Covid-19 FAQs
Updated May 29, 2020
Many states, businesses and churches are talking about plans to "re-open." We understand that this raises many questions for you about our plans at Hope Church. We will try to provide the best answers to your most common questions:
Will we ever return to "normal?"
On the other side of phase 5, we are expecting a "new normal." Most people will not be ready to gather in large groups until they 1) know the changes, 2) understand the changes and 3) feel safe with the changes. In the meantime, we are getting ready...so we will be ready...when you are ready.
When will we meet fully gathered for worship services on our campus?
When Governor Pritzker moves into phase 5 of his "Restore Illinois" plan, social restrictions will be removed and our weekend services will be fully restored. Although this could happen as early as August 8th, early indications suggest sporting events, concerts, and large religious gatherings may not be possible until Spring 2021.
How is Hope Church making these decisions?
We developed our own "Return to Hope" plan based on these four decision-making filters:
Missional - "Why" are we here?
Many states, businesses and churches are talking about plans to "re-open." We understand that this raises many questions for you about our plans at Hope Church. We will try to provide the best answers to your most common questions:
Will we ever return to "normal?"
On the other side of phase 5, we are expecting a "new normal." Most people will not be ready to gather in large groups until they 1) know the changes, 2) understand the changes and 3) feel safe with the changes. In the meantime, we are getting ready...so we will be ready...when you are ready.
When will we meet fully gathered for worship services on our campus?
When Governor Pritzker moves into phase 5 of his "Restore Illinois" plan, social restrictions will be removed and our weekend services will be fully restored. Although this could happen as early as August 8th, early indications suggest sporting events, concerts, and large religious gatherings may not be possible until Spring 2021.
How is Hope Church making these decisions?
We developed our own "Return to Hope" plan based on these four decision-making filters:
Missional - "Why" are we here?
- To help people follow Christ together...for new life
- Sent for the good of the city, with good news, as good neighbors, & for good works
- As a body of believers, we are not afraid of threats to health, liberty, or economy. "For the spirit God gave us does not make us afraid, but gives us power, love, and a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7. We trust God.
- However, our members do have legitimate concerns about their health, economics, and liberty. It is not our responsibility to judge what others may be feeling or going through. It is our responsibility to extend grace to all.
- As members of God's Kingdom we are foreigners in this world. God is our ultimate authority.
- We are still called to live in peace with the authorities and rulers that God has established (Romans 13: 1-6 and 1 Timothy 2:2)
- We must be peace-bringers, good neighbors, and good witnesses.
- We want to provide a warm, welcoming, clean and safe environment for people of all ages, health conditions, and family situations. We are considering how to use our facility, technology and staffing models in creative ways while respecting obvious limitations.