Dear Quail,
This week I will take some time in this email, that I have normally been using from some devotional and inspirational thoughts, to address the issue of the status of Quail coming back for live in-person services. You have probably heard on the news that there are some churches and pastors in the southern part of our state who are declaring that they will worship “in person” on Pentecost Sunday (May 31), no matter the status of the restrictions called for by the State of California.
However, I want you to know that Quail will not be doing that. Let me explain why…
First of all, we note that we are called to love and care for one another. As we are aware, the threat of COVID-19 is real. Just because we see some aspects of our society easing the restrictions does not mean that there is no threat of disease. We would hate to open up prematurely and that be the cause of some of our beloved Quail family falling sick or perishing.
Secondly, we believe that the closure of large group gatherings is a situational restriction that is being placed on all similar gathering venues. Movie theaters, Broadway style plays and sports events are restricted, as well as churches. We are not being singled out and thus the restriction is not an ideological attack on our faith. We are instructed in Scripture to submit to the governing authorities unless they order us to do that which violates our faith or restricts our practice based on an ideological objection to our faith. We do not see that this is the case today.
Thirdly, our decision relates to our role in the community. We believe that in a situation such as this, our role is to be as helpful as we can to mitigate the cause of the restriction and maintain as pure a witness for Jesus as we can. We are to demonstrate our love and concern for one another, and for our city, while we proclaim the Gospel. We want our process to be thoughtful and prayerful enough so that secular people around us will see an example of careful concern that compels them toward Christ.
In short – we are seeking to be the best Christian citizens that we can be and the best witnesses for Jesus that we can be! If it becomes the case that this situational restriction turns into a tool for ideological attacks on the work of the Gospel (which is possible, Satan does not play fair), we will use the means of vocal dissent and other actions at our disposal. However, currently we are part of a larger situation that many aspects of our society are dealing with in equal measure.
Having said all of that, we are hoping for and working toward a return to “in person” worship and as that nears we will be in touch with you regarding the procedures we will need to follow for your safety.
Blessings,
Pastor Marc Maffucci
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