REOPEN SUNDAY for In-Person Gatherings

Announcement to GPBC for the Reopening of “In Person Gatherings”
Posted Sunday June 7, 2020

Ever since March 8, GPBC has been closed to “in person gatherings” by the Executive Order of Governor Kate Brown. We initially accepted this mandate in light of two considerations: - First, the Scriptural command to obey the “higher powers”. - Second, the foreboding pandemic concerns for public safety at that time. After being closed for over twelve weeks, it is evident that it is time for GPBC to return to “in person gatherings.”

We plan to do so on Sunday, June 21 (which is Father’s Day) with an 11 am service. We are doing this not out of obstinacy to the Governor, but rather out of obedience to God! I have sought godly counsel from Dr. Gibbs, of Christian Law Association; Ray Hacke, Pacific Justice Institute; our church Staff and Deacons; as well as other pastors here in Oregon.

As Senior Pastor, I have the support of my Staff and our Deacons to move in this measure. But more importantly, I have the clear conviction that this is what God wants us to do. As promised, we are doing this Scripturally, we are doing it Safely, and we are doing it Strategically.

Much preparation has been made to assure that as much as is humanly possible GPBC is as safe as or safer than any business or venue in Multnomah County. We will continue to practice all of the CDC recommendations and mandates to assure the safety of anyone that would like to return to GPBC for as long as deemed necessary. A letter from me will be delivered to our Governor, our Mayor and our City Officials this week informing them of our plans to reopen.

To all of our members and our friends, we encourage you to please pray and to plan for this “home coming!” Please read and review the Reopening Guide and the Schedule that we will follow to reopen. For anyone that has health risks because of age or immune deficiencies, we recommend that you feel free to wait as long as you think it is necessary, before you return.

We will continue to stream the services for you. Please pray that God will be glorified as we obey his command to “Not forsake the assembly of His Church once again!” This notice will also be posted on our website and available in print if you would like a copy.

Pastor Rick Adams
Senior Pastor