Vine Church,
We pray you’re staying safe and healthy over these last two months since we’ve last gathered in person. During this time we’re trying our best to follow state and federal guidelines and put the health of our community at the front of our decision making. In response to recent federal and state news regarding churches, we feel it’s important to give an update for The Vine. 

It is our desire and longing to be physically worshiping at church. Your elders meet weekly - some weeks more. We are continually praying and assessing the ever-changing aspects of this pandemic. Our governor’s words this week describing the return of churches in Phase 2 with groups of 50 or less, serves as an important marker for our return. While we don’t have a specific date or details of what our return will look like, we did want to share with you the guiding principles for our decision making.

PATIENCE: In order to seek God‘s wisdom and direction we believe patience is essential. We feel no urgency to make a definitive decision early; nor, are we dragging our heals in fear of making a decision. We are constantly seeking the direction of God.

WITNESS: As citizens and Gospel witnesses to the Seattle area, we want to make sure our decisions speak highly of Jesus to the people we love and serve. As the Seattle area takes on great sacrifice for the health of their neighbors, we as the church want to stand alongside and lend our support. 

SAFETY: The safety of our church members is extremely important. We have many at high risk in the age or medically compromised categories. While each individual is responsible for their decisions, the leadership of the church carries responsibility as well - which we do not take lightly. 

UNITY: In a highly divisive and politicized time, we are praying for unity and peace. We seek to be politically neutral but biblically faithful. We want to make sure the church is not used for any person or party’s political advancement. We won’t all agree with the course of action to take but we must all agree to love one another despite our differences. 

LOGISTICS: When the time is right to gather, the church will look different. The staff and elders have been planning for a return but there continues to be many logistical hurtles to overcome in order follow protocols.

We will continue to update you as God brings us clarity on how to proceed. You’re welcome to send feedback to info@thevinenw.com. Continue to pray with us for our church, region and world - for unity, patience, peace and love.The Vine Elders