Dear Church Family,

As I write this, we are exactly five months into my time at TLEFC and almost a year since I was first contacted by the search committee, asking me to consider applying for this role. If you had asked me a year ago what I thought my life would look like in a year, I’m not sure what I would have said, but I know I would have been very, very wrong. This has been the most unusual and unpredictable year of my life, and I imagine the same is true for many of you as well. And while 2020 has been unpredictable and challenging, I am still grateful for the way God has worked in my life in the past nine months. My family and I love being in Three Lakes and it is a joy for me to be your pastor.

As we continue to move forward through this season, I wanted to take a moment to update you on where we are headed as a church as we seek to see the kingdom of God advance while responding to COVID with wisdom.

To that end:

·         Right now, our intention is to continue to offer in-person worship gatherings on Sunday mornings for those who are comfortable continuing to attend in-person.

·         For those who believe it is wisest for them to stay home, we will continue to offer our services on-line. We will also continue to offer an on-line version of Cross-Training on Sundays at 3:30 p.m.

·         For children and youth, we will take input and guidance from the school district. Right now, with the school still meeting in-person, we will continue to offer our regular in-person programing for children and youth.

·         We are planning to offer a Christmas Eve service at 6:00 p.m. This will be available both in person and via live stream.

·         In accordance with State and National health agencies, we recommend that you wear a mask while inside the church.

These are undeniably challenging times for many of us. Unfortunately, there is no perfect path forward that makes this all go away. However, as we move forward, I would urge us to do two things:

1.      Remember the goodness of God even amid trying circumstances.

2.      Show love and compassion towards our brothers and sisters in Christ, especially those who see things differently than you.

I look forward to the day when I don’t have to make every decision as your pastor through the lens of COVID, but until that day, I am trusting in God’s good purposes and am thankful for the opportunity to be in Three Lakes and to be your pastor.

Grace,

Pastor Tim