Stonecrest News
Updated 5/26/21 9PM
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COVID-19 Updated Guidelines
Hello Stonecrest family. This week New Jersey, based on CDC recommendations, has changed some the COVID-19 restrictions. Our leadership team has examined the new guidelines, reviewed them in light of our biblical framework, and prayed for wisdom on how to best apply them to Stonecrest.
Remember our biblical framework that has served as our guideposts in making decision. First, we are outward focused and will seek to bless our neighborhoods, where we live and work (Jeremiah 29:7). Second, we will love our neighbors best by prioritizing care for those most vulnerable (Mark 12:30-31; Matthew 25:31-46). Third, we will not forsake our gathering together as Hebrews 10:25 tells us. We will submit to our federal, state, local, and denominational authorities like it says in Romans 13. Finally, as Ephesians 4:1-7 tells us, Grace-wins. We recognize there are many different viewpoints to our COVID-19 response. Let’s continue to offer each other grace.
First, there will be no changes for our Stonecrest Kids. We will continue to follow the New Jersey and CDC guidance for childcare centers, elementary and secondary schools. Masks and social distancing requirements will still be in place for our children and volunteers. If you are checking in or dropping off children, please wear a mask. Stonecrest Kids areas will remain a Mask Only space. We will continue to monitor these requirements if New Jersey makes any changes.
Beginning this Sunday, May 30th, masks and social distancing will no longer be required at Stonecrest. New Jersey strongly encourages individuals who are not fully vaccinated to continue masking and social distancing. For many, wearing a mask is an added comfort of protection and you are welcome to continue wearing a mask. Friends, we cannot let our different opinions divide us and should refrain from casting judgement on one another as brothers and sisters. We love one another and GRACE WINS!!!
In our worship center we will provide a Mask Only section for the immune compromised or for those who feel more comfortable worshiping surrounded by those wearing masks. If you are unmasked, please refrain from sitting in the Mask Only section. We will continue to provide a high-quality online service so you can also choose to worship and gather virtually. We will continue to monitor New Jersey’s response to the COVID-19 crisis and adjust as needed. Please continue to pray for parts of the world that are still suffering greatly in this global pandemic.
Finally, I have two asks for our Stonecrest family. First, would you consider serving on one of our DREAM TEAMS as we move forward in this next season of regathering? We need people expressing their gifts in Stonecrest Kids, the Production team, hospitality, and Connections. We need servants who will work together making our gatherings a welcoming, worshipful and transformative environment. If you are can serve, please email Pastor Joe Rhee at [email protected].
Second, since the response to COVID-19 has caused division among us, can we align ourselves under Jesus, stay in step with the Spirit, and bring Glory to God? I am not saying we all have to agree, but we need to love one another and give everyone grace.
Like Paul says in Ephesians 4 “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.” GRACE WINS!
I look forward to seeing you Sunday as we worship God together, either in-person or online. Come with great expectation for God to do only what God can do!
Pastor Doug
Remember our biblical framework that has served as our guideposts in making decision. First, we are outward focused and will seek to bless our neighborhoods, where we live and work (Jeremiah 29:7). Second, we will love our neighbors best by prioritizing care for those most vulnerable (Mark 12:30-31; Matthew 25:31-46). Third, we will not forsake our gathering together as Hebrews 10:25 tells us. We will submit to our federal, state, local, and denominational authorities like it says in Romans 13. Finally, as Ephesians 4:1-7 tells us, Grace-wins. We recognize there are many different viewpoints to our COVID-19 response. Let’s continue to offer each other grace.
First, there will be no changes for our Stonecrest Kids. We will continue to follow the New Jersey and CDC guidance for childcare centers, elementary and secondary schools. Masks and social distancing requirements will still be in place for our children and volunteers. If you are checking in or dropping off children, please wear a mask. Stonecrest Kids areas will remain a Mask Only space. We will continue to monitor these requirements if New Jersey makes any changes.
Beginning this Sunday, May 30th, masks and social distancing will no longer be required at Stonecrest. New Jersey strongly encourages individuals who are not fully vaccinated to continue masking and social distancing. For many, wearing a mask is an added comfort of protection and you are welcome to continue wearing a mask. Friends, we cannot let our different opinions divide us and should refrain from casting judgement on one another as brothers and sisters. We love one another and GRACE WINS!!!
In our worship center we will provide a Mask Only section for the immune compromised or for those who feel more comfortable worshiping surrounded by those wearing masks. If you are unmasked, please refrain from sitting in the Mask Only section. We will continue to provide a high-quality online service so you can also choose to worship and gather virtually. We will continue to monitor New Jersey’s response to the COVID-19 crisis and adjust as needed. Please continue to pray for parts of the world that are still suffering greatly in this global pandemic.
Finally, I have two asks for our Stonecrest family. First, would you consider serving on one of our DREAM TEAMS as we move forward in this next season of regathering? We need people expressing their gifts in Stonecrest Kids, the Production team, hospitality, and Connections. We need servants who will work together making our gatherings a welcoming, worshipful and transformative environment. If you are can serve, please email Pastor Joe Rhee at [email protected].
Second, since the response to COVID-19 has caused division among us, can we align ourselves under Jesus, stay in step with the Spirit, and bring Glory to God? I am not saying we all have to agree, but we need to love one another and give everyone grace.
Like Paul says in Ephesians 4 “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.” GRACE WINS!
I look forward to seeing you Sunday as we worship God together, either in-person or online. Come with great expectation for God to do only what God can do!
Pastor Doug
We need your help in setting up for our relaunch and in staffing our volunteer ministry Dream Teams!
Click here for more information about serving on Dream Team
Click here for more information about serving on Dream Team