Brothers and Sisters,
 
     2020 continues to be challenging days for all.  It is my prayer that each of you are seeking ways to thrive in your life with God and ministry to others despite our circumstances.  It is our hope that the ministries of our church are continuing to support you during these storms that seem to never cease to move in.  I can’t emphasize this enough… If you are in need of ANYTHING please reach out to the church office or call me on my cell phone (432-559-0208).  We want to help.
 
     I come to share with you some disappointing news.  We had hope that we would be able to resume a normal schedule in July, complete with childcare for our worship services and youth and children’s Sunday School.  Given the spike in Covid-19 cases, pushing through with our hopes and plans does not seem wise.  As a result, we will continue on Sunday mornings as we have since mid-May.  We will have a 9:00 a.m. worship service in the Sanctuary and a 10:45 a.m. worship service in the Worship Center with adult Sunday School classes having the option to meet between services.  For July 5^th only, both worship services will be in the Sanctuary.  For right now there will be no childcare or youth and children Sunday School on Sunday mornings.
 
     We want to be clear that there is absolutely no pressure to be in the building on Sunday mornings.  We will continue to prioritize our online services as we will live stream both worship services each week.  Wade Cobb will continue to host those services online and is there to pray for and interact with you.  For those of you who do want to be in the building for worship, we are taking many precautions to keep us all safe, including social distancing, hand sanitizing stations, regular disinfections, and providing single use masks if needed at the entrances to the worship spaces.  Whether you are worshipping online or in person, we are ONE in Christ together gathered in his presence.  We look forward to worshipping with you wherever you may be.  Note:  This Sunday is communion Sunday.  If you will be worshipping with us online, please prepare your communion elements for yourself at home so you can participate in communion with us. 
 
     Pastor Kurt and I are excited about the new sermon series that begins this Sunday.  We are calling it Peace 2020.  What if 2020 is especially remembered for the peace we discovered in the midst of the chaos rather than the chaos itself?  Is this just wishful thinking?  We think not, and as we open the scriptures together, it is our hope that we can experience a genuine shift in our souls towards peace that is not only good for us but for our community.  
 
     Please follow our church’s weekly email newsletter, The Tower Times, for information about upcoming events.  To subscribe to our newsletter, please call the church office.  Please especially note that a new men’s weekly Bible study will begin Tuesday, July 14^th at 6:30 a.m. in the Atrium.  Men, invite your friends and expect great breakfast burritos, gourmet coffee, and a challenging Bible study taught by Pastor Kurt and I that will help you apply the scriptures to your everyday life.  Be on the lookout for more information.
 
     Also note that we are suspending Wednesday evening Bible Study until August 19^th.  Instead, we will repost on Facebook a “Summer Rerun” each Wednesday evening on our Facebook page.  This will be a Bible study session or sermon that we have presented before that we believe can be especially helpful during these days.  Our first one today will be a Bible Study session covering the book of Revelation 13.  You know, the Beast and the Mark of the Beast…
 
    Again, please let us know if you need anything and we will do it.  You are loved and missed greatly.  Thank you for all the ways you continue to be so supportive in the ministry of our church.  Many good and peaceful days are ahead!
 
Grace and Peace,
 
Rev. Steve Brooks

432-559-0208