What a crazy time! Right? Let’s catch our breath and draw close to the Lord and one another. I want you to know that I love you all, and it’s my desire to honor God first and keep a spirit of unity at Crosspoint.
We have received permission for us to continue to meet at our current location so that's good news! We will continue the two services: 10:30am and 12:30pm. The 12:30 service will be live-streamed for anyone who feels more comfortable with that option.
I am aware of the governor’s new orders, and this has been one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make. It’s not a decision that I’m taking lightly at all. I have sought counsel from many of you as well as from godly pastors here in CA who understand our situation and from Christian attorneys. For our governor to order churches to close their doors and cease from public gathering is crossing the Biblical line that causes us to need to take a stand and say “we ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29
We are not trying to make a statement, but we do have a desire to follow the Word of God and gather together for encouragement and fellowship in the Word (Hebrews 10:25). The Bible lays it out in so many places. Here is one example.
“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Acts 2:42
I’ll be honest. It’s very challenging to be “stedfast” like this verse shares when we are unable to gather together as a community of faith. Statistically, it’s not happening in churches all over the US even - and especially - as online only services continue.
When we fall into this trap, we are weakened spiritually. Weakened believers make for weakened churches. Weakened churches make for a more vulnerable society. It’s unhealthy. I’ve been very blessed to see your faithfulness whether it be online or as we gather in person. You have shattered the statistics, Crosspoint. Keep it up!
Now that we understand how to help slow the spread of the virus (which was something none of us really understood back in March), we have strictly followed all of the guidelines that didn’t violate Scripture:
- Physical distancing before, after, and during services (including refraining from touching, hugging, and handshaking while keeping six feet distance from one another even when seated)
- Mask wearing while on the property
- Volunteers have temperature checks before they serve each week
- Cleaning the facilities in between services and having lots of hand sanitizer available
We believe that we are in line with the teaching of Scripture to continue meeting together and preaching a message of love, grace, and hope. During times like these, we need one another more than ever. Let’s stay connected.
If you choose to attend online service, it is available at 12:30pm each Sunday. I would like to ask you that if you are watching online, would you reach out and let me know? Would you make a connection with someone else in the church family to strengthen our bond as a church? We need this. I need this. You need this!
In person gatherings will still continue to be held at 10:30am and 12:30pm at our regular location.
Thank you for praying for me! This has definitely been the most challenging seasons of ministry I’ve personally experienced. This has been some seriously intense spiritual and psychological warfare, but we know that the enemy does not even come close to comparing to the power of God. God is greater! I know God is using your faithfulness and prayers to sustain the work of God.
God bless you!
Your friend,
Pastor Phillip