Our deacon body discussed the positive outlook that currently exists due to the increase in vaccinations across the country. During the surge over the summer with the delta variant, you were asked to kindly and voluntarily wear a mask during services and Bible study to help keep yourself and others well. Thank you for stepping up and masking up even though it was inconvenient and bothersome to some.
Our Associational missionary, Jo Jo Thomas recently visited our church on Sunday Morning. When he entered, he noticed the sign encouraging mask wearing. He did not have a mask on, so he went back to his truck and got one to wear. I told him that our church has voluntarily worn masks for the most part because of our respect for our elder members and our love for one another. We can give thanks to the Lord for His great love for us demonstrated through the patient loving care we all have for each other, “Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant…does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with truth; love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1Corinthians 13:4,7). We have come through these trying times due to COVID because of our love for God and each other. Truly, the Lord’s command to “…love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34) has been true here at Grace.
In light of God’s love and in recognition of the unity of the Spirit and the love of Jesus, our Deacons unanimously recommend to our church family that the wearing of masks continue to be voluntary, but that those who have had COVID, been vaccinated, or are restricted from vaccines and other physical needs be free to not wear a mask during worship and Bible study if they so choose. Some will continue to mask-up due to personal and medical reasons. They should be encouraged to be true to their convictions. There should be no discrimination, “…there is no partiality with God” (Romans 2:11). Let’s all keep on loving and encouraging one another whether maskless, or not. We are the Body of Christ who have persevered these trying times because the love of Jesus never fails.