The ECC Elders thank you for your continued faithfulness to the ministries of our church. Specifically, your financial support has allowed our congregation to assist many in the community during these trying times. We recognize the hardship that families are facing due to job interruption, family health concerns, and the loss of friends or family members, yet we are encouraged by the improving COVID-19 statistics and hope that the warmer weather and increased vaccine availability will make things better.
In the meantime, we will continue to follow government orders and health guidelines that promote continued diligence and caution in what, we all hope, are the waning months of the pandemic. We are also very eager to gather without restrictions and resume church activities at all levels, however, we must continue to be patient to protect the health of our members and the community.
Nonetheless, we are so thankful that we can gather on-line or in-person to worship together and we recognize that any inconvenience in doing so is temporary and rests in God's hands. Please reach out to us with any prayer requests or areas of need.
In His Service,
Dave Sandefur (chairman)
Roger Allen
Tim Burrell
Josh Koontz
Ken Long
Jake Martindale
Masks are now required while attending our services.
The Monroe County Health Department now requires the wearing of masks indoors, even for religious services. This same requirement will also be going into effect statewide beginning next week. This means we will all need to wear masks, even once we are in our seats.
The only exception allowed by the county is for those on stage "formally presenting".
These are unique and challenging times, but as followers of Jesus we can rise to the occasion and demonstrate our love and patience. Thank you for working with us in complying with these new requirements.
We will continue to stream our services so that whether you are in the auditorium or at home we can stay connected through song and study of God's Word.
Please continue to lift up all decision makers in prayer.
Byron Williams
We plan to resume in-person services on June 7th.
We are excited about the opportunity to worship together again and currently plan to resume in-person services on June 7th. To offer a safe and welcoming worship experience we will follow the guidelines of the CDC and the Indiana State Department of Health.
To help us in planning for in-person services, would you please complete a short, confidential survey?
To better understand the reasons behind the various steps we are taking, please check out Byron's interview with Dr. Tim Burrell, MD, MBA.
After careful consideration, we have decided to not hold an in-person VBS this summer.
We know that this is a disappointing decision for many, but we think it is best for our kids and volunteers. We have considered the CDC's guidelines for social distancing and safety for events like VBS and decided that we cannot put on the quality VBS we have all come to expect while also keeping our kids and volunteers safe during this time.
As an alternative to in-person VBS, we will be offering a digital version. Liz Edgeman, Matt Davis, and several others will record lessons and music so that we can still enjoy learning together. We will also have craft bags available to pick up so that your kids can still participate at home. If you would like to reserve craft bags, please email Matt at mattd@ellettsvillecc.com so he can make sure you get one.
We will not be resuming in-person services until at least after May 15th
ECC Family,
Like many of you, the ECC Elders and Staff were eager to hear Governor Holcomb's plan for phasing out the “stay at home” order that was put in place back in March. We have been working on contingent plans for resuming in-person services, so we were looking forward to getting specific information on timelines and physical-distancing requirements.
Not long after the Governor's plan was revealed, we learned that the Monroe County Commissioners are keeping the current “stay at home” order in place through at least May 15th. This means we will not be resuming in-person services until after that date.
Please know that we have been developing plans that will allow us to gather as safely as possible within the parameters set forth for public health concerns. Once we finalize these in accordance with state and local guidelines we will pass them along so you can be prepared for when we gather together again in-person.
In the meantime, please keep the ECC leadership in your prayers, continue to join us online, and keep loving and encouraging one another. Thank you for your faithfulness and patience during this challenging season.
In Christ,
Byron Williams
We've listed some area organizations that are welcoming extra assistance during the COVID-19 crisis.
In light of the Governor's extension of the public heath emergency, we will continue to hold services online.
We have decided to cancel our in-person gatherings on Sundays through the end of March.
ECC Family,
In light of the current CDC guidelines and the Governor's recent declaration, we have decided to cancel our in-person gatherings on Sundays through the end of March, beginning tomorrow, March 15. This includes Sunday morning worship and classes as well as Sunday evening Youth Group.
Tomorrow we will post the next message in our series on our website and social media. We will also send a link by email. We encourage you to make time to gather your family and watch it together. In the following Sundays we hope to stream the service at a set time so we can worship together, even if we are not in the same room.
We invite our small groups to continue to meet, but each group should consider the age and health concerns of their members and plan accordingly.
For many of us this time and these measures are unprecedented. However, it's helpful to remember that the early church had times when large group gatherings were either difficult or impractical. In those times the church continued to care for one another. We encourage you to check on the people in your circle and make sure they have what they need. Be sensitive to practical needs that you can help with. Let love lead.
To help us maintain a sense of connection we will also be sending out devotional messages throughout the week.
Please send us your prayer requests so they can be shared with staff and elders. You can do this by sending a message to office@ellettsvillecc.com or by calling 812-876-6500. You can also contact any of the elders and staff directly on our staff page.
Even though we are not meeting in-person during this time, various ministries of the church will continue and you can support them financially by giving online, mailing in your offering, or bringing it by the church office.
As we're sure you've become aware, this is an ongoing and evolving situation, not only for our community, but our nation and world. At such times we can practice the faith-filled virtues of grace, patience, discernment and generosity.
As new developments arise, we will provide new information. Thank you for your prayerful support.
Please feel free to make sure your ECC friends are aware of this information.
ECC Elders
ECC Family,
In light of the growing concerns over COVID-19, sometimes referred to as the coronavirus, we want to make you aware of ECC's current response.
Beginning this Sunday, and for as long as is prudent, we are going to take the following steps:
In addition to our normal weekly cleaning regimen, between our morning services, we will be wiping key facility areas, including oft-used door handles and our children's areas.
We've added hand sanitizing stations around our building for your use. According to the CDC, washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is one of the best precautions you can take to prevent the spread of any virus. When handwashing is not possible, hand sanitizers are the recommended alternative.
Rather than passing communion and offering plates, we will utilize four different “stations” where each of us can take communion and place our offering. If mobilization is difficult for you, please raise your hand and a server will bring the plates to you.
Please don't feel compelled to shake hands. An “air high-five” will let people know you are glad to see them.
If you or a loved one is feeling ill, take the morning to rest, seek medical advice if warranted, and watch the message online when it is available.
If you are at increased risk for complications from this and other viruses, due to age or health concerns, please use your best judgment in deciding if you will attend our services. There is no lack of faith in deciding to protect your health in these uncertain times.
Of course, no system is perfect, so as with any cold and flu season, we encourage you to continue these “common sense” guidelines for keeping yourself and others healthy:
As a church body, let's continue to pray for all who have been impacted by this illness, as well as their caregivers and those who are working around the clock to minimize the impact of this virus.
We will continue to monitor this changing situation and look to those in our leadership who have experience in the medical and public safety fields for input and guidance and will adjust our protocols and plans as necessary.
During this time of international health concern, followers of Jesus can exercise caution while resisting fear. We should strive to be guided by informed discretion, love for others, and trust in our Lord. As God said through the prophet Isaiah:
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”Isaiah 41:10
Byron Williams
Sr. Minister
Ellettsville Christian Church
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