February 12, 2021
Dear TCCBC church family,
Recently, I saw some older church members exchanging information and tips on how to register for a COVID-19 vaccination using email. Suddenly, I thought how this big spiritual family is really good! Everyone is concerned for each other and take care of each other. I also saw some very exciting, good news, that is, the effectiveness of the two vaccines developed in recent weeks in the United States is as high as 93%. In addition, as mass production of vaccines increases and distribution gets more on track, within a few weeks people over sixty-five years old should receive their vaccination notification.
Last Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the California Governor’s restrictions on church gatherings was unconstitutional. The California government has made some amendments to the state’s decree in response to this ruling. According to the new decree, the restoration of indoor church worship is confirmed but the number must still be within 25% of the church’s capacity. The number of people in our church is relatively small and space is unlikely to be a problem in general. Therefore, in the church council meeting last Sunday, a lot of time was spent discussing response measures by the church and the timetable for the church’s reopening. At this time, the church has initially decided that it will officially resume on-site meetings on March 7 for the three congregations. However, from the start of the reopening period, some members may still have some reservations and concerns so the church will continue using simultaneous video or video broadcasting for the convenience of members worshipping at home. The details of the reopening schedule will be explained in next week’s communication letter. The “Reopening Committee” will provide precautions for everybody coming to church. Let us all cooperate and work together to maintain cleanliness and prevent any spread of the virus.
In addition to resuming on-site physical worship as soon as possible for Sunday services, various related ministries like Sunday school, church prayer meetings and children ministries will also slowly resume in time. It is not possible to immediately resume everything. Once the church has the latest updates, we will inform everyone in due time. Please also pray to the Lord for all the preparations needed to return the church for meeting.
Because the church can be reopened, the council has also decided to hold joint worship services on Good Friday and Easter for three congregations this year to remember the suffering of our Lord Jesus for the world, the eternal gospel and the hope brought to us by His resurrection and ascension. The joint worship service will be held in the church sanctuary. On Easter Sunday, we will also have baptisms and the acceptance of new church members. If you are already a baptized Christian and would like to join this church as a member of TCCBC, please contact deacon Mario Ou; please prepare your heart to come to meet and share the grace of the Lord.
For the past fifteen months, God has sent Pastor Daryl Watts to our church as interim pastor, ministering to the English congregation so effectively that the English fellowship has experienced solid spiritual growth under his leadership, together helping us through this difficult, pandemic time. To express our deep gratitude to Pastor Daryl for his faithful service to our church, the church will hold a farewell meeting at the church on Sunday, March 21. More details will be coming. Please reserve this time and prepare to participate.
” No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Looking forward to the reopening of the church,
Job Lee
Pastor Job Lee, Senior Pastor
With fellow church leadership team
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