Blog Post

Gathering Update

Matthew Levant • Jul 03, 2020

Greetings Renewal Faith Family,

As you likely know by now, Governor Abbott issued a statewide mask mandate that has gone into effect today, July 3rd. Many of you have been asking the pressing question: How will the new order affect our church?

We WILL continue to gather on Sundays at 10am in the Hilton Garden Inn.

God has created us and redeemed us to worship Him as a gathered people. Yes, larger churches have suspended their worship gatherings. However, we have a small enough gathering where we can socially distance seats and still gather together. If you desire to worship in-person on Sunday, join us at 10:00 am!

Masks ARE required in all hallways and commons areas.

The Hilton management is requiring us to wear masks in all hallways and commons areas. If you do not have a mask, we will provide you with one as you enter the building.

The Hilton management is taking a risk by allowing us to gather in their building and not wear masks in the ballroom. Please honor our hosts by wearing masks in all hallways and commons areas. 

Masks are NOT required in the Worship Center. 

Once you enter the Grand Ballroom, wearing a mask is optional. You are welcome to keep your mask on even after you are seated, but the Hilton management is not requiring masks beyond hallways and common areas.

I do request that you find a seat toward the front of the worship center. Please leave the back seats open for guests that arrive right at or after 10:00 am. 

Renewal Kids will NOT be available. 

For the duration of our time at the Hilton, we will not be able to offer childcare. The last few weeks we have opened the nursery for children under two years of age. In an effort to minimize the Renewal Church “footprint” on the Hilton, and keep our church contained to one side of the building, we will no longer use the smaller meeting room for the nursery.

I recognize that this will be challenging for some of you. Please don’t allow this to prevent you from attending on Sunday. It’s OK if your little ones are fussy or noisy. I don’t get easily distracted! Feel free to bring a blanket or even a pack-and-play to contain your kiddos. If you need to step out of the worship center for a minute with a crying child, that’s ok, but please don’t leave. We are a family. Families have children.

We will continue to provide Sunday's sermon online.

The podcast is published on Monday's, and the video is usually up by Wednesday evening.

We are a church where you will not be judged or looked-down-upon for wearing a mask or for not wearing a mask. For some of you, wearing a face covering poses a greater mental or physical danger than not wearing one. We understand. However, since the Hilton is requiring us to wear masks in all hallways and common areas, you may consider worshipping with us online. Either way—whether you join us in-person or online — you belong, and you are loved.  

We commonly sing “This We Know” in our gatherings:

Our God through the wilderness,

And our joy in the heaviness.

Our way when it seems there is no way, Jesus.

 

This we know,

We will see the enemy run.

This we know,

We will see the victory come.

We hold on to every promise You ever made,

Jesus, You are unfailing.

 

We trust You,

We trust You,

Your ways are higher than our own.


May we truly believe these words! In the middle of the uncertainty and anxiety, we can look to Jesus for hope, joy, and peace. Our God is faithful. The cross proves it. We are more than conquerors through Christ! 

It’s a joy and an honor to serve as your pastor. I look forward to worshipping with you on Sunday!

Blessings,

Pastor Matthew

Hilton Garden Inn, Temple, Texas
By Matthew Levant 12 Jun, 2020
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