Church is certainly a lot more than weekend gatherings.  But for many of us over these past several months, we’ve also realized that being the church gathered is perhaps more important than we realized.  I know not everyone agrees, which is the wonderful thing about being both believers who can freely discuss the teachings and applications of the Word of God as well as living in a country where diverse opinions are permitted. 

If you are wondering why Mosaic will be relaunching worship services this Sunday, May 24^th, I would say you need to first reread or re-listen to the last two Sunday’s messages (May 10 & 17 found at www.mosiacspokane.com).  Both those messages are fundamentally our biblical and reasoned response to those who would say, “No, you need to continue to refrain from meeting as the people of God as long as our Governor decides it is necessary.” 

Secondly, I would encourage you to read an open letter I have penned further discussing why I feel the time has come to discontinue adherence to the Governor’s lock-down of churches.  You can find that at http://mosaicspokane.com/pastors-weekly-update/an-open-letter/

By reopening for worship, we are not saying that those who do not agree with us are wrong.  We respect every individua’ls right and freedom to determine before God when it is appropriate for them to reengage in gathered worship.  And we would hope that same respect and freedom would be granted to us by those who disagree.

So here is what we would ask you to be aware of as you decide whether to reengage in gathered worship at Mosaic in the near future. 

We DO NOT ENCOURAGE you to attend if any of the following situations apply to you:

• You have underlying or ongoing medical conditions that could compromise you if you contacted COVID-19.
• You are in the senior age demographic (65+) and are concerned about contracting COVID-19.
• You are unwilling to expose yourself to a somewhat increased exposure risk to COVID-19 by being around non-household members.

When you arrive at the front doors of the Mosaic Center, this is what you can expect:

1. You will be asked to social distance on the sidewalk if people are waiting to enter.
2. You will be asked two questions that most clinics are asking today and you will not be permitted in the building if you answer ‘yes’ to either:

• Have you been exposed to anyone in the last 14 days who has been diagnosed with COVID-19?
• Have you experienced any shortness of breath in the last few days?

3. Entrance will be through the front double doors (propped open). Exit will be through both east and west side doors (also propped open and manned by staff).
4. Attendants will be wearing latex gloves. Each attendee will have their temperature taken at the front door by means of a touchless infrared thermometer. Those with body temperatures above 100 degrees (below the CDC guidelines of 100.4 degrees) will be turned away. 
5. Everyone will be given a shot of hand sanitizer, offered a mask if you so desire, and ushered to your seats according to household groups or as individuals. There will be no food or beverage service during the morning.
6. Bathroom and chair cleaning will take place after each individual use.
7. Communion will be served individually to each household seating group on trays handled only by trained volunteers/staff.
8. Offering boxes will be available at the exits.   
9. If people wish to fellowship before or after the services, that will have to be done on the sidewalk or in the parking lot outside the building.
10. We ask that everyone respect the 6-foot social distancing guideline at all times while in the Mosaic Center and refrain from touching those not of your household while in the building.

In order for all this to be done well, we ask that you make a reservation for one of the three 45-minute morning services (9:00, 10:00 and 11:00) at the corresponding link:

• 9:00 a.m.-- https://www.eventbrite.com/o/mosaic-fellowship-29994792016
• 10:00 a.m. -- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1000-am-mosaic-fellowship-worship-service-tickets-105294735388
• 11:00 a.m.-- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mosaic-fellowship-1100-am-service-tickets-105296450518

Entrance will be given to those with tickets first and then walk-ins if room allows.  We will be capping services at under 50 people. 

For those who choose not to attend or are unable to attend, we will be posting the sermon portion of the morning (about 20 minutes) by 11:00 a.m. Sunday morning at www.mosaicspokane.com.  (Copywrite laws on music do not permit us to post non-live feed music.)

If you have any questions, please feel free to email any of the pastors at Mosaic (see above website for pastoral list).  We will try to address your questions in a timely manner. 

THIS WEEK’S EVENTS:

• Tonight (Tues.) 5:30 Zoom Bible Study in 1 Peter Log onto https://us02web.zoom.us/j/467375355 to join us from 5:30-6:45 p.m.
• Wednesday: Prayer & Worship at Mosaic at 7:00 p.m.  You may either join us in person, watch on our Mosaic Fellowship Spokane Facebook video page OR join via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/619147697 for an interactive experience.  If you come to Mosaic Center, please use the side parking lot door.
• Saturday: Changing Lives service will be at the regularly scheduled 5:00 p.m. time.  The same health protocols will be observed as on Sunday morning.

Thank you for loving first and foremost our Lord Jesus Christ as you seek the Lord regarding the course of action He would have you pursue at this time. 

Expectantly,

Pastor John