Pastor’s Corner 8/13/20
I’m grateful to announce that the Lord has provided a new space for us to gather for worship. On September 13, 2020, we will resume in-person services at Gray’s Event Center, located at 4323 Dale Blvd., in Center Plaza. The space reminds me of the scene in C.S. Lewis’ The Last Battle when the children are forced into a small, dreary stable, only to discover they have entered the expansive world of an eternal Narnia. Gray’s is unassuming on the outside, but quite lovely and large once you walk through the doors. Take a look for yourself here:
https://www.graysevents.com/gallery
As you are probably aware, PWCS determined that outside groups may not use schools this year. We were expecting this decision, and so several members of Immanuel have been investigating a range of options for our services. There are a number of reasons we’ve decided to worship at Gray’s on Sundays:
Location: In addition to being an attractive indoor space, a significant number of the Immanuel family live relatively close to enter Plaza, and we have the opportunity to be a light in this community.
Flexibility: We are able to meet on Sunday mornings, we can arrange the space to suit our needs, some storage is provided, and the owners have agreed to rent the space to us through December so we can assess whether to continue meeting at Gray’s until we can move into our building.
Cost: While not inexpensive, Gray’s is the most affordable commercial space we found. Because our giving has remained strong (thank you!), and our expenses have been reduced this year, the rent is within our means for the remainder of 2020. We will need to address the ongoing cost in our 2021 budget, if we decide to remain.
The Owners: We have been impressed with Phil and Doug, the father-and-son owners of Gray’s. They have been kind, professional, and responsive, and their services include breakdown, cleaning, and disinfecting. And they’re planning to join us for our first worship service!
The Regathering Team is already hard at work developing a detailed plan for worshiping at Gray’s, ensuring that we meet both state and diocesan expectations for safely gathering during this pandemic. We will share that plan with you once it has been approved by both the Vestry and Bishop John. Also, please know that we will live-stream our Sunday services, so those who are not yet ready to join us at Gray’s can still participate in our worship.
I look forward to being with you in person at last! Until then, please do let the Vestry or me know if you have any questions. And many thanks to the Regathering Team, Debbie, Rich, Bill and Phil – especially Bill and Phil who have done extra work connecting and communicating with Gray’s!
Your Pastor in Christ,
Travis+