We have been gathering for corporate worship on Sivey Road since June 7, 2020. Since that
time the elders have been talking and praying about how best to set RCC back on track to
becoming the body of Christ that God wants us to be.
In order to accomplish this goal, we believe that we need to strip away any policies or guidelines
that may be obstacles to that goal.
At this point in time, we believe that our individual members/attenders have prayerfully decided
the necessary precautions that each needs to take when gathering together for worship. We trust
that you will stay home if you are sick without a rule telling you to do so. We encourage you to
follow the Lord’s leading in your life regarding your return to corporate worship without further
restriction by rule or policy.
As a matter of practice, the manner in which we have handled the offering since our return to
live church has been quite efficient. For now, the offering will continue to be handled as we
have since our return to “in person” church.
The same is true of how we have handled the Lord’s Supper. We shall continue to use the pre-
packaged emblems. Those in attendance may continue to pick up their emblems prior to the start
of the worship service from a table near the Welcome Center.
Overflow seating will continue to be available in the fellowship hall (north entrance).
We are working to restore children’s, student and adult programming on Sunday mornings and at
other times during the week. This will require volunteers to step forward to serve and for the
body to support the staff as we bring these programs back to life. We will keep you informed as
these programs restart.
Why rush it ? some may ask. In a recent blog, Bob Russell outlined several Biblical reasons
why regular corporate worship is vital for Christ-followers. We quote/paraphrase the points that
he makes in that blog as follows:
Obedience: Corporate worship is a command, not an option. Hebrews 10:24-25
Fellowship: The first century church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to
fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42
Encouragement: The Hebrews writer says that we are to meet together regularly to
“Encourage one another.” When we are isolated, it is easy to yield to the alluring temptations or
the infectious despair that surround us.
Accountability: Christians must hold one another accountable for loyalty to Jesus Christ.
If we never meet, never interact, never deepen relationships, effective accountability becomes
limited to just a handful of believers who are often reluctant or incapable of confronting.
(Galatians 6:1)
Testimony: The Apostle Paul instructed the church to take communion together: “For
whenever you eat this bread or drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (I
Cor. 11:26)
In this blog, Bob concludes his thoughts with this challenge from Nik Ripken’s book, The
Insanity of God: “Don’t ever give up in freedom what we would never give up in persecution!
That is our witness to the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ!”
(See Bob Russell Ministries, article written on April 19, 2020: Worship Assemblies Are
Essential)
This revised policy shall be effective Sunday, August 9, 2020. Please contact one of the elders if
you have questions.
