To open or not to open that is the question

Men's Gatekeepers

First Saturday of every month 8:00 am to 9:15 am

by: Greg Schaffer

05/13/2020

1

Greetings Church,

I pray you are doing well during this season of staying at home and social distancing. There is no question we find ourselves in uncertain and peculiar times. The who, what, where and when’s of life have taken on a whole new meaning. We are in a different kind of season and the church is not exempt. When COVID-19 hit its peak, and everything basically shut down the Gateway Leadership Team agreed to close our physical church doors for the sake of keeping our church family and community healthy. Safety is a huge precaution, but it is not our only concern. One of the most neglected, misunderstood and challenging commands is found in the book of Hebrews,

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Heb 10:24,25)

Here, we are reminded of the value of church fellowship and the warning that goes with it. There is a real danger when we neglect fellowship with the body of Christ. We miss out on God’s special blessings when don't meet together in Jesus name. If I have learned anything during this season of separation it is how precious the church is. I know this, we are doing everything we can to stay connected while separated (social media, newsletters, phone calls etc.) but it is not the same as gathering together physically.

So, with that said know this, we will be opening the doors soon. Our Leadership Team is in discussion on the best way to open the doors. At present we are waiting to hear back from the governor on a variance for small businesses and church to open at 30% occupancy. The response time for this variance is two weeks which places our target date to open at May 24th. When we open, we are planning on opening with every precaution in mind. Stay tuned for more details in the days ahead.

In the meantime, please pray for Gateway. Pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ. Pray the gospel will be shared like never before in our lifetimes. And above all, pray for Jesus’ return for His bride “The Church!” Keep your eyes on the prize and keep running the race with perseverance!

In Christ,

Pastor Greg Schaffer

Blog comments will be sent to the moderator

Greetings Church,

I pray you are doing well during this season of staying at home and social distancing. There is no question we find ourselves in uncertain and peculiar times. The who, what, where and when’s of life have taken on a whole new meaning. We are in a different kind of season and the church is not exempt. When COVID-19 hit its peak, and everything basically shut down the Gateway Leadership Team agreed to close our physical church doors for the sake of keeping our church family and community healthy. Safety is a huge precaution, but it is not our only concern. One of the most neglected, misunderstood and challenging commands is found in the book of Hebrews,

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Heb 10:24,25)

Here, we are reminded of the value of church fellowship and the warning that goes with it. There is a real danger when we neglect fellowship with the body of Christ. We miss out on God’s special blessings when don't meet together in Jesus name. If I have learned anything during this season of separation it is how precious the church is. I know this, we are doing everything we can to stay connected while separated (social media, newsletters, phone calls etc.) but it is not the same as gathering together physically.

So, with that said know this, we will be opening the doors soon. Our Leadership Team is in discussion on the best way to open the doors. At present we are waiting to hear back from the governor on a variance for small businesses and church to open at 30% occupancy. The response time for this variance is two weeks which places our target date to open at May 24th. When we open, we are planning on opening with every precaution in mind. Stay tuned for more details in the days ahead.

In the meantime, please pray for Gateway. Pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ. Pray the gospel will be shared like never before in our lifetimes. And above all, pray for Jesus’ return for His bride “The Church!” Keep your eyes on the prize and keep running the race with perseverance!

In Christ,

Pastor Greg Schaffer

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1 Comments on this post:

Kurt

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world." John 16:33