Our building is currently open for in person gatherings.
Message from Pastor Kyle Boone (posted 5/15/2021):
Brothers and sisters,
The day we have been patiently waiting for is now in sight! The state of Ohio has lifted mask and social distancing requirements for all individuals who have been fully vaccinated, effective immediately. Further, on June 2nd mask and social distancing requirements will be lifted for all persons whether vaccinated or not. Mask and social distancing requirements now lie within the purview of state, local, tribal, business, and organizational entities.
Given this posture, Hambden Congregational Church will no longer require masks for any persons at our gatherings who have been fully vaccinated. Further, we will be removing all mask mandates and social distancing requirements for our church starting on June 2nd in accordance with government health recommendations regardless of vaccination status. Please be aware, we will not be, nor are we interested, in asking questions to check people’s vaccination status. In this scenario, each person is responsible for their own standing before the law and ultimately before Christ. I would encourage Christians to reflect on both Romans 13:1-5 and Romans 14:1-23 as they pursue honesty and integrity in their dealings. For the record, although I have received both doses of the Pfizer Vaccine, I will not be considered fully vaccinated until May 17th. Therefore, as a matter of Christian conscience before God, I feel compelled to submit to the governing authorities and wear a mask this Sunday (May 16th).
I know many of you have gotten the vaccine, but if you’re desiring to be vaccinated before we lift the mask requirements for non-vaccinated individuals, I’d encourage you to do so in the next couple weeks. Plus, there is a million-dollar drawing incentive for those who get vaccinated. Just remember where to tithe! 😁
Now I know some people have concerns or questions about the vaccine. Now, I’m not a doctor nor do I think the church is the place where we must agree on this sort of thing. However, there are some rumors that this is the “Mark of the Beast” or something like that. From a pastoral standpoint, I want to encourage you that this is not the “Mark of the Beast.” Per Revelation 13, the “Mark of the Beast” will be an explicit way to worship the beast.
I myself have gotten the vaccine and one of the leading scientists on the development of the vaccine is also a Christian. So, everyone must come to their own conclusions, but it certainly does not go against our Christian beliefs.
Anyways, like you, I’m very excited to see smiling faces rather than masks when I’m preaching! Many of you have shown great patience towards our leadership as we have navigated uncharted territory. Thank you! I feel as if I can claim the joy of Hebrews 13:17.
“Obey your leaders and submit to them for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”
Thank you for the submissive, Christ-like character many of you have shown (Eph 5:21). For in the end, masks or no-masks will not matter, but what we did for each other out of a love for Jesus will carry on into eternity.
I am looking forward to the meals, hugs, and smiling faces that have been long overdue!
Your servant in the Lord,
Kyle
The day we have been patiently waiting for is now in sight! The state of Ohio has lifted mask and social distancing requirements for all individuals who have been fully vaccinated, effective immediately. Further, on June 2nd mask and social distancing requirements will be lifted for all persons whether vaccinated or not. Mask and social distancing requirements now lie within the purview of state, local, tribal, business, and organizational entities.
Given this posture, Hambden Congregational Church will no longer require masks for any persons at our gatherings who have been fully vaccinated. Further, we will be removing all mask mandates and social distancing requirements for our church starting on June 2nd in accordance with government health recommendations regardless of vaccination status. Please be aware, we will not be, nor are we interested, in asking questions to check people’s vaccination status. In this scenario, each person is responsible for their own standing before the law and ultimately before Christ. I would encourage Christians to reflect on both Romans 13:1-5 and Romans 14:1-23 as they pursue honesty and integrity in their dealings. For the record, although I have received both doses of the Pfizer Vaccine, I will not be considered fully vaccinated until May 17th. Therefore, as a matter of Christian conscience before God, I feel compelled to submit to the governing authorities and wear a mask this Sunday (May 16th).
I know many of you have gotten the vaccine, but if you’re desiring to be vaccinated before we lift the mask requirements for non-vaccinated individuals, I’d encourage you to do so in the next couple weeks. Plus, there is a million-dollar drawing incentive for those who get vaccinated. Just remember where to tithe! 😁
Now I know some people have concerns or questions about the vaccine. Now, I’m not a doctor nor do I think the church is the place where we must agree on this sort of thing. However, there are some rumors that this is the “Mark of the Beast” or something like that. From a pastoral standpoint, I want to encourage you that this is not the “Mark of the Beast.” Per Revelation 13, the “Mark of the Beast” will be an explicit way to worship the beast.
I myself have gotten the vaccine and one of the leading scientists on the development of the vaccine is also a Christian. So, everyone must come to their own conclusions, but it certainly does not go against our Christian beliefs.
Anyways, like you, I’m very excited to see smiling faces rather than masks when I’m preaching! Many of you have shown great patience towards our leadership as we have navigated uncharted territory. Thank you! I feel as if I can claim the joy of Hebrews 13:17.
“Obey your leaders and submit to them for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”
Thank you for the submissive, Christ-like character many of you have shown (Eph 5:21). For in the end, masks or no-masks will not matter, but what we did for each other out of a love for Jesus will carry on into eternity.
I am looking forward to the meals, hugs, and smiling faces that have been long overdue!
Your servant in the Lord,
Kyle
