Masks “Optional” at CCC – beginning Sunday, May 16
Over the past number of months, the Christ Community Church ministry leaders and board leaders have prayerfully considered how to shepherd our constituency during the COVID pandemic.
I have appreciated the cooperative spirit and practice which our church family has demonstrated when it comes to wearing masks. Our “masks required” policy created an opportunity for us to exhibit an important, Biblical-relationships principle found in Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8-9. Simply put, the call for Christians set aside their own “rights” in order to seek the good and welfare of others. So many humbly embraced this approach. It was inconvenient, but it was a selfless expression of mutual love. Thank you!
THE RIGHT TIME FOR A CHANGE
Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve been monitoring communication from state health officials, as well as COVID numbers state-wide and county-wide. We’ve also noted the increasing availability of vaccination to both adults and young people alike.
Given the substantial number who have been successfully vaccinated, and the ready availability of COVID vaccine, as well as the State of Iowa lifting of the limited mask requirement, Christ Community Church will move to a “mask optional” status for all indoor and outdoor gatherings, beginning Sunday, May 16, 2021. After careful discussion, the Missional Leadership Board approved this status change at the May 12 meeting.
This means we seek to honor both those who desire to continue to wear masks as well as those who choose not to do so. We also urge that all our constituency consider being vaccinated. This continues to be the clearest way to move us all out of the COVID pandemic and back to normal.
We will continue to monitor the COVID situation in our state, county, and city, and if necessary, reconsider our mask policy in the Fall should the data suggest a re-assessment.
Praise God for His gracious hand in our lives. Thank you for being a great church family and team.