Zion Bishan’s Next Step towards a ‘New Normal’

Pastoral Letter from the Session

Dear Church Family, as our nation enters yet another stage of change in the pandemic, it is time for us to also move forward to best continue healthily growing together in Christ.

We had set aside September and October to allow us to observe the evolving situation and government guidelines – as well as to give time for our members to vaccinate themselves.  We held alternate 50 persons “No Vaccination Requirement” and 250 persons “Vaccinated-Only” Services.

Over the last month or so, the following observations were made:

• Parents with children encountered disruptions to Children’s Discipleship (CD) (and to some extent Youth Discipleship also) during “No Vaccination Requirement” Services because we are not able to run CD on these weeks.
• There were very few unvaccinated persons that chose to return for in-person service. Hence, the church’s resources were largely underutilized.
• Many desired to return more regularly, and found the alternating services limiting, disruptive and confusing.

As God’s good stewards, we also want to make best use of the church’s resources such that we maximize our ministry to as many worshippers as possible, as often as possible. As such, we are going to deliberate on moving to 100% Vaccinated-Only Services weekly. In this way in-person CD (& YD) may continue regularly and more people can return weekly.

Our concern for our unvaccinated members remains – and we wish for all to be able to gather together to receive spiritual nourishment and fellowship necessary for Christian growth. Thus, the church is considering subsidizing the cost of the weekly Pre-Event Testing for our unvaccinated members to return for in person services. We will review the situation regularly and make further changes if necessary.
As the author of Hebrews exhorts all believers in 10:24 & 25:

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,  not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
It is our prayer and hope that this next step will result in Zion Bishan as a community of Christ not only survives but spiritually thrives in this pandemic. May we grow better through every challenge at encouraging one another to live for Jesus and the Day of His return!

Do keep Session in prayer as we meet this Tuesday to deliberate on this matter. Thank you for all your patience and support for the leaders as we prayerfully look to the Lord to help us navigate this difficult season.

The Session