25: City Life’s 15th Birthday Celebration!
We will be OUTSIDE IN OUR PARKING LOT, unless it rains.
If it rains, we will move the services inside, where we will both livestream AND permit a limited number of people to attend in person. We will hold two services at our normal times: 9:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Information about the Rain Plan:
-We were already planning to allow limited in-person worship on Nov. 1, so we would move in-person worship up one week to accommodate for our birthday celebration.
-We will NOT have Kid City on the birthday if we move indoors for that Sunday.
-We are planning to have a digital health screening/check-in process for any who enter the building. We were already planning to implement this on Sunday in a “practice” format even if we were outdoors. But if we go indoors, we may not have our system fully glitch-free by this Sunday, so we may do a combination of paper and digital health screenings.
-The max capacity that we will permit to enter the sanctuary will be 75 per service. This is less than 25% of our capacity. We do not anticipate too much of a problem with bumping up to this number, but if we do, we will turn people away.
-Masks are REQUIRED. Masks for children ages 2 and under will be at parent discretion. If you cannot wear a mask, we request that you do not attend in person.
Of course, if it does not rain, we will be outside as originally planned. (Just bring a warm blanket!) We still hope for this as the preferred option for worship for our birthday celebration! We recognize that if we have outdoor services, it may be our last chance to be together in a larger gathering for awhile. We are still keeping the outdoor service as the #1 option.
Nov. 1, and future Sundays for the foreseeable future
We will be ONLINE with a “LIVE STUDIO AUDIENCE.”
1. We will continue to livestream live worship services.
2. We will permit a limited number of people to worship in the church in person.
We are NOT:
--doing online services like we did last spring
--returning to “regular” church pre-Covid
We are not requiring either Team Leaders or volunteers to be present at in-person services.
Here are some key things to know about in-person worship:
1. Masks are required. Masks for children ages 2 and under are at parent discretion.
2. All who enter the building will be required to: a) complete a health screening (this can be done ahead of time), and b) check in. The greeters will permit people and family groups into the building one group at a time. You will receive further instruction on this in the next few days.
3. How children’s discipleship will happen is still in the works and will be announced soon.
4. Unfortunately, we will encourage the congregation not to sing. The worship team will still bring music, but we will discourage congregational singing.
5. We will not: pray at the altar, regularly serve communion, have paper communication cards, or have coffee or refreshments. We will discourage hugs and handshakes.
6. You will be strongly encouraged to remain seated in the sanctuary after you enter. Please avoid, as much as possible, exiting and re-entering the sanctuary. Please seek to take care of restroom needs in advance.
7. You will be dismissed by row at the end of the service.
8. We request that you commit to attend either the 9:15 a.m. or the 11:00 a.m. We understand that some like the flexibility of switching back and forth between service times, but we are requesting that, if possible, you choose one service time and stick with it each week that you come.
We have a detailed list of procedures and steps that are being taken by a variety of ministry teams. We will make this info available for those who wish to have a closer look at details.
We realize this is a lot of info. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.
Sincerely,
Pastor Christy
COVID-19 Letter #9 - August 28th, 2020
Thank you so much for your survey feedback! We had 37 respondents, which is fewer than previous surveys, but it’s still helpful (especially when considering that some of the 37 represent households).
Here are some key take-aways:
1. Response to the outdoor services has been very strong (%). We have decided to CONTINUE OUTDOOR SERVICES THROUGH THE FALL. (Of course, we will be online only in the event of rain.)
82% said they would “definitely” or “possibly” attend future outdoor services.
11% said they think outdoor services are fine for other people, but they wouldn’t come.
6% said they don’t think outdoor services are a good idea for anyone to participate in.
2. Greatest concerns for outdoor services:
--Multiple people expressed concern regarding social distancing—not so much that people weren’t doing it, but concern because it seemed like people were close to not social distancing. Several commented based on their perspective of what they observed via our livestream. We will continue to strongly encourage social distancing each week in multiple forms of instruction.
--Concern that we are close to the 100 person max. (More on that momentarily.)
3. People are loving: seeing people in person and live worship, especially!
4. We communicated that additional outdoor services would require a temporary increase in the need for volunteers to help set up the stage, tech equipment, chairs, etc.
14 people expressed a willingness to help. (Thanks!)
5. Other key comments:
--Several mentioned that the volume of the post-service music made it hard to have socially distanced conversation through a mask. Duly noted, and changes will take place immediately!
--Many people expressed gratefulness for all the hard work the ministry teams have been doing to make these happen! Thank you, team members! This truly couldn’t happen with your ministry.
6. Regarding the 100 person max: we have watched this number carefully the last few weeks. We are planning to MOVE TO TWO SERVICES STARTING SEPT. 27, WHICH IS FALL FEST SUNDAY. (Note: Fall Fest will be very different this year, so don’t worry. We will not have a meal, inflatables, etc. But we will continue forward in the mission of Fall Fest, which is seeking to connect with the unchurched and serve our community.) So we will be going to two services starting Sept. 27. They will be at 9:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Again, thank you for your responses and for helping us make decisions on how to best serve our community!
Blessings to you,
Pastor Christy
Here are some key take-aways:
1. Response to the outdoor services has been very strong (%). We have decided to CONTINUE OUTDOOR SERVICES THROUGH THE FALL. (Of course, we will be online only in the event of rain.)
82% said they would “definitely” or “possibly” attend future outdoor services.
11% said they think outdoor services are fine for other people, but they wouldn’t come.
6% said they don’t think outdoor services are a good idea for anyone to participate in.
2. Greatest concerns for outdoor services:
--Multiple people expressed concern regarding social distancing—not so much that people weren’t doing it, but concern because it seemed like people were close to not social distancing. Several commented based on their perspective of what they observed via our livestream. We will continue to strongly encourage social distancing each week in multiple forms of instruction.
--Concern that we are close to the 100 person max. (More on that momentarily.)
3. People are loving: seeing people in person and live worship, especially!
4. We communicated that additional outdoor services would require a temporary increase in the need for volunteers to help set up the stage, tech equipment, chairs, etc.
14 people expressed a willingness to help. (Thanks!)
5. Other key comments:
--Several mentioned that the volume of the post-service music made it hard to have socially distanced conversation through a mask. Duly noted, and changes will take place immediately!
--Many people expressed gratefulness for all the hard work the ministry teams have been doing to make these happen! Thank you, team members! This truly couldn’t happen with your ministry.
6. Regarding the 100 person max: we have watched this number carefully the last few weeks. We are planning to MOVE TO TWO SERVICES STARTING SEPT. 27, WHICH IS FALL FEST SUNDAY. (Note: Fall Fest will be very different this year, so don’t worry. We will not have a meal, inflatables, etc. But we will continue forward in the mission of Fall Fest, which is seeking to connect with the unchurched and serve our community.) So we will be going to two services starting Sept. 27. They will be at 9:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Again, thank you for your responses and for helping us make decisions on how to best serve our community!
Blessings to you,
Pastor Christy
“Church Life” Survey Results - August 6th, 2020
Thank you for completing our most recent City Life survey! Your responses have helped us shape our fall ministry strategy.
We wanted to share with you feedback from the survey.
1. Regarding outdoor worship services on August 16, 23, and 30:
77% said they hoped to attend
23% said they did not plan to attend
What makes people feel comfortable:
Outdoors
Masks
Social distancing (touch has been verbally discouraged)
Children will be with parents, not in separate ministry
What concerns people about gathering:
People not wearing masks
People not actually social distancing/being too close together
Personal medical vulnerability
2. Would you want more outdoor services later in the fall if we are not yet meeting in person?
56%: yes
9%: no
33%: undecided
Concerns were raised about the possibility of another wave of COVID-19.
Concerns about weather.
People want to see how the first three go, and then they will decide.
3. What would it take for you to feel comfortable in returning to church?
When there are much lower numbers of infection rates
When there is a vaccine or significantly improved treatment
When the pandemic is over
When the governor gives permission for large gatherings/when CDC approves/when WHO approves
When it’s safe for kids
Constant decline in cases in Kent County and the state of Michigan
Enforced mask-wearing, social distancing, and other safety precautions like hand sanitizer, temperature checks, health screenings, etc.
4. Are you personally comfortable with the idea of gathering in “church pods” to watch online services together?
Yes: 51%
I’m ok w/ others doing it, but I don’t want to: 19%
No: 16%
5. How are you serving in ministry in this season?
Many people responded that they were intentionally seeking to serve in ministry during this time. People are: watching out for others in our community who are more vulnerable, investing in Life Group relationships, serving in young adult ministry, youth ministry and children’s ministry, doing a variety of facilities/service projects/building improvements at City Life, and offering transportation to people in our community who need to go to the store, doctor, work, etc.
Multiple people said they were sharing their faith at work and trying to connect friends to Christ!
5. Are you personally involved in a Life Group right now?
45% yes
52% no
6. Question regarding the possibility of offering an online children’s ministry program:
Answers were somewhat unresolved, with the majority (17%) of people with kids saying yes, please offer this, versus the 7% who said no. The other 68% said they did not have children/was not relevant to them.
Note: we are offering activity packets for kids at the upcoming three outdoor services. After that, we are retiring the former Kid City Minute, and we’re going to try some new things and see what happens!
7. Other miscellaneous comments mentioned by more than one person:
People want ongoing video access after we are back to meeting in person
There is a lot of enthusiasm for the upcoming outdoor services
People miss each other! People feel emotionally isolated. Some feel disconnected from the church.
A significant number expressed gratefulness that City Life is not yet meeting in person for indoor worship services.
Next steps that have been informed by this survey:
--We will be tightening up some things with online worship services, including:
*ensuring it does not go over an hour
*continuing to work on figuring out how to be more effective in providing opportunities for musical worship and other forms of worship while online
--We will be introducing a different children’s ministry option in September. We are committed to seeking to invest in children’s discipleship in this season.
--We will not be meeting in person for indoor services until at least November.
--We have committed to making online services available on our website by Monday morning of each week.
We wanted to share with you feedback from the survey.
1. Regarding outdoor worship services on August 16, 23, and 30:
77% said they hoped to attend
23% said they did not plan to attend
What makes people feel comfortable:
Outdoors
Masks
Social distancing (touch has been verbally discouraged)
Children will be with parents, not in separate ministry
What concerns people about gathering:
People not wearing masks
People not actually social distancing/being too close together
Personal medical vulnerability
2. Would you want more outdoor services later in the fall if we are not yet meeting in person?
56%: yes
9%: no
33%: undecided
Concerns were raised about the possibility of another wave of COVID-19.
Concerns about weather.
People want to see how the first three go, and then they will decide.
3. What would it take for you to feel comfortable in returning to church?
When there are much lower numbers of infection rates
When there is a vaccine or significantly improved treatment
When the pandemic is over
When the governor gives permission for large gatherings/when CDC approves/when WHO approves
When it’s safe for kids
Constant decline in cases in Kent County and the state of Michigan
Enforced mask-wearing, social distancing, and other safety precautions like hand sanitizer, temperature checks, health screenings, etc.
4. Are you personally comfortable with the idea of gathering in “church pods” to watch online services together?
Yes: 51%
I’m ok w/ others doing it, but I don’t want to: 19%
No: 16%
5. How are you serving in ministry in this season?
Many people responded that they were intentionally seeking to serve in ministry during this time. People are: watching out for others in our community who are more vulnerable, investing in Life Group relationships, serving in young adult ministry, youth ministry and children’s ministry, doing a variety of facilities/service projects/building improvements at City Life, and offering transportation to people in our community who need to go to the store, doctor, work, etc.
Multiple people said they were sharing their faith at work and trying to connect friends to Christ!
5. Are you personally involved in a Life Group right now?
45% yes
52% no
6. Question regarding the possibility of offering an online children’s ministry program:
Answers were somewhat unresolved, with the majority (17%) of people with kids saying yes, please offer this, versus the 7% who said no. The other 68% said they did not have children/was not relevant to them.
Note: we are offering activity packets for kids at the upcoming three outdoor services. After that, we are retiring the former Kid City Minute, and we’re going to try some new things and see what happens!
7. Other miscellaneous comments mentioned by more than one person:
People want ongoing video access after we are back to meeting in person
There is a lot of enthusiasm for the upcoming outdoor services
People miss each other! People feel emotionally isolated. Some feel disconnected from the church.
A significant number expressed gratefulness that City Life is not yet meeting in person for indoor worship services.
Next steps that have been informed by this survey:
--We will be tightening up some things with online worship services, including:
*ensuring it does not go over an hour
*continuing to work on figuring out how to be more effective in providing opportunities for musical worship and other forms of worship while online
--We will be introducing a different children’s ministry option in September. We are committed to seeking to invest in children’s discipleship in this season.
--We will not be meeting in person for indoor services until at least November.
--We have committed to making online services available on our website by Monday morning of each week.
City Life Church July Survey Highlights - July 30, 2020
COVID-19 Update #8 - July 23, 2020
Contents at a Glance:
--plan to keep outdoor services in August
--suggestion to worship in small groups in homes, if comfortable
--plans to open sanctuary as a viewing venue for those without internet access
--new procedures for how to enter the church building during the week
--further announcement coming after survey completion
Dear City Life Church,
In the north stairwell of the church, we still have a poster hanging to advertise our “Spring Celebration” friends and family day that was scheduled for March 29. I remember making the announcement that we were “postponing” Spring Celebration until later in April. Little could we guess that months later we would still be dealing with this! I am leaving it hanging because it makes me smile about all we have gone through!
There have been a few developments in the response to the ongoing pandemic, and I wanted to update you on them.
1. COVID cases in Michigan, and particularly in Kent County, continue to be particularly concerning. We continue to hold off on indoor church services.
2. We ARE PLANNING TO CONTINUE WITH OUR PLANS FOR THREE OUTDOOR SERVICES in our parking lot on Aug. 16, Aug, 23, and Aug. 30, at 10:00 a.m. These services will also be livestreamed for those who wish to participate online.
Instructions:
a. Masks for the outdoor service are very strongly encouraged.
b. Masks will be worn by leadership, except when on stage for speaking or singing.
c. Parents are encouraged to keep children close and avoid running around parking lot as much as possible. (No children’s ministry will be provided.)
d. Do not plan to go inside the building. It will be available for emergencies, but please plan to not use it.
e. Unfortunately, we will not be able to provide coffee!
f. Please avoid handshakes, hugs, and touching people in general. We know…it’s a strange time we’re living in. But we’re asking that you avoid these things for this season.
What you CAN plan on is:
--live music!
--seeing people’s faces!
--communion celebration! (although we will be using a very different format)
--livestreaming online for those who wish to worship online!
--clusters of chairs spread out in the parking lot!
You might want to bring:
--your own coffee or water
--sunglasses
--feel free to bring your own lawn chair if that is your preference
--quiet, non-electronic activities to occupy kids
3. We had hoped to begin in-person, indoor, worship services in September. WE WILL NOT BE GATHERING IN PERSON IN SEPTEMBER. Instead, we are suggesting two things:
a. We encourage City Lifers who are comfortable to create a “church pod.” The idea is that your “church pod” would be yourself and another person or another family who would get together in your home to worship online together. We sense that even gathering with one other person could significantly transform the experience! Pastor Adam & I think it will significantly improve things for our family personally. Perhaps it will for you as well!
b. In September, we plan to open up our church sanctuary at 9:15 a.m. as a viewing venue FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO ONLINE SERVICES. We particularly hope to provide viewing space for a limited number of people from the homeless community and/or those in downtown apartments and/or those without internet access.
4. Due to the governor’s most recent executive order, there are new guidelines for anyone who enters the City Life building. Since we are not meeting indoors yet, most of these conditions are just pertinent to those who work or volunteer in the building throughout the week. We are conducting a thorough training for all building staff (including Immigrant Connection, AARP, and Empower Counseling) next week. I will send out building use info to you next week. We have a detailed plan in place to: a) monitor COVID-19 symptoms and spread, and b) respond in the case of infection.
5. We now have MANDATORY HEALTH SCREENINGS for all people who enter the building for any reason. This includes staff, employees, volunteers, clients, life groups, etc. It includes YOU! All human beings must complete a screening form. It is a simple, three-question form. If you answer “YES” to any of these questions (indicating questionable health status), you will be required to check in with a Designated Supervisor about your ability to enter the building. Details will be at the table in the lobby when you arrive.
6. Mask requirements:
--Masks must be worn in the lobby, all hallways and common places in the building.
--Masks may be removed if alone in a room.
--Masks may be removed once you begin a meeting if you are more than 6 ft. away from other people.
--Designated Supervisors will vigilantly monitor mask usage.
7. SURVEY AND FUTURE PLANS
“When are we going to meet in person again?” is a question I keep hearing. We’re working on a plan and hope to communicate it to you in the next couple of weeks. First, we want feedback from you. You will be receiving a survey shortly, and your responses will help us assess what it would take for people to feel comfortable in resuming in-person worship.
Thank you, City Life, for being church to one another. If you’re still reading this long letter, thanks for that too!
May you experience the Lord’s peace today.
Pastor Christy
--plan to keep outdoor services in August
--suggestion to worship in small groups in homes, if comfortable
--plans to open sanctuary as a viewing venue for those without internet access
--new procedures for how to enter the church building during the week
--further announcement coming after survey completion
Dear City Life Church,
In the north stairwell of the church, we still have a poster hanging to advertise our “Spring Celebration” friends and family day that was scheduled for March 29. I remember making the announcement that we were “postponing” Spring Celebration until later in April. Little could we guess that months later we would still be dealing with this! I am leaving it hanging because it makes me smile about all we have gone through!
There have been a few developments in the response to the ongoing pandemic, and I wanted to update you on them.
1. COVID cases in Michigan, and particularly in Kent County, continue to be particularly concerning. We continue to hold off on indoor church services.
2. We ARE PLANNING TO CONTINUE WITH OUR PLANS FOR THREE OUTDOOR SERVICES in our parking lot on Aug. 16, Aug, 23, and Aug. 30, at 10:00 a.m. These services will also be livestreamed for those who wish to participate online.
Instructions:
a. Masks for the outdoor service are very strongly encouraged.
b. Masks will be worn by leadership, except when on stage for speaking or singing.
c. Parents are encouraged to keep children close and avoid running around parking lot as much as possible. (No children’s ministry will be provided.)
d. Do not plan to go inside the building. It will be available for emergencies, but please plan to not use it.
e. Unfortunately, we will not be able to provide coffee!
f. Please avoid handshakes, hugs, and touching people in general. We know…it’s a strange time we’re living in. But we’re asking that you avoid these things for this season.
What you CAN plan on is:
--live music!
--seeing people’s faces!
--communion celebration! (although we will be using a very different format)
--livestreaming online for those who wish to worship online!
--clusters of chairs spread out in the parking lot!
You might want to bring:
--your own coffee or water
--sunglasses
--feel free to bring your own lawn chair if that is your preference
--quiet, non-electronic activities to occupy kids
3. We had hoped to begin in-person, indoor, worship services in September. WE WILL NOT BE GATHERING IN PERSON IN SEPTEMBER. Instead, we are suggesting two things:
a. We encourage City Lifers who are comfortable to create a “church pod.” The idea is that your “church pod” would be yourself and another person or another family who would get together in your home to worship online together. We sense that even gathering with one other person could significantly transform the experience! Pastor Adam & I think it will significantly improve things for our family personally. Perhaps it will for you as well!
b. In September, we plan to open up our church sanctuary at 9:15 a.m. as a viewing venue FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO ONLINE SERVICES. We particularly hope to provide viewing space for a limited number of people from the homeless community and/or those in downtown apartments and/or those without internet access.
4. Due to the governor’s most recent executive order, there are new guidelines for anyone who enters the City Life building. Since we are not meeting indoors yet, most of these conditions are just pertinent to those who work or volunteer in the building throughout the week. We are conducting a thorough training for all building staff (including Immigrant Connection, AARP, and Empower Counseling) next week. I will send out building use info to you next week. We have a detailed plan in place to: a) monitor COVID-19 symptoms and spread, and b) respond in the case of infection.
5. We now have MANDATORY HEALTH SCREENINGS for all people who enter the building for any reason. This includes staff, employees, volunteers, clients, life groups, etc. It includes YOU! All human beings must complete a screening form. It is a simple, three-question form. If you answer “YES” to any of these questions (indicating questionable health status), you will be required to check in with a Designated Supervisor about your ability to enter the building. Details will be at the table in the lobby when you arrive.
6. Mask requirements:
--Masks must be worn in the lobby, all hallways and common places in the building.
--Masks may be removed if alone in a room.
--Masks may be removed once you begin a meeting if you are more than 6 ft. away from other people.
--Designated Supervisors will vigilantly monitor mask usage.
7. SURVEY AND FUTURE PLANS
“When are we going to meet in person again?” is a question I keep hearing. We’re working on a plan and hope to communicate it to you in the next couple of weeks. First, we want feedback from you. You will be receiving a survey shortly, and your responses will help us assess what it would take for people to feel comfortable in resuming in-person worship.
Thank you, City Life, for being church to one another. If you’re still reading this long letter, thanks for that too!
May you experience the Lord’s peace today.
Pastor Christy
COVID-19 Update and Future Services - June 25th, 2020
There has been great news that Michigan has been declining in the number of COVID-19 cases, and I think all of us have enjoyed being able to get out and enjoy our beautiful summer weather! Recent news reports of increases in other areas, however, have reminded us that the need to be cautious still exists. We continue to make decisions by keeping the most vulnerable in mind, recognizing that the novel coronavirus has statistically affected certain groups more than others. As a church body that specifically does life and ministry with these very groups, we continue to exercise significant caution.
As announced in recent online worship services, the plan at this point is as follows:
-We will continue online services at least through August 9.
-We are currently planning to hold three outdoor services in City Life’s parking lot. These are planned for: August 16, August 23, and August 30.
-Should state and local governments inform us of new concerns, we will adapt, cancel, or simply continue online services in August if needed.
-We would love to begin meeting in person in September, but no official decision about that has been made at this point.
Please continue checking in to worship with our online services every Sunday at 9:15 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. at citylife.online.church. The “virtual lobby” before the service starts provides a good connection time, you’ll hear the latest church events and updates, there is an opportunity to worship with our worship team(!), and we are still preaching the word of God!
As announced in recent online worship services, the plan at this point is as follows:
-We will continue online services at least through August 9.
-We are currently planning to hold three outdoor services in City Life’s parking lot. These are planned for: August 16, August 23, and August 30.
-Should state and local governments inform us of new concerns, we will adapt, cancel, or simply continue online services in August if needed.
-We would love to begin meeting in person in September, but no official decision about that has been made at this point.
Please continue checking in to worship with our online services every Sunday at 9:15 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. at citylife.online.church. The “virtual lobby” before the service starts provides a good connection time, you’ll hear the latest church events and updates, there is an opportunity to worship with our worship team(!), and we are still preaching the word of God!
COVID-19 Letter #7—May 5, 2020, 12:15 p.m.
Dear City Life Church,
It is May, and you have now been self-quarantining like champs for over a month and a half! In the midst of many unknowns and difficulties, my prayer is that you have found some moments to refocus on Jesus as your source and your strength.
I am writing this update because we are receiving questions about when City Life Church will reopen. I wanted to respond to those questions.
1. West Michigan is expected to reach the coronavirus peak in the next week or two. (We are about six weeks behind the east side of the state.) This means that statistics are saying that the worst numbers are yet to come.
The warm weather is beautiful and is calling our names, and we are tired of quarantining by now. But multiple reports indicate that now is not the time to relax in our restrictions. Instead, we should continue to be extremely cautious—especially in the next couple of weeks.
2. We will continue to follow the recommendations of the CDC and the federal and state governments.
3. We do not plan to rush re-entry.
4. When we re-open, we will most likely open in “phases.” We won’t start with one, big service to celebrate being back (perhaps we can have that later on!). We will likely ease into church life again, with first having small group gatherings.
5. We will not be opening up Kid City until it is safe for children to be together. Children are unable to do social distancing. Until the state and federal governments indicate it is safe for children to be together, we will keep Kid City closed.
6. When we made a decision to be hosts for Mel Trotter Ministries, we knew that it may mean a delay in re-using our building. We do not know how long Mel Trotter will need our facility, but we have communicated our willingness to continue sharing it for the foreseeable future. We realize this might mean that once other churches in our city are ready to start services again, we might still lag a couple weeks behind them.
7. City Life is part of a marginal community. The statistics clearly indicate that those in marginal communities like ours are at a significantly higher risk. We believe we are loving and serving our neighbors best by being exceptionally careful and by setting a high standard of caution.
I would like to encourage you to reach out to two City Lifers today. Reach out to two people and express your care for them today. Thank you for all your efforts in building community with one another during this time. It has been good to laugh with you and cry with you and pray with you—even if it has been over the phone, through our website, over Zoom, or through Facebook!
Sincerely,
Pastor Christy
It is May, and you have now been self-quarantining like champs for over a month and a half! In the midst of many unknowns and difficulties, my prayer is that you have found some moments to refocus on Jesus as your source and your strength.
I am writing this update because we are receiving questions about when City Life Church will reopen. I wanted to respond to those questions.
1. West Michigan is expected to reach the coronavirus peak in the next week or two. (We are about six weeks behind the east side of the state.) This means that statistics are saying that the worst numbers are yet to come.
The warm weather is beautiful and is calling our names, and we are tired of quarantining by now. But multiple reports indicate that now is not the time to relax in our restrictions. Instead, we should continue to be extremely cautious—especially in the next couple of weeks.
2. We will continue to follow the recommendations of the CDC and the federal and state governments.
3. We do not plan to rush re-entry.
4. When we re-open, we will most likely open in “phases.” We won’t start with one, big service to celebrate being back (perhaps we can have that later on!). We will likely ease into church life again, with first having small group gatherings.
5. We will not be opening up Kid City until it is safe for children to be together. Children are unable to do social distancing. Until the state and federal governments indicate it is safe for children to be together, we will keep Kid City closed.
6. When we made a decision to be hosts for Mel Trotter Ministries, we knew that it may mean a delay in re-using our building. We do not know how long Mel Trotter will need our facility, but we have communicated our willingness to continue sharing it for the foreseeable future. We realize this might mean that once other churches in our city are ready to start services again, we might still lag a couple weeks behind them.
7. City Life is part of a marginal community. The statistics clearly indicate that those in marginal communities like ours are at a significantly higher risk. We believe we are loving and serving our neighbors best by being exceptionally careful and by setting a high standard of caution.
I would like to encourage you to reach out to two City Lifers today. Reach out to two people and express your care for them today. Thank you for all your efforts in building community with one another during this time. It has been good to laugh with you and cry with you and pray with you—even if it has been over the phone, through our website, over Zoom, or through Facebook!
Sincerely,
Pastor Christy
Public Statement Regarding City Life Church and Mel Trotter Ministries
COVID-19 Partnership - April 16, 2020, 9:45 a.m.
City Life Church and Mel Trotter Ministries have enjoyed a long and meaningful ministry partnership. City Life has been given the opportunity to partner with Mel Trotter to provide emergency shelter during the COVID-19 crisis. We have been approved to house up to 49 Mel Trotter guests in our church facility. Mel Trotter is our city’s largest shelter for people experiencing homelessness, and there is an urgent need to separate people in order to best accomplish social distancing.
Mel Trotter will be providing their regular programming during this time, including: security, meals, laundry, restoration programming, etc. Additional safety measures are in place, including: everyone wears masks, employment of a professional cleaning company, temperature checks three times a day for all guests and staff, and a hospital grade cleaning fog done every three days. Mel Trotter staff continue to staff this site, but additional volunteers from the community are actively being solicited to help fill staffing gaps. Community volunteers (both male and female) are encouraged to register and sign up online at: http://mtmatcitylife.meltrotter.volunteerhub.com/.
To volunteer, contact Mel Trotter at: http://mtmatcitylife.meltrotter.volunteerhub.com/.
For more information, contact Rev. Christy Lipscomb or Rev. Adam Lipscomb.
City Life Church
574 Division South
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 260-1477
www.citylifeonline.net
Mel Trotter will be providing their regular programming during this time, including: security, meals, laundry, restoration programming, etc. Additional safety measures are in place, including: everyone wears masks, employment of a professional cleaning company, temperature checks three times a day for all guests and staff, and a hospital grade cleaning fog done every three days. Mel Trotter staff continue to staff this site, but additional volunteers from the community are actively being solicited to help fill staffing gaps. Community volunteers (both male and female) are encouraged to register and sign up online at: http://mtmatcitylife.meltrotter.volunteerhub.com/.
To volunteer, contact Mel Trotter at: http://mtmatcitylife.meltrotter.volunteerhub.com/.
For more information, contact Rev. Christy Lipscomb or Rev. Adam Lipscomb.
City Life Church
574 Division South
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 260-1477
www.citylifeonline.net
COVID-19 Update #4 – March 26, 2020, 10:00 a.m.
Dear City Life,
I have fielded a few questions this week about why the church building is closed on Sundays and through the week. Due to the governor's executive order to "Stay home, stay safe," we have moved to completely working off-site as we can. There are a couple people who still need to check in at the building for things like: financial deposits, getting mail, checking on the security of the building, etc. Things like staff meetings, board meetings, service planning, benevolence, Care Calls, youth group, Life Groups....they have all shifted to being off-site.
SUNDAY SERVICES
We are also recording simplified services at the church building, with six people present and keeping distance. This is permitted, and we are not breaking any laws by doing this. We plan to have a (very) small ensemble of musicians pre-record abbreviated worship sets, and this would be done at a time separate from Sunday morning. (We are excited to be able to add some musical worship to our services. We've heard from you that you have missed this!)
The first week that we put on an online service, walk-ins were permitted to join in and sit quietly in the sanctuary. (That was during the "no gathering over 50 people" time.) Due to needing to keep the numbers down, we stopped doing this last week, and we will continue to have a completely closed Sunday morning until further notice.
EASTER
Finally, we are anticipating fully online services for Good Friday and Easter. Honestly, at first that was quite disappointing. But we are now leaning into figuring out how to make the best of this unprecedented time and are excited about this current challenge! Plan on a Good Friday service on Friday, April 10, at 6:00 p.m.!
YOU
Staying connected with you has been important to us. Primary areas of concern that we're hearing about are:
--Anxiety over the many unknowns
--Many of you have already talked about losing your jobs
--Mental health concerns
We have actively helped to meet needs for food, and we have heard about you sharing with one another and helping each other from a distance.
We realize that many of our City Lifers are not connected to social media or email and are not receiving these updates. Please pray for them, even if they are nameless to you, and hold them in your prayers.
We are experiencing "being the church" in new ways. I encourage you to dig deep into your relationship with God. Keep (or begin) your routine of spending time personally with the Lord. As technology permits, connect in our online services and reach out to each other!
Praying for your health and flourishing,
Pastor Christy
I have fielded a few questions this week about why the church building is closed on Sundays and through the week. Due to the governor's executive order to "Stay home, stay safe," we have moved to completely working off-site as we can. There are a couple people who still need to check in at the building for things like: financial deposits, getting mail, checking on the security of the building, etc. Things like staff meetings, board meetings, service planning, benevolence, Care Calls, youth group, Life Groups....they have all shifted to being off-site.
SUNDAY SERVICES
We are also recording simplified services at the church building, with six people present and keeping distance. This is permitted, and we are not breaking any laws by doing this. We plan to have a (very) small ensemble of musicians pre-record abbreviated worship sets, and this would be done at a time separate from Sunday morning. (We are excited to be able to add some musical worship to our services. We've heard from you that you have missed this!)
The first week that we put on an online service, walk-ins were permitted to join in and sit quietly in the sanctuary. (That was during the "no gathering over 50 people" time.) Due to needing to keep the numbers down, we stopped doing this last week, and we will continue to have a completely closed Sunday morning until further notice.
EASTER
Finally, we are anticipating fully online services for Good Friday and Easter. Honestly, at first that was quite disappointing. But we are now leaning into figuring out how to make the best of this unprecedented time and are excited about this current challenge! Plan on a Good Friday service on Friday, April 10, at 6:00 p.m.!
YOU
Staying connected with you has been important to us. Primary areas of concern that we're hearing about are:
--Anxiety over the many unknowns
--Many of you have already talked about losing your jobs
--Mental health concerns
We have actively helped to meet needs for food, and we have heard about you sharing with one another and helping each other from a distance.
We realize that many of our City Lifers are not connected to social media or email and are not receiving these updates. Please pray for them, even if they are nameless to you, and hold them in your prayers.
We are experiencing "being the church" in new ways. I encourage you to dig deep into your relationship with God. Keep (or begin) your routine of spending time personally with the Lord. As technology permits, connect in our online services and reach out to each other!
Praying for your health and flourishing,
Pastor Christy
COVID-19 Update #3 - March 17, 2020, 11:45 a.m.
Topics:
--Building closures
--Life Groups
--Mel Trotter
Dear City Life Church,
I wanted to update you on several adaptations to our church ministries and needs in our community.
Building Closures:
Besides our Sunday service moving to online, we are also limiting use of the City Life building. Our tenant, AARP, has completely moved offsite for several weeks, and our other tenant, Empower Counseling, has reduced building hours. In addition, Immigrant Connection is working on a plan to still meet virtually with some of their clients, and in-person when necessary.
Life Groups and other Groups:
Mel Trotter:
1) Volunteer nurses
2) People with food service experience (possibly restaurant workers who are currently laid off) (not sure if this is volunteer or paid)
3) People to work security (perhaps Van Andel security workers who are temporarily laid off). (This would be a paid position)
They also need donations of:
TOILET PAPER and DISINFECTANTS
Mel Trotter is still exploring how they plan to do spiritual formation/discipleship. We may have an opportunity to serve them in this way in the future.
Mel Trotter is in a difficult situation as there are 500 people who stay there. They are currently the only mission taking overnight drop-ins. (Degage takes in 30 women every night, but they have closed down their daytime drop-in center.) Please pray for them: for wisdom for their leadership, and for God’s mercy to be on the vulnerable.
In addition, many Alcoholics Anonymous and NA groups are closed down right now. There are some virtual options available, but let’s please pray for our brothers and sisters who might be struggling silently with these things.
Today
Today is St. Patrick’s Day, and I think his prayer is so applicable for us today. Below is a portion of his “Morning Prayer.” I especially like the line, “alone or in a multitude.”
Saint Patrick’s Morning Prayer
I arise today
Through God’s strength to pilot me;
God’s might to uphold me,
God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me,
God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me,
God’s hand to guard me,
God’s way to lie before me,
God’s shield to protect me,
God’s hosts to save me
Afar and anear,
Alone or in a multitude.
Praying with you and for you,
Pastor Christy
--Building closures
--Life Groups
--Mel Trotter
Dear City Life Church,
I wanted to update you on several adaptations to our church ministries and needs in our community.
Building Closures:
Besides our Sunday service moving to online, we are also limiting use of the City Life building. Our tenant, AARP, has completely moved offsite for several weeks, and our other tenant, Empower Counseling, has reduced building hours. In addition, Immigrant Connection is working on a plan to still meet virtually with some of their clients, and in-person when necessary.
- For the rest of our church ministries, we are limiting time at the church as well, and doing more meetings and work virtually from home.
- Because of this, the building doors will be locked more frequently through the work week, as it is challenging to maintain security with lower numbers of people.
- That said, there will frequently be people at the church; you just might not be able to get in. Please plan ahead if you need to stop by the church, and reach out to a key leader or another key volunteer to borrow a key if necessary.
- I would like to state that we are still available. You can reach any of us through the church phone: (616) 260-1477, and then select who you would like to speak with. In addition, you can reach all the staff via email or Facebook Messenger. We are all working.
Life Groups and other Groups:
- There are no Life Groups meeting in person anymore. However, your Life Group leader may want to connect with you through Zoom. Zoom is an online app that will enable you to interact online. Check with your Life Group leader for info.
- We are cancelling most other in-person groups right now. Many of those groups might be connecting virtually.
Mel Trotter:
- Mel Trotter Ministries is communicating a need for professional volunteers. They are NOT taking general volunteers at this point, and anyone who does come in from the outside is medically assessed. This is what they DO need right now:
1) Volunteer nurses
2) People with food service experience (possibly restaurant workers who are currently laid off) (not sure if this is volunteer or paid)
3) People to work security (perhaps Van Andel security workers who are temporarily laid off). (This would be a paid position)
They also need donations of:
TOILET PAPER and DISINFECTANTS
Mel Trotter is still exploring how they plan to do spiritual formation/discipleship. We may have an opportunity to serve them in this way in the future.
Mel Trotter is in a difficult situation as there are 500 people who stay there. They are currently the only mission taking overnight drop-ins. (Degage takes in 30 women every night, but they have closed down their daytime drop-in center.) Please pray for them: for wisdom for their leadership, and for God’s mercy to be on the vulnerable.
In addition, many Alcoholics Anonymous and NA groups are closed down right now. There are some virtual options available, but let’s please pray for our brothers and sisters who might be struggling silently with these things.
Today
Today is St. Patrick’s Day, and I think his prayer is so applicable for us today. Below is a portion of his “Morning Prayer.” I especially like the line, “alone or in a multitude.”
Saint Patrick’s Morning Prayer
I arise today
Through God’s strength to pilot me;
God’s might to uphold me,
God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me,
God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me,
God’s hand to guard me,
God’s way to lie before me,
God’s shield to protect me,
God’s hosts to save me
Afar and anear,
Alone or in a multitude.
Praying with you and for you,
Pastor Christy
COVID-19 Update #2- March 14, 2020, 3:15 p.m.
Dear City Life Church,
We have made the decision to close City Life for the next three Sundays: March 15, March 22, and March 29. We will, however, hold an abbreviated online service through Facebook Live (details below).
This decision has been made in an effort to protect the vulnerable among our congregation such as the elderly and homeless populations, as well as to be respectful of those in the community who may see our crowd and experience heightened anxiety.
Regarding the abbreviated online service:
If you are on Facebook, you will be able to go to the City Life Church Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CityLifeGR) and you will be able to find information on how to tune in.
The abbreviated service will include:
--opening announcements and info about events at the church
--an invitation to quiet yourself in worship
--prayer
--sermon
This will be available at 9:15 a.m. (It will also be available for viewing later.)
Please watch our Facebook pages and our website for ongoing information. We are still exploring the possibility of linking Facebook Live to our website (for those not on Facebook), and we will let you know if that’s a possibility.
Other things to be aware of:
What is changing:
--Spring Celebration (our spring friends and family day) has been postponed until April 26.
--Life Groups: some will meet, others will not. Your group leader will be in touch.
--Adventure Club will not be held on Wednesday nights. It will resume after Spring Break, April 15.
--Choir practice will be adjusted. We would still like to prepare something for Easter, so watch for more info.
--The annual church Talent Show is turning into a “video talent show” (ha!), so start thinking about videotaping your talents to share in the near future!
What is staying the same:
--We are still having the Local Church Conference #1 on this coming Monday, March 26, at 6:30 p.m.
--We will also hold youth group for 6th-12th graders on March 15 and March 22. There was a previously scheduled break already in place from March 29-April 12, with youth group resuming on April 19.
Loving our neighbors:
We take seriously the example of Christians throughout history who have boldly cared for the sick in times of crisis. We are exploring ways to support various partner ministries. We have been in communication with Mel Trotter Ministries, Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy, and other places to explore possible partnerships. We will keep you posted as opportunities arise to manifest God’s kingdom.
Loving you:
We want you to know that you are loved and cared for. We know this is an extremely stressful time for many of you…from providing unexpected childcare, to loss of income, to fear of sickness with a compromised immune system…there are many unknowns. Please rest in the knowledge that you have a church community who cares. Please feel free to reach out if you need help or prayer. But as well as a church community who cares, you also have a Savior who loves you, sees you, and knows your needs. Lean into him in this time and practice the deepening work of trust.
Psalm 121
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains--
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip--
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord watches over you--
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord will keep you from all harm--
he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
Sincerely,
Pastor Christy and Pastor Adam
We have made the decision to close City Life for the next three Sundays: March 15, March 22, and March 29. We will, however, hold an abbreviated online service through Facebook Live (details below).
This decision has been made in an effort to protect the vulnerable among our congregation such as the elderly and homeless populations, as well as to be respectful of those in the community who may see our crowd and experience heightened anxiety.
Regarding the abbreviated online service:
If you are on Facebook, you will be able to go to the City Life Church Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CityLifeGR) and you will be able to find information on how to tune in.
The abbreviated service will include:
--opening announcements and info about events at the church
--an invitation to quiet yourself in worship
--prayer
--sermon
This will be available at 9:15 a.m. (It will also be available for viewing later.)
Please watch our Facebook pages and our website for ongoing information. We are still exploring the possibility of linking Facebook Live to our website (for those not on Facebook), and we will let you know if that’s a possibility.
Other things to be aware of:
What is changing:
--Spring Celebration (our spring friends and family day) has been postponed until April 26.
--Life Groups: some will meet, others will not. Your group leader will be in touch.
--Adventure Club will not be held on Wednesday nights. It will resume after Spring Break, April 15.
--Choir practice will be adjusted. We would still like to prepare something for Easter, so watch for more info.
--The annual church Talent Show is turning into a “video talent show” (ha!), so start thinking about videotaping your talents to share in the near future!
What is staying the same:
--We are still having the Local Church Conference #1 on this coming Monday, March 26, at 6:30 p.m.
--We will also hold youth group for 6th-12th graders on March 15 and March 22. There was a previously scheduled break already in place from March 29-April 12, with youth group resuming on April 19.
Loving our neighbors:
We take seriously the example of Christians throughout history who have boldly cared for the sick in times of crisis. We are exploring ways to support various partner ministries. We have been in communication with Mel Trotter Ministries, Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy, and other places to explore possible partnerships. We will keep you posted as opportunities arise to manifest God’s kingdom.
Loving you:
We want you to know that you are loved and cared for. We know this is an extremely stressful time for many of you…from providing unexpected childcare, to loss of income, to fear of sickness with a compromised immune system…there are many unknowns. Please rest in the knowledge that you have a church community who cares. Please feel free to reach out if you need help or prayer. But as well as a church community who cares, you also have a Savior who loves you, sees you, and knows your needs. Lean into him in this time and practice the deepening work of trust.
Psalm 121
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains--
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip--
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord watches over you--
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord will keep you from all harm--
he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
Sincerely,
Pastor Christy and Pastor Adam
Coronavirus Update - March 13th, 2020
Dear City Life Church,
I want to assure you of our commitment to creating a safe place of worship where people connect to God, to each other, and to God’s kingdom. We know there are many questions and concerns surrounding COVID-19 (Coronavirus), and I want you to know the ways we’re addressing these.
First, at the moment of the writing of this email, we are making plans to still hold worship services on Sunday. We realize that could change, and we plan to follow the general flow of what others in our city are doing.
We are following the guidelines provided by the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. We are actively monitoring the CDC website and the Michigan Public Health website.
At this time, a recommendation is to avoid gatherings over 100. We already have this in place, as we offer two worship services. Due to children in Kid City, we always have less than 100 people gathered in one space. At this time, we still plan to conduct worship services (with some modifications that will be described below).
If you are sick or considered “at risk,” we ask you to stay home.
If you do not feel well, or if you have any flu-like symptoms including coughing, sneezing, or a fever, please stay home. People who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease are considered “at risk” and are encouraged to take measures to protect their health. Please also feel very welcome to reach out to communicate about any needs that you have for help or for prayer.
Actions we have already taken:
--We continue our practice of regularly sanitizing our spaces between church gatherings. (We have, for the last month, already been doing this at a deeper level due to the flu season.)
--We have completed a deeper disinfecting cleaning in our Kid City spaces, bathrooms and café areas, among other areas.
--We have provided additional soap and hand sanitizer.
--We are requiring more handwashing practices in our children’s and youth programs for both children and adult leaders.
Adjustments we will be making:
--We are encouraging limited physical contact in this season. Rather than handshakes and hugs, let’s lean into friendly smiles and words.
--We will not be serving communion for the next few weeks.
--We have decided to postpone Spring Celebration. We still plan to meet for worship, but the actual “friends and family day” will be postponed to April 26.
--We will not be “passing the offering basket” but will instead encourage online and other forms of giving.
--We would encourage some of you to consider worshipping at the 11:00 a.m. service. This service is typically smaller in size than the 9:15 a.m. service.
--Some of our other activities will be cancelled or postponed, so be watching for updates.
--We are exploring ways to increase our online presence during this time.
We encourage you to pray and to practice relying on Jesus for help, peace, and wisdom.
Let’s pray that we will find in him the courage to be people of faith who trust in our Lord. Let’s pray for wisdom in how God might want us to be agents of hope and help to those around us who are struggling, especially in our marginal communities. At some point we may shift as a church toward mobilizing for relief in some way in the coming weeks. Let’s also pray for and stand with those people and people groups who have been stigmatized and discriminated against in this situation.
Because this situation is changing by the hour, we will continue to make adjustments as necessary and required.
If there are other City Lifers that you know of who are not receiving this email, please have them submit their email to Rebecca Gurk (office@citylifeonline.net).
You are loved and cared for! Let’s lean on the Lord together.
Pastor Christy and Pastor Adam
I want to assure you of our commitment to creating a safe place of worship where people connect to God, to each other, and to God’s kingdom. We know there are many questions and concerns surrounding COVID-19 (Coronavirus), and I want you to know the ways we’re addressing these.
First, at the moment of the writing of this email, we are making plans to still hold worship services on Sunday. We realize that could change, and we plan to follow the general flow of what others in our city are doing.
We are following the guidelines provided by the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. We are actively monitoring the CDC website and the Michigan Public Health website.
At this time, a recommendation is to avoid gatherings over 100. We already have this in place, as we offer two worship services. Due to children in Kid City, we always have less than 100 people gathered in one space. At this time, we still plan to conduct worship services (with some modifications that will be described below).
If you are sick or considered “at risk,” we ask you to stay home.
If you do not feel well, or if you have any flu-like symptoms including coughing, sneezing, or a fever, please stay home. People who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease are considered “at risk” and are encouraged to take measures to protect their health. Please also feel very welcome to reach out to communicate about any needs that you have for help or for prayer.
Actions we have already taken:
--We continue our practice of regularly sanitizing our spaces between church gatherings. (We have, for the last month, already been doing this at a deeper level due to the flu season.)
--We have completed a deeper disinfecting cleaning in our Kid City spaces, bathrooms and café areas, among other areas.
--We have provided additional soap and hand sanitizer.
--We are requiring more handwashing practices in our children’s and youth programs for both children and adult leaders.
Adjustments we will be making:
--We are encouraging limited physical contact in this season. Rather than handshakes and hugs, let’s lean into friendly smiles and words.
--We will not be serving communion for the next few weeks.
--We have decided to postpone Spring Celebration. We still plan to meet for worship, but the actual “friends and family day” will be postponed to April 26.
--We will not be “passing the offering basket” but will instead encourage online and other forms of giving.
--We would encourage some of you to consider worshipping at the 11:00 a.m. service. This service is typically smaller in size than the 9:15 a.m. service.
--Some of our other activities will be cancelled or postponed, so be watching for updates.
--We are exploring ways to increase our online presence during this time.
We encourage you to pray and to practice relying on Jesus for help, peace, and wisdom.
Let’s pray that we will find in him the courage to be people of faith who trust in our Lord. Let’s pray for wisdom in how God might want us to be agents of hope and help to those around us who are struggling, especially in our marginal communities. At some point we may shift as a church toward mobilizing for relief in some way in the coming weeks. Let’s also pray for and stand with those people and people groups who have been stigmatized and discriminated against in this situation.
Because this situation is changing by the hour, we will continue to make adjustments as necessary and required.
If there are other City Lifers that you know of who are not receiving this email, please have them submit their email to Rebecca Gurk (office@citylifeonline.net).
You are loved and cared for! Let’s lean on the Lord together.
Pastor Christy and Pastor Adam