Regathering (Reopening) Update #2
Hello Wintersburg Community,
Since Wintersburg never actually closed, we are now calling our return to in-person worship services “regathering” instead of reopening. Here’s the latest news from the church leadership:
What we are doing:
The Staff and the Elders are diligently praying, thinking, planning, and preparing to regather for worship services in person. As always, we are committed to obeying the Lord and His Word. We desire to gather for corporate worship, and we are concerned about the physical safety and spiritual well-being of our congregation. Also, in obedience to God and His Word, we seek to submit to authorities and love our neighbors as witnesses for Christ. We will be following the guidelines of our state and nation when it comes to regathering at our church.
We have a team of Wintersburg Staff members that are specifically focused on doing research and creating an action plan for regathering. That team consists of Sue Masamitsu, Miles Yano, Mike Uyeda, and Ryan Teramoto. They have been sharing research and giving recommendations to the Staff and to the Session during this process.
What to Expect:
One of our goals is to be clear and consistent in communication with you. However, research is still being done, and guidance from medical professionals and the government changes quite often. We are constantly processing that information and adjusting our plans accordingly. We will do our best to keep you informed and to shepherd you through this journey toward regathering. Regathering at Wintersburg will be a new normal, and you may be wondering what to expect. Here are a few things planned (subject to change):
Ample time to pray and to consider coming back to in-person worship services. We are planning to announce the date ahead of time so that you may think about if it’s best for you and your family members to return to our in-person service.
Continued online services through YouTube. If you decide not to attend the in-person service, you will still be able to access the worship service online. We are looking into live-streaming services so you have the option of worshipping live with us from your home. We are planning to record the service and make it available on YouTube as well.
In-person worship service outside in the courtyard, instead of our sanctuary. At least for the initial transition back to in-person services, we are planning to meet outdoors.
A tentative target date. We’re considering a date at the end of July to regather for in-person services at Wintersburg.
Nothing is final; this is tentative. We want to be mindful and diligent with new information and guidelines we may receive. We encourage you to pray and consider if returning to in-person services is the best for you and your family. We ask you to continually pray for our church and our leadership. Pray that God would give us wisdom in the regathering of His church. Here is a verse to reflect on as you consider returning to our in-person service:
Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
With love,
Your Wintersburg Staff and Elders