Nesbit Family!
We are thrilled to announce that we will begin regathering in less than a week!
We know that you have missed the fellowship and congregating of our church family. We have too. It has been a testament to how faithful and loving of a church that FBC Nesbit is. The void in our lives caused by not being with our church family is huge. I’ve seen it in each of you, I’ve heard your struggles, and I’ve heard the longing to return.
We said from the start that Nesbit’s regathering would pose different struggles from some of the churches down the street. We want to take every precaution possible to prevent our loved ones from being exposed to such a nasty virus.
Our church’s congregation size, building structure, number of leaders and the roles they will play, sanitizing resources, church’s culture expectations (you guys love to hug), and the potential climate of a “new normal” service all have/had to be taken into consideration.
We also wanted to be sure we weren’t reacting to or being guided by political or social agendas but with absolute truth (the Gospel of Christ) as it fits the framed facts of this virus.
The government did not shut us down, we closed our doors because of love and compassion for our church family (and their families and their friends and our community).
Truth is that this virus is real and it is impacting lives. 100,000+ deaths reported here and countries like Ecuador with a 600% rise in the death rate- we have to respect the potential toll it could have if we do not treat it with caution.
Our country is polarized at levels that my generation and even my elders have never seen. Social media and the ability to conspire and spread relative truths, lies, and propaganda is more unprecedented than a pandemic or health-scare.
Regardless of where you stand on the social truth spectrum, you must know that there is an absolute truth found in Genesis to Revelation. That absolute truth tells us a story that far exceeds the fear and temptation of this world. That truth glorifies a creator that is far more powerful than we are. That truth in scripture calls us to a life that we were designed for. That truth commands us to live authentically but devoted the creator of all things and the conquer of death. So, while we respect the facts of this virus we must still live out our faith in Jesus in all of His sovereignty as our sustainer.
Your church staff has met and deliberated, shared our hearts, and is seeking to take all of the precautions to get our church family back to church. We will regather for the same reasons that we dispersed- for the love and compassion of our community of believers.
We need your help to assure that we remain sensible, cautious, and sensitive to that community.
We will continue with the plan that we published a month ago- with some slight modifications. That plan is listed below.
Your primary reentry to regather with our family will be with our Sunday School classes and existing small groups. Here’s why:
These are truly the best picture of what “the church” is. We could regather with the intent to get you back in a building, but I would rather regather with the intent to get you back in each other’s lives. That will not happen as effectively in a socially distanced sanctuary. It will happen when you are back in conversation about what the Lord is doing and how you fit in that plan. These smaller groups are where that takes place.
It minimizes the risk of infection on our congregation at large.
It will be much less taxing to initiate caution in these smaller groups.
You will remain encouraged knowing that the faces you miss are still accounted for even if they are not sitting in the classroom with you.
If you are not currently a part of a Sunday School or small group study, I want to HIGHLY encourage you to find one to be a part of. This will be a new paradigm for all of us at Nesbit. There will be no shame in visiting classes you’ve yet to visit. Every class’s role sheet will start fresh on June 7th. Every class will be expecting and inviting new faces. You will receive an email tomorrow with a detailed description of each of these class options.
There has probably never been a tougher and more awkward time to visit a class- but you need it more than ever! Muster the courage and know that we love you and are with you. Find a group of friends at Nesbit. I’m here to help. michael@fbcnesbit.org
I know there will be a ton of questions. Some of those we’ll be able to answer... Some we’ll ask alongside you. Some of you may ask questions and get put in charge of finding an answer (be ready)!
Please know that this is uncharted for us, your leadership. I cannot say enough about the passion that your staff has for each and every one of you. We are ready to see you soon.
You will likely get an email every day this week. Also keep an eye out for videos, Facebook Posts, and coming event announcements. They will inform you!
And remember- our God has not sat quiet, our church has not closed, and your unity is crucial.
REGATHERING PLAN:
JUNE 7th Sunday School and Small groups are encouraged to regather for class and worship together as possible.
Senior Adult’s classes will gather at 9:30 AM and be able to worship together in the sanctuary at 10:30. Other class and small group gathering details will be sent out very soon! We will continue this method of gathering through the month of June.
JUNE 10th @ 7 PM The Entire church is invited to worship on the fields. This will be a FULL service for the FULL Family. Kids and all are welcome to gather.
Bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets. We will have
We will continue this through the month of June.
JULY 1st We will do everything we can to return to a normally scheduled mid-week service.
JULY 5th The current plan will have us regather in the sanctuary on July 5th. There will be MANY precautions taken, however, we hope to not have to take up rows, or cause a distraction to the sole purpose of gathering together for worship.
There are many more details that you need to know that we will be publishing SOON.