Statement on In-Person Meetings
May 14, 2020

Lakewood Fellowship Family and Friends,

When soldiers came to arrest Jesus, Peter drew his sword and attacked the attendant of the Chief Priest, removing his ear. Jesus admonished him, saying, "Put your sword back into its place. . . Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?"

I love this verse. Yet another instance of Jesus demonstrating there is more going on than what we can see right in front of us. There is a spiritual realm and it cannot be ignored.

Who holds all the cards in this scenario? Clearly, Jesus. It's not the soldiers. It's not Peter. It's not the legions of angels. All authority rests on the shoulders of one human. Yet our King stops short of exercising His right to defend Himself for the sake of love. It was clear what needed to be done; the cross – and the salvation of the world – was waiting. This is neither the first time, nor the last, Jesus would lay down His rights for the sake of others.

Since the early days of Texas' emergency declaration limiting social gatherings, churches have been exempt from any barrier to meet, considered "essential services" by order of Governor Abbott. While gathering may have drawn the ire of society, we have had every right to continue to join with one another for worship. Still, every church I know of in Dallas stopped meeting. It seemed clear to everyone: while we had a right to meet we would not do so for the sake of love. Even now, as businesses begin to reopen around the state, the tension between our right to gather in person and a love for our community remains.

We've learned a small multitude of lessons over these last weeks. Among them, virtual meetings (while convenient and helpful in a pinch) are no substitute for the real thing. Being with people is life-giving. Zoom is draining. Even the most introverted among us would admit there is a sacramental quality - a means of God's grace - in the gathered community of believers. We must strive to meet together.

We've also learned this virus is unruly, unpredictable, and deadly. Every week, new discoveries surface about COVID's impact, potential treatments, and best practices in the US and in other nations around the world. But despite our potential wins, the virus trudges on. As Christians who celebrate life, and life to the full, we simply cannot unnecessarily propagate sickness and, therefore, suffering and (potentially) death.

Is it possible for us to meet in person in a way that is safe?
If so, when? If so, how?

While Governor Abbott has set guidelines for churches to use when meeting, the guidelines clearly state they are the minimum standard health protocols. In making decisions for our church family, we will use the guidelines from Dallas County public health officials, since these protocols are more attuned to our specific context and needs. While our county guidelines state that churches should only continue to meet remotely (i.e., virtually) at this time, these same guidelines also allow for outdoor events to take place, provided that safe social distancing can be maintained and facial coverings are worn. (Even still, the guidelines demonstrate such outdoor events should be avoided by high risk groups.)

Given this information, I, along with LWF group leaders, our elders at White Rock Fellowship, and other medical professionals within the WRF family will begin to investigate options for our church to meet in outdoor environments while maintaining proper health standards. Because such a format change would require logistical adjustments relative to what we've been used to and because we are still waiting to see the effects of Texas' reopening on May 1 relative to the spread of the virus, we will not meet in person until mid-June, at the earliest. To be clear, we will not meet if we cannot ensure a healthy environment for all participants and continued mitigation of the virus for our community. When final decisions are made regarding timing and format, we will communicate via email and on our Instagram account.

There is one way you can help between now and when we meet again: would you please pray? Even if you don't really pray often, would you jump in now? Ask God for wisdom for our church. Ask God for discernment as to when and how to meet. Ask God for unity as there will invariably be some in our family who think we are moving too slowly and others who believe we are moving too quickly. Also, we know it's hot outside in Texas during the summer. Praying for a cooler summer this year wouldn't hurt, either.

One thing is clear to me: If we are proud, we make ourselves susceptible. If, however, we approach the virus and meeting together again with the humility of Christ, we will find grace.

May we seek the Father's grace. May we seek the humility of Christ. May we seek the guidance of the Spirit during this time. May it be so. To these three, the one, true God, Amen.

With love,
Randy Thompson
Pastor, Lakewood Fellowship