Executive Director

April 2021

COVID-19 Protocols for Resuming Common Activities at Zion
Executive President, Bruce Dorris
We are beginning to see signs that the COVID-19 virus is waning in our area and, indeed, across the country. With this, members of Zion are beginning to ask, “when we will return to normal”. Although that question is impossible to answer at this time, Zion’s pastoral staff and leadership recognize that, as Christians, we have a deep desire to gather in His Name, to praise Him in singing and choirs, and to socialize and serve Him with fellow believers. With this in mind, Zion’s Leadership Team is in the process of developing and implementing guidelines for beginning the resumption of these and similar activities. The guidelines will be publicized using the typical means as they become finalized.

Please be aware that some desired activities are more susceptible to the transmission of the COVID virus than others. Because of this, whether or not an activity may resume – with precautions – is dependent on how well we believe a safe environment can be maintained. There will not be a blanket resumption of all activities, rather a gradual phasing-in. Please continue your much appreciated patience.

A word of caution: The COVID virus continues to sicken and kill people every day. However, with new information, a growing number of immunizations, and a steady decline in infection, we believe a safe resumption of some activities – with adherence to guidelines – is possible. Please remain vigilant in your precautions and encourage others to do the same. And, finally, until changes to protocols are enacted, current COVID limiting practices remain in place.

Zion Continues to Re-open for Worship and Meetings
Bruce Dorris, Executive Director

By the Grace of God, Zion was able to return to face-to-face worship in June, though in a limited fashion. July will take us one step closer to a full return as we add another Sunday morning worship opportunity, limited in-person
Bible Study and Sunday School, and meetings.
As we continue to add opportunities to gather, I want to emphasize the importance of remaining vigilant in our efforts to minimize spread of the coronavirus. One special area where Zion needs to be vigilant is with regard to our Summer Camp program, which conducts some activities in the church basement. Summer Camps operate under a different set of guidelines than either worship services or meetings. Maintaining effective sanitation is a very important part of Camp and non-Campers need to understand what they can do to help. And, the best way we can
help maintain sanitary conditions at Camp in July is to avoid the basement/fellowship hall. If you must be in the church basement – such as when doing maintenance – please contact the church office first. If you can’t reach them,contact the school office.
The church office emailed members detailed information about our July plans for worship and meetings on June 29th. I’ll emphasize that, whatever your reason for coming to the church building, please stay away from the basement during July. Hold your meetings upstairs – maintaining social distancing and/or using masks – and leave the basement to the little Campers.
May God continue to richly bless Zion as we continue our return to meeting and greeting each other in Christ

Apart Yet Together – Bruce Dorris, Executive Director

Brothers and Sisters in Christ at Zion: For most of us, these are unprecedented times, with both bad news and change coming daily, sometimes hourly. Zion’s staff and leadership has had to make some very tough decisions and I’m certain there are more to come. Not being able to worship together will be especially tough as the weeks drag on, especially as we approach our celebration of the Resurrection. As “the Body of Christ”, the Church thrives on gathering together, enjoying and encouraging each other, and I’m already missing that part of my life in Christ. It’s great that we have so many modern means of connecting – and that Zion is taking advantage of them – but, as the weeks drag on, I’m sure we will grow to miss each other more-and-more.

Recently, the Wednesday morning Bible Study group finished a study of the Book of James. Many think James wrote his letter to the early Jewish Christians who had been scattered widely because of persecution. As we studied that letter, I thought of the many small pockets of Believers meeting here-and-there, physically isolated from fellow Believers. But they were not alone! Receiving copies of letters from James, Paul, Peter, John and the others, they knew they were part of a much bigger whole! Now, I’m not comparing our situation to theirs. However, I encourage you to periodically pause to consider your fellow Believers, worshiping and praising God in their separate homes, but connected with you as part of the Body of Christ. God will bring us through this and I am convinced that this adversity will draw us even closer when we are finally able to worship together again!

One additional note: I have had a number of people suggest that Zion adopt a process for online giving, which would be especially helpful during these times. Some possibilities are being considered so please watch Zion’s Facebook page for upcoming details. And, thank you for keeping Zion’s ongoing needs in your prayers and support!