From the desk of Pastor Duane

It is time to begin regathering at Calvary Chapel Garland!

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there, the Lord commanded the blessing— life forevermore.”    -  Psalm 133

While ‘shelter in place’ mandates were designed for our protection, they proved to be a huge challenge for those of us who thrive on fellowship. The Psalm above contains sentiments shared by many today, me included. You have been dearly missed at Calvary Chapel Garland!

As you may have already heard, the quarantine for our state is being lifted in phases, with phase 1 having begun  May 1st. Under this first phase, churches are encouraged to assemble under certain guidelines which will be adhered to by Calvary Chapel Garland. To give ourselves ample time to meet state recommended guidelines and to allow more time for the virus to subside, we will not assemble the until Sunday, May 17 at 10:00 am. With these things in mind, please consider the following:
We encourage those who are in the at-risk population1 to please stay home.  Also, if you are immune compromised in any way, or have had any recent illness or potential symptoms, please continue your  online participation rather than coming in person.  Do not take chances. It is best to error on the side of safety.
In 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 we read,
“All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.” NASB
It is now lawful for us to gather, but is it profitable for you or the person sitting near you to do so?
It may not be profitable for you depending on your individual circumstances, your own health issues or health issues for those with whom you live. As you pray and seek the Lord, if you feel the Lord's direction is to continue to shelter in place then please do so until more time has passed, especially  if you have any underlying health conditions or are in the at-risk population1
As we regather please be aware of the follow guidelines and actions:
We will have a family-style worship service, with no youth or children’s ministry yet offered.
We will be pre-setting chairs with ample distance between them, while allowing families to sit together.Except for families please ensure there are two seats between you and the next person to you.
Please refrain from any handshakes and hugs.
The building has been thoroughly cleansed and disinfected. We will continue to maintain deep cleaning procedures each week.
We ask that you observe social distancing while inside the church building.I know this is a tough one, especially after being apart for so long. Our tendency will be to run up to each other. That day will come. In the meantime, we must take precautions.
Please wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently and wear a face covering while inside the church.
Hand sanitizer and masks will be available for anyone in need.
No coffee or tea will be served.
We will not pass an offering bag but will have the Agape box available along with  online giving.
For more details on the current state guidelines for churches, we encourage you to visit the ‘Open Texas’ website using the link below:
https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/organization/opentexas/OpenTexas-Checklist-Churches-Places-of-Worship.pdf
Again, we will be regathering beginning  Sunday, May 17 at 10:00 am
I know this is a lot to take in, but these are critical times. We need to look out for each other. Thank you for doing your part. If there is anything we can do for you, do not hesitate to call upon us. We love you and cannot wait to see you.
In His and your service,
Pastor Duane on behalf of the Elder/Deacon board 
1At-risk population are those who are 65 or older, especially those with chronic lung disease; moderate to severe asthma; chronic heart disease; severe obesity; diabetes; chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis; liver disease; or weakened immune system

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