June 19, 2020
Dear CCSE Family,
I trust and pray that you are all doing well. As most of you have heard by now, the Governor has joined Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties as one unit. With Multnomah moving to phase one today means that it will be at least another three weeks until Clackamas County is moved to phase two allowing for greater access to our services. This means that for the next few weeks we will be severely limited on the size allowed to meet. The good news is that beginning with this coming Sunday, Father’s Day, we will begin hosting two Sunday services at 9am and 11:30am. However, due to these restrictions, we have had to resort to reserved seating on a first come, first serve basis. These seats can be reserved by visiting our website at www.ccseportland.com or by calling the church office beginning on Tuesdays.
Our first priority in opening our doors for service is to reach out to those who have been the most affected by the loss of fellowship due to lack of support from spouses, families, and friends, and others who may have lacked the technological means and resources to join with us livestreaming on the internet.
While we have fought to stand up for our conviction that the Church of Christ is essential to the overall health of the community, we have also known that COVID-19 is a serious virus that has proven the risk of fatality to those who are most vulnerable and compromised. To that end, we have to the best of our ability, worked hard to provide a safe environment following CDC guidelines. We also understand there are a lot of varying opinions as to when or how we choose to gather together as a Body. Regardless of your personal opinions, we want you all to know that we fully support those of you, who for your own reasons, may choose not to join in with us as the doors are opened at CCSE. Personally, I take great solace in knowing that those people who are at greater risk are staying safe at home until the time is right. Everyone has to make this choice as they feel led. It would break my heart to see us divided over our personal opinions and convictions. We must love each other with the grace to trust the Lord for one another.
Our love and prayers are for you all.
In His Grip of Grace,
Pastor Doug
