As we have all been very eager to get back into the Church building to worship and celebrate our Lord Jesus, we must remember that although we haven’t been meeting in the physical Church building, we are still the Church and I am glad to say that our Church has continued to spread the Good News of Jesus through our live-stream services. I am excited to share that through these online services many people have been touched by the Good News of Jesus. Over the past month, I have received numerous texts, calls, and emails of praise reports and victories with all Glory to God. With all that being said, I am happy to announce the process of gathering again in the Church building. As the pastor, I wish I could just throw open every door in the church and people would file in with no problem, but due to the current situation it is important that precautions be taken. It is important to stress that this is a process, a progressive process. This will be a marathon and not a sprint. This is particularly tough for me because my nature and personality are more sprinter than marathon runner. So for all my sprinters out there, I feel your pain. Church service isn’t going to be normal for a while but I say that with a smile on my face. Instead of focusing on all of the inconveniences and precautions that have to take place, let’s choose to join together, adapt and overcome and worship the Lord as the body of Christ. AMEN The opening of Antioch Church of the Nazarene will take place in phases. Each phase is subject to change due to state and county regulations as well as guidance from our Kansas City District leadership. For the sake of not getting confused with county or national phases, our phases will be labeled with the Army phonetic alphabet (ALPHA = Phase 1, Bravo = Phase 2, Charlie = Phase 3, Delta = Phase 4 ) and because it sounds cool. Please apply social distancing whenever possible, as well has hand washing and avoiding touching your face. Of course the service will still be available online on The Antioch Church of the Nazarene Facebook page. If you feel ill or have any symptoms please worship with us from home. If you still feel a little uneasy, follow your best judgment and stay home and join us online. Because things are changing week-to-week, in this letter I will only be going over ALPHA Phase. Remember we are learning how to build this airplane while we are flying. Alpha Phase will obviously be the most restrictive and Delta Phase the least restrictive (it might be a very long time before we are in Delta phase). Alpha Phase- (Beginning Sunday May 24) 9:45 Service Starts. The Church will be thoroughly sanitized Saturday afternoon. Only Sunday Morning Worship service will be offered. No nursery, children’s church, and no Sunday School for any age will be offered. Service will start at 9:45. Please arrive a little early to find your place. Remember, we are all learning how to do this together. Greeters will engage and greet congregants on the outside of the entrance and will be giving more detailed instructions. Please be patient with our greeters/volunteers. Each person must sanitize hands before entering the building. (Hand sanitizer will be provided.) Passing the peace, (a time of hugs, handshakes) will be postponed until later phases. We are not requiring masks to be worn. Because county, state, and the district leadership recommends them, masks will be available for those who want one. To keep costs down for the church, please bring your own from home if you feel more comfortable wearing one. 6ft social distancing will be in practice when at all possible. Please be mindful in hallways and doorways. We are asking that families (household units) sit closely together, and that space is provided between families, every other pew will be blocked off. Offering plates will be placed at the front and back of the church. Please look out for these plates (offering plates will not be passed around). Communion will be prepackaged when observed. Dismissal will take place as the Pastor will direct the rear pews to exit first. Remember, my friends, this is church. We want to worship the Lord and love our neighbors. I remind everyone to please be respectful of others as well as welcoming. Yes, we have to have precautions in place at this time, but the last thing we want is for someone to feel unwelcomed. WORSHIP your King, REJOICE, and have FUN. The Move to Bravo Phase will dependent upon a lot of factors, State, County, and District will all play into the decision to move to the next phase, please be patient as things change from week to week. Be Blessed, Pastor Johnny J. Pacheco .