Dear GracePointe Family,

I’m sure you have heard about the new guidelines from Governor Northam about masks being worn inside buildings by everyone over 10 years old (Executive Order 63). This is in addition to the requirement that we only gather at 50% capacity with social distancing (6-feet between family groups). As you know, I have taken these guidelines seriously. The building is thoroughly cleaned before each and every service. The pews are marked off appropriately. There is signage as well as hand sanitizing stations and masks will be provided to those who do not have one. But I want to touch on this latest request from the Governor.

We live in the freest nation this world has ever seen and I thank God for His grace and mercy on us as a nation. However, we must remember that those who profess Christ as Savior are first and foremost called to live a life in submission to God.

* Everything we do and are subjected to is for the furtherance of the Gospel (Phil. 1:12).

* We need to have unity and be of "one mind” (Phil. 2:2).

* We need to consider the interest of others (Phil 2:3).

* We need to “do all things without complaining and disputing” so we will “shine as lights in the world” (Phil. 2:14-15).

You see, these aren’t just quaint sayings that have no impact on our lives. This IS the blueprint for how we are to live our lives. Not just in the good and steady times - but in the hard, crazy, uncomfortable, pandemic times. Remember, as Christians our lives are not about us but about pointing others to Jesus and honoring God at all times (I Cor. 6:19-20).

We will continue to hold service on campus at 11:00 AM. 

We will continue to adhere to all the guidelines of capacity, social distancing, signage, and cleanliness.

We will wear masks as we enter and leave the building or engage with each other before and after the service (6-feet distance).

I know not everyone is going to agree with me all the time. But isn’t it good to know that during these times (which we’ve never been through before) we can go through it together in unity? At the end of the day, wearing a mask isn’t really the issue, is it? It’s more about the example we set to a lost, dying, and fearful world as well as the example we set for our children.

(I Pet. 2:13, “Therefore, submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake…”; Romans 13:1, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.”).

Thank you for your faithfulness to the Lord and your commitment to the body of Christ at GracePointe Baptist Church.

At the Point of Grace with You,

Pastor Greg