Dear Members and Friends of IBCZ,
Last week I wrote about the uncertainty of life, which we have been experiencing in so many ways the past several months. But while life can be unpredictable, God remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. Furthermore, as we are promised in Ps. 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” As we make God our refuge, we will find strength even in the most uncertain times.
One of the things that is still uncertain concerns when we can gather again for worship, and what those services will look like. I’m sure we all have been wondering about this. According to the latest information from the Swiss government, religious gatherings can take place as of June 8th. That is a Monday, so the first Sunday after that is June 14th. So that is the date we are targeting, but we are aware that changes could yet be announced.
Also, it has not yet been made clear what kind of regulations may be in place for when we can resume corporate worship, such as social distancing, the use of face masks, and even singing. So, while we cannot give certain answers at this point, I want you to know that the Elders are closely monitoring the situation and following the updates from the officials, as well as noting what other churches are doing.
We also have been gathering information from many of our church members regarding things related to when we can meet again, such as social distancing, the wearing of masks, how we observe Communion, how we receive the offering, how and when we resume children’s and youth activities, etc. If you have any thoughts or suggestions, please convey them to me or one of the Elders. We will pass on specific information regarding our future worship services as soon as it is available.
In addition, our General Business Meeting that was scheduled for May 31 must obviously be rescheduled. Our tentative date for that is July 12, but again, we will have to see how things go between now and then. We will confirm the date when we can.
Meanwhile, let’s all be praying for the guidance of God’s Spirit in these matters, and that we will be growing as a church in faith, hope, and love even while we cannot meet together, and even more so when we can gather once again as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Bob