VENUE CHURCH COVID-19 December UPDATE
Venue Church Family.
As parameters and mandates continue to fluctuate, we will continue to gather together to worship Jesus.
Although it looks different, we believe that it is critical for us to gather together as a church, especially during times like these. Regardless of what happens in life, we believe that we are called to Pray (together), Gather (together), and Serve (together). Because of this, we will have two options every week for us to come together and worship Jesus. We cannot stress enough how important it is for you to do what you feel is safest for you (and your family). We support you in the decision you make.
Option one: every Saturday evening (6pm), we will gather together in person, in Hayden. For more information, please email us at hello@venuechurch.org.
Option two: every Sunday morning (10am),we will gather together online, via our Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/VenueChurchCO).
If you have any questions, please reach out to us via email or our Facebook page.
Maranatha.
Garrett Prechtl
Senior Pastor
VENUE CHURCH COVID-19 October UPDATE
Venue Church Family.
Fall is here and like every fall, things are changing. One of the things changing is how we gather.
Routt County is currently in a state application process that would change a lot pertaining to how we gather. Please be praying for the application to go through. Before Routt County began this process, we were able to sit down with the Chief Theater in Steamboat and draw up a rough plan to begin gathering there again soon. There are a few more things to work out but we are excited to gather again in Steamboat soon.
We have began gathering in person, indoors at our Hayden location on Saturday evenings at 6pm. We gather family style for worship, prayer, and the word -- and would love for you to join us. Please bring your mask and practice social distancing.
We continue to gather online every Sunday morning for the word at 10am via our Facebook page.
If you have a need or know someone who has a need, please let us know. We are here for you in any way you need.
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
Hebrews 10:39
Maranatha.
Garrett Prechtl
Senior Pastor
VENUE CHURCH COVID-19 August UPDATE
Venue Church Family.
I think most of us assumed life would have returned to a more normal state by now. However, right when things seem to gain traction in that direction, we seem to have to stay put or even slide backward. As frustrating as this may be, I want to remind us all that regardless of seasons and times, we are to continue to push forward in our faith by pressing into Jesus. The mandates of man have no bearing on our mandate to obey, follow, and trust Jesus — especially in times like right now. Life may change but our pursuit of Jesus does not.
I know many of us are wondering what is happening and how things are going to look as we come into fall and winter. Although we are eager to resume both of our weekly services, as well as our other gatherings — I want everyone to know that we have intentionally been cautious to not jump the gun. One thing we don’t want to do is get into a back and forth, “we can meet but now we cant meet and now we can meet” seesaw game of charades. All that does is add to the stress and frustration of the season, which we do not want to do. We want to be wise in the Lord and thoughtful toward our neighbors.
Routt County is currently working on applying for Phase III: "Protect our Neighbors” with the State. What this means is there would be new gathering guidelines — allowing for gathering of 50% capacity or up to 500 to take place (if approved). Of course, at this time we have no idea what the parameters and guidelines will be within that variance, however it does mean that will be able to resume gathering together in both of our locations. In the case that the county variance is not approved, we are working on a plan to put in place for us as a Church. Please be praying for both the county variance to be approved, as well as guidance and wisdom from the Lord for the Venue Church Elder Team.
As of today, our plan of action remains the same.
We have a live outdoor service on Saturday evenings at 6pm in Hayden. Bring your family and a chair, mask, some water.
We have an online, IN-Home service (message only) on Sunday mornings at 10am online. The message is streamed live via our Venue Church Facebook page.
If you have a need or know someone who has a need, please let us know. We are here for you in any way you need.
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
Hebrews 10:39
Maranatha.
Pastor Garrett
VENUE CHURCH COVID-19 July UPDATE
Venue Church Family.
As rules and restrictions, parameters and policies continue to seesaw -- we continue to evaluate with wisdom and sensitivity what moving forward looks like for us as a Church. I understand that there are differing views and opinions regarding everything we are going through and how to move forward, and I truly respect and appreciate them all. Unlike the world around us, we don't react to everything going on with a critical spirit. Likewise we don't react to everything going on with a religious spirit. That is not what we do because that is not who we are. We are the people of the Kingdom of God, therefore as hard as it may be, we don't react -- we respond. We respond to what scripture says and what the Spirit is saying. So wherever you stand on the subject, while living in this hyper-opinionated world, I want to remind us all that we are not married to a method but to the mission that Jesus has placed on us. The method by which we fulfill the mission may change, but the mission itself does not. This does not mean that we recklessly bulldoze a trail of our own desire and agenda; leaving mass carnage as we go. This means that despite things constantly changing and the desires we may have -- we keep seeking Jesus and we keep in step with the Spirit.
One way that we are moving forward is by re-gathering on Saturday evenings at our Hayden location -- outside. That's right -- on the grass, in the shade, with the fresh Colorado mountain air outside. So bring your camping chair, a bottle of water, and a mask -- and let's gather together to worship Jesus. We are also moving forward by continuing to live stream on Sunday's at 10am {MST}. So if you are unable to make it to Hayden, or if you are not comfortable with gathering yet, we will continue to gather online. Our live stream is available on our Facebook page, and it is upload on Youtube shortly after.
If you have a need or know someone who has a need, please let us know.
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
Hebrews 10:39
Maranatha.
Garrett Prechtl
Senior Pastor
VENUE CHURCH COVID-19 June UPDATE
Venue Church Family.
On May 22nd, President Trump ordered State Governors to allow all places of worship to immediately begin gathering in person. In response to some of the things President Trump said, as well as Governor Polis revising restrictions in Colorado almost daily — we have received many questions about what all of this means for Venue; specifically pertaining to gathering together in person.
Obviously, we are excited about the day when we can gather together, in person again. The gift of technology is great and the ability to gather online despite most of life being shutdown, has been a blessing; but I know many of us are ready and eager to gather together in person, as it cannot be replaced. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as it may seem. There are changing variables that we have to consider and weigh through, as we move forward. In addition to those variables, we have to work through a “location puzzle”. Since we do not own a building, we are subject to the discretion of those whose building(s) we use. We are in communication with both of our locations and they are working with us to move forward.
Wisdom is paramount in all of this; so as we navigate through this difficult time, I cannot stress enough that although we are excited about gathering together, what we do not want to do is be reactive to what is happening but responsive to what God is saying. Therefore this is not something to be impetuous with.
What does all of this mean? What is the plan?
For 2000 years, the Church has responded to persecution, crisis, pandemic, and the likes — by pivoting; so when societies, governments, and nations have shutdown — the Church remained open. For ten weeks, we have pivoted and we will continue to pivot.
Our Pivot:
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We will continue to gather together online until further notice. However, with restrictions loosening, we want to highly encourage Home Church Watch Parties for those who are comfortable. What this means is, you invite people into your home to worship, pray, receive communion, listen to the word, and share a meal together. Just like the Early Church did — just without the whole world wide web piece. It is critical for us and our witness to pay attention to and remain compliant with local orders, restrictions, etc.
If you want to join a Home Church Watch Party but need assistance, please contact Sarah at sarah@venuechurch.org.
- Starting June 10th, we will be hosting a class called Understanding the End Times and the Return of Jesus. This class will be hosted and led by Pastor Garrett, and taught by Pastor Lee Cummings of Radiant Church. There will be two options available: (1) in person and (2) online via Zoom. Registration is required and will be available soon.
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Men’s and Women's meetings will begin again in June. We are working on the logistics but these will be in person meetings.
We ask that you continue to pray for our nation and its leaders, as well as Venue Church and its leaders as we continue to navigate these times. If you need assistance with anything, have questions, or have a need, please contact us immediately.
Maranatha.
Garrett Prechtl
Senior Pastor
VENUE CHURCH COVID-19 May UPDATE
Venue Church Family,
As the effects of COVID-19 persist, we continue to evaluate what moving forward looks like for us.
When can and/or will we gather together again in person?
What kind of steps do we have to put in place to protect everyone when we gather in person?
Where will we gather in person?
To answer every one of those questions and any other question(s) there may be on the subject -- we don't know. Changes are happening everyday and we continue to monitor those changes, while prayerfully considering what is wise for our safety and the safety of our community; as well as our witness to our community and those outside. Although we are all eager to gather and worship, we need to remain smart and seek the counsel of the Lord for His wisdom, because there is more to consider than "are we allowed to". As a great pastor and friend of mine once said to me: just because you can, doesn't mean it is wise.
I want to encourage all of us, to not get wrapped up and caught up in the rhetoric and roar of the media. Regardless of how convincing they may be, they are not our friends and they do not represent the Kingdom that we belong to. They are being used as a wile of the enemy -- snaring us by filling our hearts with anger and anxiety, fear and worry -- creating more division among us and panic in our hearts by pointing the finger, accusation, and slander.
Be informed, but don't be consumed.
Jesus is King. Jesus is Lord.
Garrett Prechtl
Senior Pastor
VENUE CHURCH COVID-19 April UPDATE
Venue Church Family,
In alignment with our governors and county officials request, request as well as the advice of healthcare specialists, we have decided to temporarily suspend all of our physical gatherings at Venue Church and move to a live, online church model. It is important during this time to remain calm and know that we are taking preventative measures to lessen the impact of COVID-19. These precautions are being put in place nationally to help manage the fixed nature of our healthcare system capacity. This decision is also a reflection of our desire to be “good neighbors” and citizens of the community around us.
At this time, we are closing our Steamboat and Hayden Campuses until further notice. We will continue to follow the recommendations of the State of Colorado, Routt County, and the Center for Disease Control for how best to respond to the developing situation.
While our locations may be closed for the time being, church is still happening! We understand this can be an unsettling time, and it’s in times like these that we are so grateful for our online church experience and the relationships that we have within our Groups. Please reach out to your Group and people you know to offer your support, encouragement, and prayer! Our hope is that our community would gather online and find other encouraging ways to connect even when it’s difficult to gather in large spaces and settings like we are used to.
Live, online services will continue to happen every at 10:00AM[MST] and can be accessed by clicking on the IN-home, ON-line Church image, on the home page. We encourage you to watch with your family and share with friends so that they can join in too. This is also a massive opportunity to bring the Presence of God right into their homes at a time when people are searching for hope. In addition to our online services, a vKids is experience in updated every week so that you can lead your children at home as well and continue their growth in the Lord.
On our website there are multiple resources that we want to encourage you to use, including two live prayer meetings every morning and evening. The morning prayer meeting is hosted by Radiant Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan from 8:00-9:00AM[EST], Monday through Thursday and they keep them up so we can join them at any time during the day. The evening prayer meeting is hosted by Life Mission Church in Olathe, Kansas from 7:00-8:00PM[CST]. This is an excellent way for you and your family to start and finish your day; by unifying with our extended Church Families in prayer -- crying out to God for a breakthrough. Both prayer meetings can be accessed via our IN-Home, ON-Line Church page. We’ll be praying for faith to arise and continued health over our community, nation, and government as we’re all going through this unprecedented time. In Isaiah 60, God calls us to Arise, Shine, for our light has come. This is a perfect opportunity for us to help provide hope and healing to our community. We hope that you’re able to make these powerful times of online prayer meetings a part of your family’s morning, as well as join us for our IN-Home, ON-Line service each weekend. We’re so grateful for technology that allows us to continue to have church online and know that God will still meet us as we worship together!
If you have any questions for the Venue Church team, please connect with us via direct message @VenueChurchSB or by emailing us at hello@venuechurch.org.
If you have questions about what is happening in Colorado or the Yampa Valley, how the virus is spread, and what we all can do to help prevent its spread, information and answers to frequently asked questions are available on the State of Colorado, County, CDC, and World Health Organizations websites:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
https://www.nih.gov/health-information/coronavirus
We love you and are working tirelessly to offer you opportunities to connect with us and others online, get the help and ministry you need, and walk in peace during this time. We’re praying for continued health and safety with you all!
Garrett Prechtl
Senior Pastor