What does a true encounter with God look like? Is it terrifying, or joyful? Hebrews 12 gives us an answer and a way forward!
A Message on the Latest Health and Safety Practices:
“To the Tri Cities Christian Church, our guests, and our community -
Recently, the Governor of WA issued updates to our state’s Covid masking regulations, significantly loosening restrictions regarding mask-wearing at places of worship. As it stands, businesses may allow vaccinated individuals to go mask-free at their discretion. This regulation will be re-assessed by the Governor on June 30, but for now this development allows us to loosen our masking protocols at our Sunday worship services.
Beginning on Sunday, June 6th, vaccinated individuals may worship with the TCCC mask-free, if they so choose. This updated protocol is in keeping with CDC regulations. Individuals must be two weeks removed from their final Pfizer or Moderna shot (or the single Johnson & Johnson shot). We will not be tracking the vaccinated-status of our members or guests, but will instead choose to trust our family of believers to act in respect for one another. As a reminder from Romans 13:8, we have a “continuing debt to love one another”; in this case, we urge our brothers and sisters to act in humility and respect for one another and the Lord.
In regards to our other safety protocols, we ask our members to continue to respect the rules of our host, St. Paul’s Episcopal church. Please continue to sign in at the front table when you enter, and properly space in the pews during worship. Live-streaming will continue to be available for our at-home service participants, and we will work to honor the individual needs of our members and guests. Of course, mask-wearing will still be entirely appropriate and accepted for those who choose to continue wearing them.
Why loosen our masking protocols, and why now? We simply want to honor the “rulers and authorities” that God has put in place (Romans 13:1-7), while also respecting the safety and freedom of our members.The motivating factors in this decision are love, safety, and respect for authority; we understand that this is a remarkably nuanced issue, and that everyone will approach this differently. Let us be an example of grace and unity to our community as we navigate these rocky times in step with the Holy Spirit. If you have any questions regarding this updated protocol, please contact the Bentons, Culwells, or Brays.
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