. . . To the survey about the conditions under which you’re willing to regroup for worship. As of mid-week, we have received 39 replies, which will be used by our Board, along with recommendations from our Covid Response task force, to plan ahead. Two measurable certainties must be established before our doors can open: the number of hospitalizations due to the corona virus must be in decline for three straight weeks (according to the Cone medical system), and the number of deaths due to Covid-19 in Guilford County must be in decline for three straight weeks. So far, these metrics haven’t been realized.

Meanwhile, from a corner of the country where churches have begun meeting, we hear what it is like from the congregation I served in my 30s:

· Limited numbers allowed to come to the building

· One-way traffic into and out of the sanctuary

· Physical distance planned by assigned seating

· No passing plates for offering or communion

· Every worshiper wearing a mask

· No singing whatsoever

These conditions come as no surprise when seen as a list on paper (or screen), but they must feel strange to experience. Our day will come, but not until conditions warrant taking the risk. For now, the forewarned resurgence says we should stay sheltered. Woody Faulkner and I hope you are able to tune in to our Sunday services, whether at 10 a.m. (when so many exchange greetings in the chat bubbles) or later in the day or week.

Thank you for your ongoing support of the church and its ministries. Please keep First Christian Church, both the institution and the membership, in your daily prayers.

– Phil Miller