May 8th, 2020 - Update
Dear Grace Family and Friends,
This is our latest update regarding our worship gatherings. Thank you for your prayers.
Beginning Sunday May 10th, Grace Church will open its door to those who choose to worship the Lord together. For those who are not able to join us, we will live stream the service, and send you a link for each Sunday sermon.
We have never been motivated out of fear, but out of a love for God and our neighbors. And, out of respect for our governing authorities, we ceased meeting together, the last month. That same selfless love should govern our hearts and minds regarding those faithful churches and members who still choose not to meet.
Because Governor Holcomb has removed the guidelines for public meeting in churches, we thought it a great opportunity to exercise our faith in the sovereign God we love and worship, by worshiping together, once again.
That being said, we will still keep in mind the guidelines set forth by the state, which are as follows:
• Ask all individuals who are 65 and above, or who have an underlying at-risk health condition, to stay home and watch services online (Grace service will live stream on Sunday at 10:00am – you will receive a link in your email)
• Ensure 6 feet between individuals or family units of the same households, during services
• Place hand sanitizers in high-contact locations (e.g. bathroom, entry, exit) and ask staff, members, and guests to sanitize their hands before entering the building
• Recommend putting on a face covering, before entering the building
• Consider placing signage telling staff, members, and guests to not enter if they are symptomatic or if they have tested positive for COVID-19
• Implement non-contact greetings
• Avoid handing out materials
• Keep cafés, coffee, and other self-service stations closed
• Establish safe protocols for any communion and collection to avoid contact
• Dismiss services in a way that supports social distancing
• Place readily visible signage to remind everyone of best hygiene practices
Please be wise and loving and respectful in your decision-making process.
Just a few other considerations:
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
By His Grace and for His Glory,
Pastor Ken
2 Peter 3:18
April 1st, Update
In accordance with the newest government guidelines, all normally scheduled meetings will be suspended during the month of April. Current audio files of our sermons will be posted on this website.
We are working on doing Zoom conferencing for Sunday School and men's and women's small groups.
Check back for links to those studies.
We are also working on facilitating electronic giving.
We miss you and you are in our prayers.
March 21st, Update
Dear Grace Church of Lebanon,
I, along with the support of our deacons, have decided that, for the next two weeks, we will not hold any services, here at Grace. Your deacons and I will continue to meet weekly, to reassess, and update you with any further changes.
Let me try to briefly explain how I came to this decision.
It was not first and foremost out of the abundance of caution. I am not, we are not, afraid. We are fully trusting in the all-wise, powerful, and sovereign God who is still on His throne (Psalm 93:1-5). Our decision is based on faith, not fear. Faith in God and His Word.
One of those biblical faith perspectives is based on Romans 13:1-7 (please read it) where Paul informs the church that governing authorities have been instituted by God, and when we resist those authorities, we are resisting God.
Our president, our governor, and the CDC are asking for no gatherings over ten people for the next two weeks, and none over 50 people for the next eight weeks. I pray those guidelines change, and we're back together soon; but, we are going to submit to their recommendations, and not gather as a congregation, for the next two weeks.
There can be an argument made that when governing authorities ask you to do something contrary to God’s Word, we choose to obey God rather than man, but I do not believe that applies, in this situation, at this time. If you have questions regarding this, please feel free to contact me.
Additionally, my decision is based on love. Love for God and a love for our neighbors, especially those who are the most vulnerable among us. Because God commands us to love our neighbor, we will show that love, by adhering to the recommendations our leaders have put in place.
One of our four core values as a church is to glorify God by worshiping His Son, Jesus.
We do that as a community, in 4 ways, as defined in God’s Word. We worship the Living Word (Jesus) – by making the written Word (Bible) the number one priority in our lives. This virus does not impede us from reading, meditating, memorizing or listening to God’s Word. Continue to let God’s Word fill your heart and mind with the glory of God. I will continue to preach God’s Word to you, on a weekly basis. This Sunday, I will post an audio recording, on our website, as well as email the link to you, of the first message in our new series in Exodus. I will do that every Sunday we are not able to meet together as a congregation. We are working on posting a video in the upcoming weeks. This is temporary! As stated, at this time, we are only talking about two Sundays. Nothing can replace the value of doing this together.
We also worship Jesus by praying in His name. This virus does not restrict that either. In fact, perhaps we can grow together as the body of Christ in this area as trials have a way of cutting the legs of self-sufficiency out from underneath us. Paul says to the Corinthian church that trials make us rely no longer on ourselves, but on God, who raises the dead (2 Corinthians 1:9).
Thirdly, we worship Jesus and glorify God by fellowshipping with our brothers and witnessing to the lost. The virus has given us wonderful opportunities to do both. The internet can be used, especially during this time, as a wonderful tool so that you can personally encourage one another and witness. We are looking for ways that, as a church, we can do the same. I want to encourage you to encourage each other daily. You can phone, text, email, Facebook, etc.. Take advantage of technology, redeem social media. As a side note, please always be careful in your use of social media, but especially at this time. We should always guard our posts from grumbling and complaining, from unloving remarks, and from anything else that does not glorify God.
Fellowship also contains the idea of sharing with each other financially. When we take up the offering plate, we are sharing in the financial burdens of the church. Please continue to be faithful in your giving. Currently, we are not set up with any online giving system, but we are looking into that, and will let you know if that option becomes available. You can send your check via the post office, to the church.
And lastly, we worship Jesus and glorify God by practicing ongoing repentance. The virus does not inhibit us from consistently turning away from our sin and back towards God and His Son, Jesus. Monthly, we do that corporately, as we remember and participate in the Lord’s Supper. I look forward to doing that with you again soon!
I love you, Church! The deacons love you, too! Please let us know if there are ways we can serve you personally. Please feel free to communicate any questions or ideas.
By His Grace & For His Glory,
2 Peter 3:18
March 14th - Coronavirus Update for Grace Church
Further updates coming!
As we plan for our church service this weekend, we are seeking to both follow the guidelines established by the Indiana State Department of Health, and the principles outlined in God's Word.
Please join me in praying and thanking the Lord for elected and health officials who are doing everything they can to control the spread of COVID-19. This is not the time to panic, criticize, or second-guess those the Lord has placed over us. I do not believe at this point, that this is a matter of "obeying God, rather than man".
God’s Word is quite clear on this point about our witness in a fallen world, and it reminds us in - Titus 3:1, “Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed.”
The Health Department has temporarily prohibited gatherings of over 250 people. Since we do not yet meet that parameter set by the state, we will plan on meeting as a church, this Sunday.
As we plan our gathering, this Sunday, we do want to be cautious and wise, and honor our leaders in other ways. We encourage you to consider the following:
Wisdom means some of you should stay home. Here is a list of the folks our government says should avoid contact with others.
Pray for the many medical professionals, public safety professionals, educators, missionaries, and others who are affected.
By His Grace, For His Glory
Pastor Ken
Dear Grace Family and Friends,
This is our latest update regarding our worship gatherings. Thank you for your prayers.
Beginning Sunday May 10th, Grace Church will open its door to those who choose to worship the Lord together. For those who are not able to join us, we will live stream the service, and send you a link for each Sunday sermon.
We have never been motivated out of fear, but out of a love for God and our neighbors. And, out of respect for our governing authorities, we ceased meeting together, the last month. That same selfless love should govern our hearts and minds regarding those faithful churches and members who still choose not to meet.
Because Governor Holcomb has removed the guidelines for public meeting in churches, we thought it a great opportunity to exercise our faith in the sovereign God we love and worship, by worshiping together, once again.
That being said, we will still keep in mind the guidelines set forth by the state, which are as follows:
• Ask all individuals who are 65 and above, or who have an underlying at-risk health condition, to stay home and watch services online (Grace service will live stream on Sunday at 10:00am – you will receive a link in your email)
• Ensure 6 feet between individuals or family units of the same households, during services
• Place hand sanitizers in high-contact locations (e.g. bathroom, entry, exit) and ask staff, members, and guests to sanitize their hands before entering the building
• Recommend putting on a face covering, before entering the building
• Consider placing signage telling staff, members, and guests to not enter if they are symptomatic or if they have tested positive for COVID-19
• Implement non-contact greetings
• Avoid handing out materials
• Keep cafés, coffee, and other self-service stations closed
• Establish safe protocols for any communion and collection to avoid contact
• Dismiss services in a way that supports social distancing
• Place readily visible signage to remind everyone of best hygiene practices
Please be wise and loving and respectful in your decision-making process.
Just a few other considerations:
- We do encourage you to bring your families, but there will be no junior church or nursery provided.
- We encourage “air hugs” only, striving to adhere to the non-contact greetings guideline.
- Cloth masks will be provided for those who do not have their own, and would like one before they enter the building.
- No collection will be taken up, but offering plates will be in key locations, near the end of the service so that you may give your offering, on your way out the door.
- There will be no communion this Sunday, but we will explain more about that, on the 17th.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
By His Grace and for His Glory,
Pastor Ken
2 Peter 3:18
April 1st, Update
In accordance with the newest government guidelines, all normally scheduled meetings will be suspended during the month of April. Current audio files of our sermons will be posted on this website.
We are working on doing Zoom conferencing for Sunday School and men's and women's small groups.
Check back for links to those studies.
We are also working on facilitating electronic giving.
We miss you and you are in our prayers.
March 21st, Update
Dear Grace Church of Lebanon,
I, along with the support of our deacons, have decided that, for the next two weeks, we will not hold any services, here at Grace. Your deacons and I will continue to meet weekly, to reassess, and update you with any further changes.
Let me try to briefly explain how I came to this decision.
It was not first and foremost out of the abundance of caution. I am not, we are not, afraid. We are fully trusting in the all-wise, powerful, and sovereign God who is still on His throne (Psalm 93:1-5). Our decision is based on faith, not fear. Faith in God and His Word.
One of those biblical faith perspectives is based on Romans 13:1-7 (please read it) where Paul informs the church that governing authorities have been instituted by God, and when we resist those authorities, we are resisting God.
Our president, our governor, and the CDC are asking for no gatherings over ten people for the next two weeks, and none over 50 people for the next eight weeks. I pray those guidelines change, and we're back together soon; but, we are going to submit to their recommendations, and not gather as a congregation, for the next two weeks.
There can be an argument made that when governing authorities ask you to do something contrary to God’s Word, we choose to obey God rather than man, but I do not believe that applies, in this situation, at this time. If you have questions regarding this, please feel free to contact me.
Additionally, my decision is based on love. Love for God and a love for our neighbors, especially those who are the most vulnerable among us. Because God commands us to love our neighbor, we will show that love, by adhering to the recommendations our leaders have put in place.
One of our four core values as a church is to glorify God by worshiping His Son, Jesus.
We do that as a community, in 4 ways, as defined in God’s Word. We worship the Living Word (Jesus) – by making the written Word (Bible) the number one priority in our lives. This virus does not impede us from reading, meditating, memorizing or listening to God’s Word. Continue to let God’s Word fill your heart and mind with the glory of God. I will continue to preach God’s Word to you, on a weekly basis. This Sunday, I will post an audio recording, on our website, as well as email the link to you, of the first message in our new series in Exodus. I will do that every Sunday we are not able to meet together as a congregation. We are working on posting a video in the upcoming weeks. This is temporary! As stated, at this time, we are only talking about two Sundays. Nothing can replace the value of doing this together.
We also worship Jesus by praying in His name. This virus does not restrict that either. In fact, perhaps we can grow together as the body of Christ in this area as trials have a way of cutting the legs of self-sufficiency out from underneath us. Paul says to the Corinthian church that trials make us rely no longer on ourselves, but on God, who raises the dead (2 Corinthians 1:9).
Thirdly, we worship Jesus and glorify God by fellowshipping with our brothers and witnessing to the lost. The virus has given us wonderful opportunities to do both. The internet can be used, especially during this time, as a wonderful tool so that you can personally encourage one another and witness. We are looking for ways that, as a church, we can do the same. I want to encourage you to encourage each other daily. You can phone, text, email, Facebook, etc.. Take advantage of technology, redeem social media. As a side note, please always be careful in your use of social media, but especially at this time. We should always guard our posts from grumbling and complaining, from unloving remarks, and from anything else that does not glorify God.
Fellowship also contains the idea of sharing with each other financially. When we take up the offering plate, we are sharing in the financial burdens of the church. Please continue to be faithful in your giving. Currently, we are not set up with any online giving system, but we are looking into that, and will let you know if that option becomes available. You can send your check via the post office, to the church.
And lastly, we worship Jesus and glorify God by practicing ongoing repentance. The virus does not inhibit us from consistently turning away from our sin and back towards God and His Son, Jesus. Monthly, we do that corporately, as we remember and participate in the Lord’s Supper. I look forward to doing that with you again soon!
I love you, Church! The deacons love you, too! Please let us know if there are ways we can serve you personally. Please feel free to communicate any questions or ideas.
By His Grace & For His Glory,
2 Peter 3:18
March 14th - Coronavirus Update for Grace Church
Further updates coming!
As we plan for our church service this weekend, we are seeking to both follow the guidelines established by the Indiana State Department of Health, and the principles outlined in God's Word.
Please join me in praying and thanking the Lord for elected and health officials who are doing everything they can to control the spread of COVID-19. This is not the time to panic, criticize, or second-guess those the Lord has placed over us. I do not believe at this point, that this is a matter of "obeying God, rather than man".
God’s Word is quite clear on this point about our witness in a fallen world, and it reminds us in - Titus 3:1, “Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed.”
The Health Department has temporarily prohibited gatherings of over 250 people. Since we do not yet meet that parameter set by the state, we will plan on meeting as a church, this Sunday.
As we plan our gathering, this Sunday, we do want to be cautious and wise, and honor our leaders in other ways. We encourage you to consider the following:
Wisdom means some of you should stay home. Here is a list of the folks our government says should avoid contact with others.
- Older adults
- People who have serious chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease
- Immunosuppressed individuals (people with recent or upcoming surgeries; people on autoimmune treatments, including steroids; people with impaired heart, kidney, or liver function; or people going through cancer treatment)
- Direct caregivers of at-risk individuals (non-medical personnel)
- Those who have had flu-like symptoms (cough, fever, shortness of breath, vomiting) in the past 14 days
- Those who have traveled internationally within the past 14 days
- Those who have traveled recently to domestic areas that have been highly affected by the coronavirus in the past 14 days
- Those who have been in close contact with someone with flu-like symptoms in the past 14 days.
- As you greet one another, avoid contact. No handshakes, hugs, or fist bumps.
- Be wise in your social interactions with each other as you both sit and stand.
- As you enter and leave the building, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands.
- We will sanitize all door handles, knobs, faucets and tables.
- We will not serve coffee, juice or pastries.
- We will not pass the offering plates from person to person. The ushers will walk between the aisles with plates in their hands.
- We will not be using the hymnals.
- You can love our neighbors by taking precautions even if you are not concerned about catching the virus. You can become a carrier and unintentionally infect others if you are not careful.
- You can love your neighbor by taking time to check on those you know are vulnerable. Consider running errands for them to limit their exposure to potential risks.
Pray for the many medical professionals, public safety professionals, educators, missionaries, and others who are affected.
- Pray for the Lord’s protection from illness among our people.
- Pray for gospel opportunities to come from this.
- Pray for wisdom regarding ministry impact in the event of local COVID-19 cases.
By His Grace, For His Glory
Pastor Ken