We begin our new Sunday schedule this weekend, and with this change comes expanded ministry happening at Shades! In today's update, Pastor Danny covers our new schedule details, provides an update on McElwain Baptist Church, and encourages all of us to get involved by volunteering. Take a look!
Hello, church family!
This week is a big one for us! I’ve got three things to share with you as we look forward to this Sunday, September 13.
First, this week we are taking a big step forward in our Better Together plan as we bring Sunday School for all age groups back on campus! Our church leadership has been working diligently for months preparing for this day, and we are excited about welcoming many of you back in person for the first time in several months. Our protocols for health and safety are in place with distancing and mask requirements, as well as specific cleaning measures. We’re doing everything that we can to be ready for you! Beginning this Sunday, we will have worship and Sunday School at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Make sure to note those time changes. 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Preschoolers, children, students, and their parents will attend Sunday School at 9 a.m. and worship at 10:30 a.m. All other Sunday School classes will worship first at 9 a.m. and then meet as a group at 10:30 a.m. For a full rundown of who is meeting when and where go to shades.org/together.
So many of you have stepped up to help with our preschool ministry, and that’s really what is making this Sunday possible. However, our needs with these little ones are ongoing as we prepare for each Sunday in the weeks ahead. We currently have several dozen positions that need to be filled in order to sustain our plans moving forward. You can find out more and sign-up to help at shades.org/volunteer.
Second, I want to give you an update on what’s happening in the adoption process with McElwain Baptist Church. This Sunday members of McElwain will have a business meeting after their worship service to vote about moving forward with us. The following night, on Monday, September 14 our finance committee and deacons will meet to discuss the results of our due diligence process and to determine a recommendation for our church moving forward. Then, mid-week next week, we’ll send out a church-wide email with additional details. The following Sunday, September 20 at 6 p.m. we will have a business meeting to review details, answer question, and vote on plans for us as a church family. God continues to lead us forward with this exciting opportunity, and I’d ask you to pray with us this week for clarity in the final steps of this process.
And finally, third, this Sunday we will begin a new sermon series on the book of Job: Suffering … Sovereignty … Faith. I’m excited about studying this timely book with you as we trust God to be at work in our circumstances now and in the days ahead. We’ll also celebrate the Lord’s Supper this Sunday! For those who plan to attend worship in-person, ushers will distribute pre-packaged elements as you walk into the Worship Center on Sunday morning. And, for those of you worshipping at home, get those crackers and juice ready. It’s going to be a special morning. I really look forward to seeing you either in person or online!