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Dear Neighborhood Church Family,
I am grateful for all of you and long to connect with you in meaningful ways. As we look around Montgomery County and the larger nations, unfortunately, COVID-19 continues to spread. The hope was to have in-person gatherings for those who desire, but we are currently in a holding pattern. Although we are not physically meeting, let me remind you…. You are the church! You might ask me how am I the church? Well through your generosity;
Give yourself a humble pat on the back my friends, for you are being the church!!! You are bringing hope to the hopeless, resources to the desolate. Encouragement to the discouraged, opportunities to the needy. You my friends are showing and sharing Jesus in many ways and I believe more opportunities are coming. My hope is we will continue to be the church as we continue with a spirit of generosity with your time talents and treasure, with the hope that many people will be transformed by Jesus empowered by the Holy Spirit and launched on mission. Pastor Mark
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Dear Neighborhood Church Family,
We have now entered the month of August and the 22nd week of virtual church. I wish there was an update to give as we look towards reopening at some point, but for now we remain at the status quo. Let me remind you the church is not a building; it is the people of God living out the purposes of God wherever you are. As Jen stated yesterday, we need to stay together especially during these times. It is easy to isolate and become discouraged, but don’t give in… keep going, keep connecting and trusting God will work out his plans. I am praying for you and as a church we are here to help. Grace and Peace. Pastor Mark Dear Neighborhood Church Family,
Another week has passed as we continue in the midst of COVID-19 and Phase 2 of reopening in Montgomery County. I love to see many of you connecting with our live stream, connecting in Neighborhood Groups, and giving of your time, talent and treasure to see God’s mission advance from our neighborhoods to the nations. It is a privilege to serve alongside all of you. As we still look towards reopening the building, we are in a holding pattern in stage 2. I would love to have more things in person but also recognize it will still take some time. I appreciate your flexibility and continued prayers and look in hope towards to future. Grace and Peace. Pastor Mark Dear Neighborhood Church Family,
Happy 4th of July. I hope you enjoyed an extended weekend and being reminded of the many freedoms we do have in spite of the struggles. Also, for those who came out to the Picnic, I hope it was enjoyable to see some other people, while still taking necessary precautions. As of Monday, we are continuing in the status quo of Phase 2 of reopening in Montgomery County. With all of the rising case of COVID-19 across the nation, it seems like Phase 3 is still a way off. I feel like the apostle Paul as I write that I long to see you in person but know the present circumstance limit that interaction. As we know more, we will keep you up to date. Grace and Peace. Pastor Mark Dear Neighborhood Church Family,
We are now at the end of June or the beginning of July, depending on how you would like to view it. We are continuing in Phase 2 of reopening in Montgomery County. Phase 2 allows for in person gatherings both inside and outside of the building with restrictions. Some of these restrictions are very limiting. The hope is that Phase 3 will come soon but with rising cases of COVID-19 across the nation, it seems like Phase 3 will take a bit longer to arrive. We continue to prayerfully evaluate when it is feasible to have in person gatherings and will let you know as we move closer. With this in mind, we will continue to meet virtually and will keep you informed as we know more. P.S. I would like to invite you to an outdoor picnic this Sunday July 5th. Grace and Peace. Pastor Mark Dear Neighborhood Church Family,
Another Week has gone by and another week hopefully towards reopening. AS of Friday, we are now in Phase 2 of reopening in Montgomery County. Phase 2 allows for in person gatherings both inside and outside of the building with restrictions. The restrictions for inside the building are too limiting for what we are able to accommodate, so we are planning on a having a picnic outside on July 5th. We are still hoping to resume in person public gatherings but will need to wait till Phase 3, which will hopefully be in Mid-July. With this in mind, we will continue to meet virtually and will keep you informed as we know more. Grace and Peace. Pastor Mark Dear Neighborhood Church Family,
Thank you for your continued support and participation as we work towards reopening the church building and beginning gatherings. We are now in Phase 1 of reopening in Montgomery County. Phase 1 does not permit gatherings of over 10 people but does allow drive up/drive through services with no contact. This past week, you received a survey (which is right below this post) in regards to reopening. I would appreciate if you would take the time to fill it out, so that we can make decisions based on both your anticipated participations and government guidelines with physically gathering. With this in mind, we will continue to meet virtually and will keep you informed as we know more. Grace and Peace. Pastor Mark As ministry leaders are having discussions as to how and when Neighborhood Church will reopen, we'd love to get your input. Please click below to complete a COVID-19 Safety Survey.
Dear Neighborhood Church Family,
Above and beyond what is happening with COVID-19. The nations is now reeling from injustice, racism, looting and more. My heart breaks and goes out to our African American brothers and sisters who have experienced ongoing injustice. As our church continues to embrace the beauty of being a multi-ethnic congregation, I hope we can model in a simple way how the Gospel of Jesus Christ both unites and reconciles people of all ages, ethnicities, and both men and women. With regards to COVID-19, on June 1, Montgomery County Entered Phase 1 of Reopening. This is good news and we celebrate this. As a part of Phase 1, not much has changed in the state and county. Guidelines continue to restrict church gathering to 10 people or less. There is also the ability to have drive in services with no contact, which in some way defeats the purpose. In light of this, we will continue to meet virtually through Phase 1 and then reevaluate when we know what is allowed in Phase 2. May you know Jesus and his encouragement during this time and if there is any way the church can help, let us know. Grace and Peace Pastor Mark Dear Neighborhood Church Family,
Thank you for your continued prayers, patience, and participation with Neighborhood Church. As of May 21, The county Executive Marc Elrich, along with County Health Officer Travis Gayles are unwilling to set a date for phased steps to reopen. According to the county's website, there needs to be a sustained 14 day decrease in regards to confirmed cases, hospitalizations, deaths, acute and ICU bed usage, and more before entering into phase I. There is now a daily County tracker of where we are in each of these critical areas located here Although much of the Country is beginning to reopen, along with the President declaring Church’s essential, we as a local church and as part of Montgomery County, Maryland will continue to wait for county guidelines and timelines for reopening the inside of our physical building beyond use for live streaming, rehearsals, maintenance, and by staff. As we look to reopen, safety for all is of paramount importance and we will only reopen when we are confident of having these safety measures in place. The church is not closed, because the church is not a building! It is the people of God, living out the mission of God. Lets continue to live that out wherever we are. Some said closing the church building was hard, but reopening will be even more challenging. My prayer is for wisdom, grace, and for God timing to be perfect for when we gather back in person. Pastor Mark |
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