Slow Opening

Dear Church,

We are loosening church activities. Last Wednesday evening, the Session met and decided to resume some of the church activities again. As of September, young adults 1 & 2 (KM) worship will reopen on Sundays. Church members will once again have their weddings and funerals at the Main Sanctuary. The maximum number is 110 people. If you would like to have a small wedding at the Vision Chapel, the maximum number is 50 people. There will be choirs again during the 8 am, and 10 am Sunday services, though we will reduce the number to 12 members on a rotational basis. I want to thank soloists and instrumentalists who filled the gap.

The Session will continue the discussion at the end of this month on opening more worship services like Wednesday evening service, Saturday morning prayer service, the church school worship, and ethnic church worship services. The decision to open everything is not easy because of the Delta variant. While some are eager to get back to where we left off before the pandemic, we must also be careful about what the new variant might do. It is a tricky balancing act. We desperately need the grace of God and the Spirit’s leading. Let’s make sure that all of us get our second “jabs” and, even then, let us be careful about following all the safety protocols since the Delta variant is known for break-through infections.

Last week I visited Young Nak Retreat Centre. Our youth were having their four-day outdoor camping retreat. (Click here to see the retreat.) They were so happy to see one another, perhaps it was the first time like this since the pandemic. They had the whole ground to themselves as they played and listened to God’s Word. I want to thank Pastor Ron, Elder Paul Park Deacons Mike Um, and Joon Hwang for their care for the youth. We will remember this pandemic for years to come, but we will also remember God’s steadfast love for our lives.

May the LORD bless you!
Pastor Minho Song