Church Family and Community;

We are writing today because we have exciting news! We are ready to gather in worship, and we want you know what to expect. Before we get into details, we have to thank you, our family of faith, for your consistent encouragement and prayers, for your faithfulness, and generosity. At last, after decreasing infections in our county and a relaxing of restrictions, we are ready to gather for worship. Of course there will be some changes for a while, which is why we would like to outline our updated plan for gathering that reflects the changes within Illinois.

First, if you feel ill or believe you may have been near someone who is ill, please remain home until it is safe. Also, if you are uncomfortable gathering for worship, know that we respect your decision. For these, and other reasons, we will continue to make our services available on both Facebook and YouTube.

Second, we humbly ask that you practice social distancing and safety measures recommended by the CDC. There will be screenings for fever upon entry. Also, if you forget or don’t have a mask, we will have masks available. Hand sanitizer will also be available at designated areas, and we will sanitize our facilities before each service. For a time we will refrain from handouts, physical greetings, or passing items through the congregation. You may continue to give online, by mail, or through the new offering box being installed this week by the main doors. Also, we will not be offering coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a while.

Third, we look forward to having Sunday school groups, Sunday Morning Live and our nursery once again as soon as possible. However, for a time we will only be offering family inclusive worship gatherings on Sunday Mornings. We hope to see families of all ages worshipping with us as each family is comfortable returning to worship.

Fourth, until gatherings resume in our sanctuary on June 21, we will be offering an outdoor worship experience at 9am on June 7 and June 14. These services will be on the lawn beside our sanctuary. Please bring seats or blankets, sun screen, bug spray, and activities for your children as we gather to worship.

Fifth, out of love of neighbor, attendance will be limited to 25% capacity and require registration through EventBrite online at labcjacksonville.eventbrite.com. The link is also provided on our Facebook page and website so you can begin registering for either our 9am or 10:30am services scheduled for June 21 and following. More service times will be added as necessary or capacity will be increased as we are able.

Finally, as we have all seen over the past few weeks, details and plans continue to be fluid. Thank you for an abundance of grace. Our goal has not changed. We are people changed by Jesus Christ to share His life with others. We do this by connecting others with God and His Church, discovering faith, love, and hope in a community of disciples, and by engaging in personal discipleship, corporate ministry, and the global mission given to us by Jesus, Himself. Lincoln Avenue, we can’t wait to see you this week! Serving Him By Serving You,

Your LABC Staff

CONNECT | DISCOVER | ENGAGE

EMAIL office@labcjacksonville.org | WEBSITE www.labcjacksonville.org ADDRESS 951 Lincoln Avenue, Jacksonville, Illinois 62650 | PHONE 217-243-6436