SARASOTA​ COMMUNITY CHURCH

From the Pastor's Desk

Thoughts and updates from Pastor Roger
  • About Us
    • Staff
    • Overseers
  • Worship Service
    • Coronavirus Update
    • Prayer
  • Groups
    • Groups Calendar >
      • Dorcas Circle
      • GriefShare
  • Volunteer
  • Generosity
    • Change for a Dollar
  • Calendar
  • Testimonies
  • Pastor's Blog

5/18/2020

SAfely at Church

2 Comments

Read Now
 
Picture
Picture
History will show that Sarasota Community Church went ten Sundays without meeting in person, from March 15 through May 17. 

And I trust that it will also show how resilient the Church is, and how being Church is about way more than whether we get to "go to church" or not.

And yet the Spirit longs for fellowship and this is good. Something in us pulls us toward each other, whether in large gatherings or in small gatherings.

Last week some of us have started to meet again in small gatherings. It was good to see each other in person again.

Now, this coming Sunday, May 24, we are opening our auditorium again for the large gathering. If I didn't feel confident that we can meet safely at Church, I wouldn't open the doors yet. But I believe that we can meet safely if we do it thoughtfully.

So, effective this Sunday, not only does "Grace happen here," now "Space happens here." Be prepared to observe distancing protocol and follow the signs, and you will help keep it safe for everyone.  

Picture
The tricky thing about this infectious disease is that you can't see it. So we have to assume it will be among us.

That doesn't mean we should live in fear of it. For me I just try to assume that the person I want to hug or shake hands with just had an infected person do the same thing to them. I'm not judging the person as unclean. I'm just realizing that I don't know who just violated their space. And you don't know who just violated mine. So let's just keep our space. 

So as I keep saying, instead of shaking hands or hugging, just pat your heart as you say what you want to say. It's a bit awkward at first. Sure, it feels forced. But it works. Or you can wave or nod or whatever comes naturally to you. Just don't touch. 


I believe that with these precautions we can meet safely at Church. And if we later learn that someone was there who tests positive, we don't have to wonder whether they came close to us, because we know that we kept our distance from everybody. And we also know that the facility is being disinfected each week.

So with those things in place, I believe we can meet safely at Church. Doors will open at 9:30 for a 10AM service. Hope to see you there.

Picture
On the other hand, many of us should not come to the campus yet.

Those who have any symptoms should stay home and watch online. Really. Err on the side of caution.

And those who have weakened immune systems should do the same. Really. Please don't risk it. Let's roll this out slowly. Don't rush. Let us come to you as we have been.

I realize this may feel like we are "meeting without you." But believe me, you will be near our hearts as we gather. If there's anything we've learned in the past ten weeks, it's that "online church" is a legitimate way to gather. So we will continue to acknowledge that. 

Thank you for your prayers and patience during this time. Crisis often brings the worst out in people, and I just need to say that this church has been easy to lead! I believe God is filling us with love joy and peace to fill Sarasota with love joy and peace by sowing the hope of the gospel into every relationship. 

A reopening of our doors may be a milestone in some regards. It's the question of the day: "When are you reopening?" Even though we can now answer that question with "May 24," it quickly becomes apparent that it's just a change of venue.

If this change of venue allows you to invite unchurched or dechurched people, please invite them. And please continue to use our online church to do the same. We are living among so many people who have so little love joy or peace in their lives, and we have such a gift to give. So whether safely at home or safely at church, let's be the Church!  

​
​Amen.

Picture

Share

2 Comments
Margo Bohaty
5/21/2020 06:57:57 pm

I am pleased at this "eased/cautious opening" of the church.

I will be in attendance, on Sunday, and respect the care we must all take.

I know, without question, that seeing some familiar faces will bring me joy. I look forward to celebrating this first step and being present to allow the light of the Lord to surround us.

Reply
Pastor Roger
5/30/2020 06:57:50 am

It was good to see you last week Margot. Looking forward to the same tomorrow!

Reply



Leave a Reply.

Details

    Author

    Pastor of Sarasota Community Church since 2009.
    Husband to Wendy since 1986; Dad to Micah (and Kailey), Josiah (and Anna), Jenn, and Bekah. Pop-pop to Malakai, Titus, Shiloh, and Kaiden. 
    Author of One Together: A vision for ending division (2019), Untapped: Five transformations of the Spirit-filled life (2018), and Counting the Cost of Faith: Straight talk about deciding to follow Jesus (2013), all available on Amazon or at the church Info Desk. 
    Follow on Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube

    Archives

    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

QUICK LINKS TO MAKE LIFE A LITTLE EASIER
Breeze Church Directory
Breeze App for Apple or Android
​
Calendar
Campus Map
Change for a Dollar
​
Everence​ Financial
Give a Gift
​
​​Sarasota Community Riders
Volunteer
Watch Archive Services
Watch Archive Teachings
​Watch Live Online
Worship Service 
Sundays 10AM In person + online
Sundays 7PM online only
SARASOTA Community Church
4041 Bahia Vista Street | Sarasota FL 34232
941.377.4041 | info@sarasotacommunitychurch.org
Office hours by appointment
​
© 2020 Sarasota Community Church
  • About Us
    • Staff
    • Overseers
  • Worship Service
    • Coronavirus Update
    • Prayer
  • Groups
    • Groups Calendar >
      • Dorcas Circle
      • GriefShare
  • Volunteer
  • Generosity
    • Change for a Dollar
  • Calendar
  • Testimonies
  • Pastor's Blog