Resuming Gatherings at Iron Works
As we look toward our county’s stay-at-home order lifting on June 5, we wanted to share with you our plan for resuming gatherings at Iron Works so that you can consider how you can best be a part of furthering the mission we have here in Phoenixville.
We know people have different needs and comfort levels right now, and our goal is to provide a variety of options to ensure that every member of the body of Christ is able to worship as a part of the Iron Works community.
No one knows what the next few months will look like, so will be constantly reevaluating our plans as new information becomes available, updating you on any changes.
Below is the plan our Session has put forth to move us forward in humility, with patience, seeking to balance the priorities of safety and spiritual health. Please, join us in praying that the Lord would continue to unite us in pursuit of the mission we have here in Phoenixville—to preach Christ, love one another, and plant churches.
Home Groups
Beginning June 7
Given the limit on gathering sizes, home groups will provide an even more vital source of community during this transitional time.
Those who are comfortable will gather for a time of fellowship biweekly. Each home group will decide for itself what social distancing measures people are comfortable with.
After the fellowship time, everyone—even those who gathered in person—prays together over zoom from their own homes.
Church Parties
Beginning June 14
With the ability to gather in small groups to worship together, we’re no longer Iron Works at home, we’re now the church at home together.
Anyone can meet at homes to worship together with others on Sunday mornings.
Parties will be organized around home groups, and we will also provide resources to help you find a party if you’re not connected with a group.
Periodically, we will host drive-through communion after the service so those professing belief can receive the sacrament. Our next drive-through communion will take place on June 21 after the service.
Weeknight Outdoor Gatherings
June 17 & July 1 at 7pm
For those who are comfortable gathering in a larger group setting, we’ll be hosting a low-key outdoor gathering in the courtyard at Franklin Commons every other week. We do not expect that the attendance of these gatherings will exceed the limits the state has put in place.
Those who attend are encouraged to social distance, and we’ll have plenty of hand sanitizer and disinfectant around.
We don’t pretend that we can completely control the coronavirus and eliminate all risk, but we can make wise choices to mitigate the risk where possible. That being said, please know that by attending one of these gatherings, you are accepting some risk of getting sick.
Sunday Service
July 5
We’re planning to resume meeting corporately Sunday mornings on July 5 at 10:30am. We will be monitoring conditions in Chester County in the interim, and if they worsen to the extent that we believe gathering is unwise, we will postpone this in-person corporate gathering. By this time, we’ll also have the benefit of data from churches in other states that began gathering on Sunday mornings back in May.
Between Franklin Hall and the Bistro, we have a huge square footage that allows for plenty of space between families.
Livestream
We’ll be continuing the video livestream indefinitely, even once we’re able to gather in person for Sunday worship again for anyone who is unable to or uncomfortable with joining us physically on Sunday mornings.