Dear Providence church family, As the apostle Paul, imprisoned in Rome for the sake of Christ, heard of the divisions that were threatening the church in Ephesus, he wrote ...

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (4.1-3)

Centuries later John Calvin, in commenting on these verses, gave this helpful reminder:

Let us remember, therefore, that, in cultivating brotherly kindness, we must begin with humility. Whence come rudeness, pride, and disdainful language towards brethren? Whence come quarrels, insults, and reproaches? Come they not from this, that every one carries his love of himself, and his regard to his own interests, to excess? By laying aside haughtiness and a desire of pleasing ourselves, we shall become meek and gentle, and acquire that moderation of temper which will overlook and forgive many things in the conduct of our brethren.

Brothers and sisters, this is our calling and high privilege as God's people! As those purchased by Jesus (1 Cor. 6.20) we are to "do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves" (Philippians 2.3) as we evidence the fruit of the Spirit - "love, joy, peace, patience , kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." (Gal. 5. 22-23) No matter the season or occasion this is what it means to image Jesus Christ to each other, and to a watching world.

Earlier this week your session met to consider how to best lead and shepherd our church through the coming days, particularly with regard to Lord's Day worship. We spent time considering the Scriptures and praying for wisdom and discernment. Please know how much I deeply respect the men who serve you as your elders - they long to love and honor Christ and they are eager to serve you well.

The session considered how to best care for the church and preserve our unity as a body of believers. Though we are very grateful to the Lord for the past months of 2 morning services (and are especially thankful to the tech team, worship team, clean team, and our ushers & greeters!), we felt it was time to gather again as one body in worship.

After much discussion, the session agreed on a plan ...

  • Beginning this coming Lord's Day (9/6), we will no longer have two morning worship services, but will move back to one 10:30am service. Seating will be both upstairs (in the sanctuary) and downstairs (in the fellowship hall). In order to maintain socially-distanced seating in the sanctuary, you may be asked (or you may choose) to sit downstairs where the service will be live-streamed.

  • In line with our current practice, masks will continue to be required while in the church building.

  • We will continue to live-stream the 10:30 am service for those who wish to "attend" from home.

  • We will continue to fellowship outside after morning worship each week. As we do so please be mindful of those who are served by social-distancing.

  • This plan will be re-evaluated at each monthly session meeting.

We, like you, long for this season of COVID to end. But we equally long to honor Christ well during this season, knowing that it has been ordained by God and is to be used for His purposes and His glory. May this be one of Providence's best seasons as a church family!

A few notes in closing:

  • Please feel free & encouraged to communicate this announcement to those you may know who are not part of our regular communication channels, but have been visiting/attending Providence;

  • We will be celebrating Lord's Supper this coming Sunday! If you are home-bound and wish to partake of the sacrament, please contact your shepherding elder.

  • We are grateful to the number of medical professionals who provided feedback and helped us think through the new changes in light of the low incidence of COVID infections in the Quakertown area.

Please direct any questions to me or your shepherding elder.