Latest Update from Pastor Evan (12/3/20)
Greetings Friends!
As we head into the final weeks of 2020 and continue our journey through the season of Advent, I want to provide you with the latest COVID-update regarding worship at Pierce.
First, our Administrative Council has made the decision to keep our 10:30am worship service entirely online for the remainder of the year. Though difficult, we believe this is an important decision that is in the best interest of our community’s physical health at this time. We hope you will continue to join us for a full, live-streamed worship experience every Sunday at 10:30am.
Second, we know how important the opportunity to gather in physical worship is for some during this challenging time of life. To that end, and in consultation with our local health department, we will be re-opening our in-person 8:30am worship service beginning this Sunday. This service is abbreviated to 30 minutes (one hymn, sermon, and prayer) and we ask that you wear a mask and remain physically distant from those not in your household. Again, we want to strongly encourage you to worship online as you’re able, but are glad to create this space for a safe, in-person gathering for those who need it.
Third, it goes without saying that our Christmas Eve services will look very different this year. Please stay tuned for more details coming soon as we prepare to celebrate the One who comes into world and calls a weary world to rejoice.
Thank you for your continued flexibility, grace, generosity, and prayers during this challenging year. God has been faithful to sustain and will continue to lovingly lead us in the days ahead.
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Evan
As we head into the final weeks of 2020 and continue our journey through the season of Advent, I want to provide you with the latest COVID-update regarding worship at Pierce.
First, our Administrative Council has made the decision to keep our 10:30am worship service entirely online for the remainder of the year. Though difficult, we believe this is an important decision that is in the best interest of our community’s physical health at this time. We hope you will continue to join us for a full, live-streamed worship experience every Sunday at 10:30am.
Second, we know how important the opportunity to gather in physical worship is for some during this challenging time of life. To that end, and in consultation with our local health department, we will be re-opening our in-person 8:30am worship service beginning this Sunday. This service is abbreviated to 30 minutes (one hymn, sermon, and prayer) and we ask that you wear a mask and remain physically distant from those not in your household. Again, we want to strongly encourage you to worship online as you’re able, but are glad to create this space for a safe, in-person gathering for those who need it.
Third, it goes without saying that our Christmas Eve services will look very different this year. Please stay tuned for more details coming soon as we prepare to celebrate the One who comes into world and calls a weary world to rejoice.
Thank you for your continued flexibility, grace, generosity, and prayers during this challenging year. God has been faithful to sustain and will continue to lovingly lead us in the days ahead.
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Evan
Plans for Re-Opening the Building (7/2)
We are excited to start gathering for worship inside the building again beginning this Sunday, July 5th! As we are just a few days away, we wanted to share the following information with you:
We know these are unusual and challenging times, but we thank you for your cooperation, flexibility, and show of grace as we live into the new normal of our current situation. See you for worship on Sunday!
Pastor Evan
- If you are medically at-risk, showing any symptoms of COVID-19, or are not ready to be in a large group setting, please continue to worship online with us at 10:30am by visiting our YouTube channel or Facebook page. If you’re joining us in person, we strongly encourage wearing a mask and will have them available for those who may not have one.
- We will return to our two service schedule with a short, 30-minute worship service at 8:30am, followed by our 10:30am service with the full worship band. Both services will take place in the sanctuary with thorough cleaning in between. For the time being, there will be no Sunday school, children’s programming, or nursery available, but the whole family is invited to worship together and activity bags will be available for kids who would like them.
- We ask that you arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before the service you are attending and enter through the Main Entrance where doors will be propped open for a no-contact entry. Please note that due to safety concerns, the Café will remain closed for the time being. Thanks for your understanding.
- Once you enter the sanctuary, you will notice the seating arrangement is different as we have worked hard to create space for social distance. Rows and aisles are placed 6 feet apart and we ask that you keep chairs open between your family and those near you. The service will be no-contact as offerings can be given online or placed in wall-mounted deposit boxes and greetings will be given through air-hugs and high-fives!
We know these are unusual and challenging times, but we thank you for your cooperation, flexibility, and show of grace as we live into the new normal of our current situation. See you for worship on Sunday!
Pastor Evan
Important Update from Pastor Evan (6/13)
Greetings Friends!
We are thrilled to welcome you back to the physical Pierce Campus for Outdoor Worship beginning tomorrow, June 14th, at 10:30am! This service will be the first step in our phased re-entry into the actual building. Below are important details for you to know:
I can’t tell you how excited I am to see many of you tomorrow and to continue worshipping online with the rest of you. God is good…all the time!
Pastor Evan
We are thrilled to welcome you back to the physical Pierce Campus for Outdoor Worship beginning tomorrow, June 14th, at 10:30am! This service will be the first step in our phased re-entry into the actual building. Below are important details for you to know:
- Worship will continue to be offered online for those outside our geographical area, those who aren’t quite ready to be around people, and those who are at-risk or have shown any possible symptoms of COVID-19. Live streaming will continue to be available on both Facebook and YouTube.
- If you come to the physical campus, you will have the option of either remaining in your car or sitting in the grassy area, while remaining socially distant. When you enter the parking lot, you will be asked what you desire to do and directed to the proper parking area.
- Please respect and maintain social distancing. Facemasks are optional, but recommended. Hand sanitizer stations will also be available. We ask that you remain 6 feet away from those outside your circle and greet each other in no-contact ways, like air high-fives and hugs!
- We will be celebrating Holy Communion together! To limit points of contact, we ask that you please bring your own elements. Any sort of crackers/bread and juice will work great.
I can’t tell you how excited I am to see many of you tomorrow and to continue worshipping online with the rest of you. God is good…all the time!
Pastor Evan
Important Update from Pastor Evan (5/7)
Greetings Friends!
I hope you are doing well and experiencing the peace and hope of Christ in these challenging days. As a part of Indiana’s “Back on Track” plan, a number of phases are outlined for easing COVID-19 restrictions in the weeks and months to come. As a part of that plan, churches are allowed to resume physical gatherings beginning this weekend, provided proper social distancing practices are in place. As a result, many have asked about our plan here at Pierce for re-opening the physical church building. My honest response to that question is “I really don’t know,” as there’s still so much to learn and think through as restrictions are lifted and the implications become more clear. That being said, there are several things I do know and would like to share with you below:
First, based on guidance we have received from Bishop Trimble of the Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church, we will not hold worship services inside our building any sooner than June 14th. I know this is difficult news for many, but please understand this is a decision made entirely out of love for you, your loved ones, and the larger community. As 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us, “God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” As followers of Jesus, we do not answer to fear, yet we are called to exercise wisdom, love, and careful consideration for others. Just this week, we have been made aware of the first confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our church community...this has served as an important reminder to our church leadership as we seek to be faithful to God and each other in our ministry context. When it comes to how churches respond to restrictions being lifted, there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach, so we appreciate your grace and understanding as we lead in ways we feel are most appropriate for Pierce in this uncharted territory.
Second, the church continues to be about the people, not the building...this is a critical reminder as our current experience continues. We recognize a core element of our faith is the importance of gathering physically together in worship. We grieve that we still cannot do that for a season, but refuse to neglect meeting together. Instead, the act of “meeting together” will simply look different for a while longer. We are continuing to discern how the Lord is at work among us, creating new opportunities for connection in the weeks and months to come.
Third, as we discern these new ways of being the church and joining in the ongoing work of God in our midst, we invite you to a week of church-wide prayer and fasting beginning this Sunday, May 10th. We are desperate to walk deeply in the way of Jesus, and believe God is inviting all of us into a time of dedicated, intentional, and bold prayer. This is not a time for standing on the sidelines or sitting in the bleachers as a bystander. This is an “all hands on deck” moment and an invitation for you to step onto the playing field. Why do we exist? Where is God already at work? What is the Lord’s will for us in this season? Help us discern and discover the answers together. More details about this will be shared very soon, especially during livestream worship on May 10th. The Lord is at work in powerful ways among us, and we are praying for and seeking a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit in these days.
This is a season of life that will continue to require a collective spirit of faith, trust, grace, hope, prayer, humility, commitment, and resiliency. In all of this, our primary goal is not to be focused on how soon we can get back into the building, but rather, how deep can we grow in our love for Jesus and others? The road ahead is uncertain, but we are filled with excitement as we follow the One who is steadfast and faithful. Will you join us in the journey?
With Deep Love,
Pastor Evan
I hope you are doing well and experiencing the peace and hope of Christ in these challenging days. As a part of Indiana’s “Back on Track” plan, a number of phases are outlined for easing COVID-19 restrictions in the weeks and months to come. As a part of that plan, churches are allowed to resume physical gatherings beginning this weekend, provided proper social distancing practices are in place. As a result, many have asked about our plan here at Pierce for re-opening the physical church building. My honest response to that question is “I really don’t know,” as there’s still so much to learn and think through as restrictions are lifted and the implications become more clear. That being said, there are several things I do know and would like to share with you below:
First, based on guidance we have received from Bishop Trimble of the Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church, we will not hold worship services inside our building any sooner than June 14th. I know this is difficult news for many, but please understand this is a decision made entirely out of love for you, your loved ones, and the larger community. As 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us, “God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” As followers of Jesus, we do not answer to fear, yet we are called to exercise wisdom, love, and careful consideration for others. Just this week, we have been made aware of the first confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our church community...this has served as an important reminder to our church leadership as we seek to be faithful to God and each other in our ministry context. When it comes to how churches respond to restrictions being lifted, there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach, so we appreciate your grace and understanding as we lead in ways we feel are most appropriate for Pierce in this uncharted territory.
Second, the church continues to be about the people, not the building...this is a critical reminder as our current experience continues. We recognize a core element of our faith is the importance of gathering physically together in worship. We grieve that we still cannot do that for a season, but refuse to neglect meeting together. Instead, the act of “meeting together” will simply look different for a while longer. We are continuing to discern how the Lord is at work among us, creating new opportunities for connection in the weeks and months to come.
Third, as we discern these new ways of being the church and joining in the ongoing work of God in our midst, we invite you to a week of church-wide prayer and fasting beginning this Sunday, May 10th. We are desperate to walk deeply in the way of Jesus, and believe God is inviting all of us into a time of dedicated, intentional, and bold prayer. This is not a time for standing on the sidelines or sitting in the bleachers as a bystander. This is an “all hands on deck” moment and an invitation for you to step onto the playing field. Why do we exist? Where is God already at work? What is the Lord’s will for us in this season? Help us discern and discover the answers together. More details about this will be shared very soon, especially during livestream worship on May 10th. The Lord is at work in powerful ways among us, and we are praying for and seeking a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit in these days.
This is a season of life that will continue to require a collective spirit of faith, trust, grace, hope, prayer, humility, commitment, and resiliency. In all of this, our primary goal is not to be focused on how soon we can get back into the building, but rather, how deep can we grow in our love for Jesus and others? The road ahead is uncertain, but we are filled with excitement as we follow the One who is steadfast and faithful. Will you join us in the journey?
With Deep Love,
Pastor Evan
Statement from Pastor Evan (3/17)
Greetings Pierce Family!
It feels as though the world is changing hour by hour with new updates regarding closures, protocols, CDC recommendations, government guidelines, and so forth. As I arrived at church on Monday morning, I found myself with a new outlook on my work, trying to figure out a different approach to ministry in this crazy world of COVID-19. I know I’m not alone. Yet in the midst of the storm, I find myself with a heart of trust and peace for how this change in life could serve as an opportunity to better connect with God and others. If you haven’t already, please watch our March 15th online worship experience in which I held a “sermon conversation” with Hope Brown, Kevin Duecker, and Jeff Aupperle about finding and sharing the peace of Christ in the midst of the storm. You can find the video on our social media accounts, website, or YouTube page. We pray it is a blessing to you and your family!
As we move forward in this new season, I want to update you on temporary changes coming to the Pierce Church family. Please know these decisions are made in a spirit of prayer and faithful discernment to do what is wise, thoughtful, respectful to government authorities, obedient to God, and in the best interest of each other. Below is pertinent information for you as our church seeks to help “flatten the curve” and protect our community:
Cancellation of Events and Gatherings
Effective immediately and until further notice, we are suspending all physical events and gatherings in our building, including Sunday morning worship. We are doing our best to abide by the protocols and directives established by the Center for Disease Control, Governor Holcomb, and Bishop Julius Trimble of the Indiana United Methodist Church. How long will this last? To be honest, we’re not sure, but we know it will continue for at least the next four weeks. Unfortunately, this will include Easter, but we’re going to have a great celebration once we’re able to gather again! As a result of this closure, our Sunday worship will move exclusively online at 10:30am every Sunday…more information is available on that below. We will continue to monitor this decision and will be sure to update you with any changes.
Church Online Platform
As of today, we have launched a new online livestream page for worship services at https://piercechurch.online.church/. We intend for this to become our virtual hub for gathering in worship over the coming weeks. It includes the ability to watch our services, chat with others, request prayer, give, and connect virtually in other ways. We are excited about how this platform will continue to bring us together during this season.
Opportunities to Give
I know these are difficult times, but I urge you to please continue financially supporting the church in the weeks and months to come. While we will take measures to reduce operating costs, there is still a physical building to support, staff to pay, and outreach ministries to facilitate. This is the moment for the church to rise up in caring for the vulnerable, serving the community, and shining the light of Christ. Simply put, your gifts are what will make that happen. Please remember your commitment and call to give generously. You can either mail checks to the church or give online by visiting www.piercechurch.org. Remember: we get to!
Loving Our Community
We desire to radically love and serve our community as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in the midst of these uncertain times. First of all, if you are vulnerable or at-risk and in need of some sort of assistance during this season, please call the church office at 765-998-2985 or email office@piercechurch.org. We will find a way to help you…please reach out. I encourage all of you to please check on your neighbors, call up your friends, and keep an eye out for those who are at-risk among us. We are actively discerning how we can collectively love and serve our community in this season and will be sure to let you know of different opportunities as they arise.
Resources for You
I know this is a surreal experience. If at any time you are in need of pastoral care, a word of prayer, or simply someone to talk to, please call the church office or email me at evan.guse@inumc.org and we will set up a time to get in touch. As your pastor and on behalf of the staff, know that we love you and desire to support you the best we can in these weeks and months. For more resources and to stay up-to-date on church events, please follow our social media accounts and visit www.piercechurch.org/updates. This page will be regularly updated with discipleship tools, family resources, church information, and other helpful links. This will be the digital information hub during this season, so check back often.
Radical Reorientation
Please understand that Pierce Church is not shutting down! Instead, we are activating as the body of Christ in new and exciting ways for a unique and challenging season. This is the time for radical reorientation and for reimagining social distancing as a time for deeper connection with God and others. The Holy Spirit is with us and we’ll get through this together! As Paul writes in Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Evan
It feels as though the world is changing hour by hour with new updates regarding closures, protocols, CDC recommendations, government guidelines, and so forth. As I arrived at church on Monday morning, I found myself with a new outlook on my work, trying to figure out a different approach to ministry in this crazy world of COVID-19. I know I’m not alone. Yet in the midst of the storm, I find myself with a heart of trust and peace for how this change in life could serve as an opportunity to better connect with God and others. If you haven’t already, please watch our March 15th online worship experience in which I held a “sermon conversation” with Hope Brown, Kevin Duecker, and Jeff Aupperle about finding and sharing the peace of Christ in the midst of the storm. You can find the video on our social media accounts, website, or YouTube page. We pray it is a blessing to you and your family!
As we move forward in this new season, I want to update you on temporary changes coming to the Pierce Church family. Please know these decisions are made in a spirit of prayer and faithful discernment to do what is wise, thoughtful, respectful to government authorities, obedient to God, and in the best interest of each other. Below is pertinent information for you as our church seeks to help “flatten the curve” and protect our community:
Cancellation of Events and Gatherings
Effective immediately and until further notice, we are suspending all physical events and gatherings in our building, including Sunday morning worship. We are doing our best to abide by the protocols and directives established by the Center for Disease Control, Governor Holcomb, and Bishop Julius Trimble of the Indiana United Methodist Church. How long will this last? To be honest, we’re not sure, but we know it will continue for at least the next four weeks. Unfortunately, this will include Easter, but we’re going to have a great celebration once we’re able to gather again! As a result of this closure, our Sunday worship will move exclusively online at 10:30am every Sunday…more information is available on that below. We will continue to monitor this decision and will be sure to update you with any changes.
Church Online Platform
As of today, we have launched a new online livestream page for worship services at https://piercechurch.online.church/. We intend for this to become our virtual hub for gathering in worship over the coming weeks. It includes the ability to watch our services, chat with others, request prayer, give, and connect virtually in other ways. We are excited about how this platform will continue to bring us together during this season.
Opportunities to Give
I know these are difficult times, but I urge you to please continue financially supporting the church in the weeks and months to come. While we will take measures to reduce operating costs, there is still a physical building to support, staff to pay, and outreach ministries to facilitate. This is the moment for the church to rise up in caring for the vulnerable, serving the community, and shining the light of Christ. Simply put, your gifts are what will make that happen. Please remember your commitment and call to give generously. You can either mail checks to the church or give online by visiting www.piercechurch.org. Remember: we get to!
Loving Our Community
We desire to radically love and serve our community as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in the midst of these uncertain times. First of all, if you are vulnerable or at-risk and in need of some sort of assistance during this season, please call the church office at 765-998-2985 or email office@piercechurch.org. We will find a way to help you…please reach out. I encourage all of you to please check on your neighbors, call up your friends, and keep an eye out for those who are at-risk among us. We are actively discerning how we can collectively love and serve our community in this season and will be sure to let you know of different opportunities as they arise.
Resources for You
I know this is a surreal experience. If at any time you are in need of pastoral care, a word of prayer, or simply someone to talk to, please call the church office or email me at evan.guse@inumc.org and we will set up a time to get in touch. As your pastor and on behalf of the staff, know that we love you and desire to support you the best we can in these weeks and months. For more resources and to stay up-to-date on church events, please follow our social media accounts and visit www.piercechurch.org/updates. This page will be regularly updated with discipleship tools, family resources, church information, and other helpful links. This will be the digital information hub during this season, so check back often.
Radical Reorientation
Please understand that Pierce Church is not shutting down! Instead, we are activating as the body of Christ in new and exciting ways for a unique and challenging season. This is the time for radical reorientation and for reimagining social distancing as a time for deeper connection with God and others. The Holy Spirit is with us and we’ll get through this together! As Paul writes in Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Evan
Statement from Pastor Evan Guse (3/13)
Dear Church Family,
What an interesting week this has been! As information has continued to become available regarding the spread of COVID-19, it has become abundantly clear that churches have a unique responsibility and opportunity to love and serve their neighbors in the midst of uncertain times. While fear and panic are prevalent, we desire to make decisions that are wise and well-informed, while remaining deeply rooted in the peace and trust found in following Jesus Christ.
That being said, we have made several important decisions regarding the life of our church that we would like to update you on. First, due to Governor Holcomb restricting gatherings of groups larger than 250 people, we have made the decision to cancel our physical worship services on Sunday, March 15th. Instead, we will host a livestream worship experience on our YouTube page at 10:30am Sunday morning, something we will share more about very soon. Additionally, all events and gatherings held at the Pierce Campus through March 21st have been cancelled. By following these social distancing protocols, we especially hope to protect the elderly and at-risk among us. Both of these decisions were made in prayer and in-depth conversation about what is best for our church and community. We thank you for your understanding.
With this in mind, the life of Pierce Church is not coming to a halt. Instead, we are praying about how we might be able to imagine and embrace new creative opportunities to grow in and share the love of Jesus Christ. We will share more about this vision for loving and serving our community in our March 15th livestream service, as well as continued communication through various forms. For the latest updates, you can check our social media accounts, watch your email inbox, or visit our website at www.piercechurch.org/updates.
These are interesting and challenging times, but we walk in confidence and faith that God loves and cares for us more than we can imagine. May the peace and hope of Jesus Christ fill your hearts, even in the midst of life’s questions and struggles. We’ll be back in touch very soon.
Pastor Evan
What an interesting week this has been! As information has continued to become available regarding the spread of COVID-19, it has become abundantly clear that churches have a unique responsibility and opportunity to love and serve their neighbors in the midst of uncertain times. While fear and panic are prevalent, we desire to make decisions that are wise and well-informed, while remaining deeply rooted in the peace and trust found in following Jesus Christ.
That being said, we have made several important decisions regarding the life of our church that we would like to update you on. First, due to Governor Holcomb restricting gatherings of groups larger than 250 people, we have made the decision to cancel our physical worship services on Sunday, March 15th. Instead, we will host a livestream worship experience on our YouTube page at 10:30am Sunday morning, something we will share more about very soon. Additionally, all events and gatherings held at the Pierce Campus through March 21st have been cancelled. By following these social distancing protocols, we especially hope to protect the elderly and at-risk among us. Both of these decisions were made in prayer and in-depth conversation about what is best for our church and community. We thank you for your understanding.
With this in mind, the life of Pierce Church is not coming to a halt. Instead, we are praying about how we might be able to imagine and embrace new creative opportunities to grow in and share the love of Jesus Christ. We will share more about this vision for loving and serving our community in our March 15th livestream service, as well as continued communication through various forms. For the latest updates, you can check our social media accounts, watch your email inbox, or visit our website at www.piercechurch.org/updates.
These are interesting and challenging times, but we walk in confidence and faith that God loves and cares for us more than we can imagine. May the peace and hope of Jesus Christ fill your hearts, even in the midst of life’s questions and struggles. We’ll be back in touch very soon.
Pastor Evan