March 28, 2022 - UPDATE

With Covid-19 case counts at very low levels in our community, we are now saying "masks optional" at church gatherings. Of course, we still expect to see some faces with masks and some without--people's situations and needs vary.  Please know that all are welcome in our church gatherings!  -GBC Elders

 

February 2022 - UPDATE

As we watch Covid case counts rise and fall, we continue to say that masks are optional but encouraged at church gatherings. In light of this recommendation, we can expect to see some faces with masks and some without.  Please know that all are welcome in our church gatherings!  -GBC Elders

 

September 3, 2021 - UPDATE

Covid Protocol beginning Sept. 12:  Masks are optional but encouraged at church gatherings.  Since we’re moving upstairs to the Sanctuary for worship (i.e., a space smaller than the FLC) and in light of rising Covid case counts in Chester County, we’re adjusting our message somewhat for now—from “masks optional” to “masks optional but encouraged.”  In light of this recommendation, we can expect to see some faces with masks and some without.  Please know that all are welcome in our church gatherings!  -GBC Elders

 

June 30, 2021 - UPDATE

In light of the fact that Covid-19 case counts continue to decline, the PA statewide mask mandate has been lifted.  Here at Goshen we'll be taking the same approach effective immediately:  masks optional for everyone at church gatherings.  However, we're also keeping an eye on the situation, and if we make any changes to our protocol for gatherings, we'll post it here.  -GBC Elders

 

May 21, 2021 - UPDATE

In light of the recent CDC guidance (i.e., that face coverings are optional indoors for those who are fully vaccinated), we’re planning to take the following steps over the coming weeks:  Through the end of May, we’ll continue with our current protocol of wearing masks at indoor church gatherings (similar to the ongoing practice in area schools).  However, beginning June 1, we’ll implement this new CDC guidance for our indoor gatherings.  As we take this step, expect to see a mixture of mask-on and mask-off faces when you come to church.  Thanks for your patience as we move into this transition process together.  -GBC Elders

 

April 14, 2021 - UPDATE

Worship Services: We will continue this spring with Sunday Worship Services at 10:30 a.m. INDOORS in the Family Life Center.  But please note that we are planning to go OUTDOORS for worship on two Sundays--May 9 and June 6.  On those dates, weather permitting, we'll gather on the lawn behind the FLC for our service (please bring chairs/blankets).

Sunday School: Also, just a reminder that two adult Sunday School classes are taking place from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. (info here).

 

Dec. 16, 2020 - UPDATE

Goshen family,

We’re following up on our message from last week to say we plan to continue with in-person worship gatherings, at least for the time being.  So we’ll be meeting this Sunday, Dec. 20, at 10:30 a.m. in the Family Life Center—as we have been doing in recent months (including childcare ministries).  And we look forward to Christmas Eve Services on Dec. 24 at 3:00 and 5:00 p.m.

As we move in this direction, we want to remind all who have health concerns or who are not comfortable gathering in person to join us from home via livestream.  In this season of coping with Covid-19, we’re a congregation that’s both gathered and scattered—and we want to serve and encourage ALL who are in our church fellowship, whether you’re participating in person or online.

We again want to say THANKS to everyone for taking steps to help keep each other safe when we come together, including by wearing masks and practicing social distancing.  As Elders, we think it would be helpful to underscore some specific ways we can look out for each other’s well-being when we meet:

  • Let’s be more intentional about practicing social distancing, including when seated in worship or moving about the building (even though it may feel like you’re being aloof to speak with someone from six feet away, for now it’s a wise and kind practice).
  • As much as possible, let’s take our conversations outdoors after worship.
  • Wearing masks at all times indoors is expected—so we’re asking everyone to refrain from bringing food or drink into our gatherings, and we’ll put sharing the Lord’s Supper on hold for the time being.
  • We’ll also be making some adjustments in certain areas like worship service length, FLC seating configuration, and the amount of congregational singing.
  • Abiding by PA guidance regarding testing and/or quarantine after travel is expected.
  • These various precautions apply not only in our Sunday worship gatherings but in Goshen small groups and Bible studies as well.

We’ll be reviewing the Covid-19 situation on a regular basis, including information from PA and local authorities, and including the extent of virus spread and demand on area hospitals.  But for now, we feel that we can continue to gather in a way that is very careful and responsible.  And in connection with this, thanks again for doing your part to contribute to the safety of our services.

Yours in Christ, the Goshen Elders,

David Nichols, Chairman; Larry Smith, Vice Chairman; Patrick O’Leary; Darrel Tedrow; Pastor Peter Nelson

 

Dec. 11, 2020 - UPDATE

Goshen Family,

We’re getting in touch to let you know that we are planning to go ahead with our in-person worship gathering this Sunday, Dec. 13, at 10:30 a.m. in the Family Life Center—as we have been doing over the recent months (including childcare ministries).

We continue to be vigilant about safety (e.g., using masks, practicing distancing, socializing outdoors, providing hand sanitizer)—and THANK YOU for all you’ve been doing to look out for each other’s well-being by taking these practical steps.  As always, if you are not comfortable attending in person, or if you have been exposed to someone with Covid-19 or if you are not feeling well, please join us from home on Sunday via livestream.

Yesterday Governor Wolf issued an update of Covid-19 protective measures for Dec. 12 - Jan. 4, in light of the much-increased community spread of the virus and the resulting demands being placed on hospitals and medical personnel.  In his announcement calling for increased measures to help reduce spreading of the virus, churches are asked to find alternative methods for worship services.  Accordingly, this coming week, we, the GBC Elders, will be meeting to consider all options and prayerfully make plans for moving forward (please pray for us as we address these issues).

We, as a fellowship of believers in Jesus, are walking together through some very complicated times!  But we walk with Christ, and he surely will guide and provide for his church.  The Lord summons us to “be still” (Psalm 46:10) and trust him with all that we face.

Your Elders,

David Nichols, Chairman; Larry Smith, Vice Chairman; Patrick O’Leary; Darrel Tedrow; Pastor Peter Nelson

 

Dec. 2, 2020 - UPDATE

Can you believe it’s December!?  Advent has begun, Christmas is just around the corner!

About our Sunday worship services—a big THANK YOU to everyone for following Covid precautions!  Gathering safely is a top priority, so thanks for doing your part!

Lord willing, we’ll continue gathering in person for worship on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. in the Family Life Center (plus Christmas Eve Services at 3:00 and 5:00 p.m.).  If there’s any change to this plan, we’ll let you know.

At the same time, we’re aware that Covid case numbers are up in PA the last few weeks.  So we all need to be vigilant—to protect ourselves and others.

Just to remind you of our current precautions:

  • Wearing masks
  • Distancing (6 ft. from non-household members)
  • Hand sanitizer provided
  • Socialize outdoors after worship
  • Livestream available via YouTube for those with health concerns

Here are a few more precautions:  Best to stay home this week and join us via livestream if:

  • You’ve been traveling out of state recently (see PA order)
  • You’ve been in close contact with multiple household groups
  • You’ve been around anyone who has Covid
  • You’re not feeling well

Simple steps, for the good of all.  Thanks again to everyone for doing your part.  God bless you this Advent season!

~Pastor Peter

 

Oct. 12, 2020 - UPDATE

On Oct. 18 we transitioned from outdoor gatherings to one Sun­day worship service at 10:30 a.m. in the Family Life Center—allowing a great deal of space to be together and still practice social distancing.  While indoors at Goshen please remember:

  • Face coverings required
  • Maintain social distancing from non-household members (6 feet)—when seated in worship, and when moving about the building.

Thank you for helping to reduce health risks by taking these simple steps.

 

Sept. 16, 2020 - UPDATE

On Sunday, Sept. 13, we moved our worship service outdoors.  The Lord gave us beautiful weather and it was great to see one another as we gathered out on the field behind our church buildings.  So, we decided to continue with outdoor worship for the coming weeks, weather permitting.  See more info here.  Come join us at 10:30 a.m. this Sunday!  Bring chairs/blankets, and come a little early so you can get to our green grass "sanctuary" on time.  When outdoors, the PA mask mandate is optional as long as we maintain 6 feet of distance from non-household members.  We will continue to livestream our worship service and then post it on YouTube for those who are not able to attend in person.

~Pastor Peter & the Elders

 

July 16, 2020 - UPDATE

You probably heard about Governor Wolf’s statewide mandate, effective July 16, limiting indoor gatherings to 25 people.  It is important to note that this limit does not apply to religious institutions (this is specifically stated at minute 48:48 of the governor’s news conference).  In light of this, we will be continuing our in-person worship gatherings on Sundays, with all of the appropriate precautions we’ve been taking.  See further below.  I’m very thankful we’re able to connect in these ways and worship the Lord together!

~Pastor Peter & the Elders

 

July 2020 - UPDATE

After having remote worship gatherings for over three months (March 8 was our last time together), we returned to in-person Sunday worship services beginning on July 5!  It has been GREAT to see all who are ready to come and join us (for those who have health concerns and opt to stay home, please note that we are livestreaming our services--click here).

In light of public health concerns, here are some changes we've implemented:

  • The service times (worship at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m.);
  • Length of our family-friendly services (under an hour);
  • No in-person Sunday School initially (although the combined adult summer class is ongoing online);
  • Entering and exiting by the main lobby doors only (access to lower level rooms not available);
  • Wearing face coverings is required while indoors (except leaders when they’re on stage, and except for children under age two);
  • Lingering and socializing are great--but let's make it outdoors only and six feet apart (face coverings recommended but not required);
  • Being ushered into the Sanctuary to seats toward the front first;
  • Sitting in marked spaces and avoiding other seats (to keep six feet of distancing from non-household members);
  • Bibles, hymnals, pens and cards removed from the pews;
  • No passing of the offering plate (please drop your offering in the box at the back of the Sanctuary--or you can mail your check to the church office, or you can give online);
  • No hand-shaking interlude during the service;
  • Livestreaming of the services (you’ll see new equipment and helpers in the rear of the Sanctuary—thanks to all who are making this happen);
  • Childcare and children’s/youth programs will not be provided on Sunday mornings initially;
  • We’ll livestream the worship services into the Fellowship Hall, where parents can go with their children, if need be;
  • Dismissing from the services by rows;
  • Note that pew backs, door handles, and other common surfaces will be wiped down between the services.

Of course, if you're not feeling healthy, or if you've been around anyone who has Covid-19 in the last two weeks, please stay home and get well.

For additional guidance, see Pastor Peter's message about "What to Bring to Church."

To help put our return to in-person gatherings during today's pandemic into perspective, please check out our blog posts with reflections on "Change and Stability" and "Getting Ready to Gather Again."

Thanks for your patience as we all walk through these adjustments together!