Statement from Northside's leadership on the decision to move exclusively to virtual services and activities:
Dear Northside Family,
As you know, COVID-19 cases have continued to increase in our community and many of us have been personally impacted. On Thursday, November 19th, Governor Andy Beshear recommended that churches suspend in-person services temporarily. Our board met virtually that same night to discuss the issue. After a night of prayerful consideration, we have decided to go along with the governor’s recommendation and suspend in-person gatherings for at least the next 4 Sundays starting this Sunday, November 22nd. We will only offer a virtual service during this time (10 AM on our Facebook page). In addition to this, all our youth programs, children’s programs, and bible study groups will move to a virtual format. The earliest return for us to in-person activities would be Sunday, December 20th. As we near that time, we will re-evaluate the situation and make a decision about a return to in-person gatherings based on current recommendations and the prevalence of COVID in our community.
We believe the Bible directs us to follow the guidance of our elected officials. The Bible also directs us to follow God when the guidance of our elected officials conflicts with Biblical teachings. The following are just a few of the verses we considered while reflecting on the Governor’s recommendation:
Romans 13:1-2; 1 Peter 2:13-17; Titus 3:1-2; Acts 5:29.
We feel that we have not come to the point where the guidance of our elected officials conflicts with Biblical teachings. Also, although masks and physical distancing do significantly reduce the risk of acquiring COVID infection, the risk to those in any gathered event still increases as cases in the community increase. These things have led us to this decision.
This decision was made with heavy hearts. Online church will never replace the physical gathering in mind and in spirit. For now, however, let us thank God for the blessing of technology in this time of the pandemic and for the gift that it has been and continues to be for our spiritual communities.
We want to be able to expand our ability as a church to engage our members and others in our community while still being safe. We ask the congregation to do the same and find creative ways to continue to encourage the Body through social media, cards, phone calls, and other creative ways. We encourage you to strengthen your faith by participating in the virtual service, virtual small groups, biblical readings, prayer, communion, offering, and sharing the Word with others.
Whether we meet in person or virtually, our mission stays the same…to love God and to love others through relationships.
As always, you can reach out to the church at our email address (office@nschristianchurch.org) or message us on our Facebook page. If you have any questions for our board, you can email Derek Forster at dwforster78@gmail.com.
Thank you and God bless,
Derek Forster, Deacon, and Chairman of the Board
David Lewellen, Elder, and Chairman of the Elders
Del Elliott, Elder
Nic Skinner, Senior Minister