IMPORTANT NOTICE: My email address is timthomas2@gmail.com and my cell number is 740-704-1487.
LIFTING UP JESUS IN SONG
John 15-13 Greater love has no man than this that he lay down His life for His friends!
John 15-13 Greater love has no man than this that he lay down His life for His friends!
Dear Friends of the Guernsey Gospel Jubilee Association
After waiting to see if the rules regarding public gatherings would change, it is apparent that they will not change. Just a few years ago we transitioned to a new venue at the Cambridge City Park and it has been a blessed change. Many enjoy the added park facilities as well as the ease of access. The Guernsey Gospel Jubilee Association's desire is to honor the Lord Jesus Christ while also being in a public venue where countless people will hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. However the venue we use is public, in fact because we are not in a church building our events are public events and fall under a different set of rules. The Cambridge City Park officially remains closed to the public and at the same time the Governor of the State of Ohio has also not changed the ruling regarding public gatherings. That puts the GGJA in a difficult position. The Board of the GGJA decided that we want the public to see that we follow the rules and guidelines for public safety and we honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by willfully submitting to the authorities over us. Simply put we do not want to be praising Jesus in public and at the same time disregarding the rule of law. Our goal is to exhibit the life of Christ in us to all we come into contact with. With that said we have cancelled our Fall Gospel Sings for September 2020. All of our groups and soloists are in agreement with our ruling and ask that you continue to support the GGJA in prayer anticipating the 2021 season where we will once again be united with some of the best singers our area has to offer. Just so you know we have ministries coming from Indiana, West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania and of course our state Ohio. As I spoke to our many singers there was a profound sense of loss in not being able to worship and share Jesus Christ in song. These singers love you and want to strengthen your faith. I encourage you to support their ministries while this pandemic prevents these groups from traveling. If you wish to make contact with any of the groups we offer please contact the GGJA through our email or call Tim Thomas (phone number is on this site). Today I am also posting Governor DeWine's order regarding "public gatherings" and asking for your understanding as we as the Body of Christ endure these difficult times.
MASS GATHERING ORDER:
Governor DeWine announced that Ohio will separate its mass gathering guidance into its own order. Mass gathering guidance was most recently referenced as part of other orders, and combining this information into a stand-alone order will allow citizens to easily find guidance on holding gatherings in a safe manner.
Mass gatherings in Ohio remain limited to 10 people.
"We have seen cases in recent weeks where outbreaks have been connected to informal social gatherings like birthday parties, neighborhood gatherings, graduation parties, weddings, funerals, and gatherings at people’s homes," said Governor DeWine. "The fact remains that this virus spreads when someone with the virus comes in contact with others who don’t yet have it. When we gather together with people outside our households, we increase the likelihood this virus can spread."
The order will still permit Ohioans to go to work, worship, go to school, and acquire goods and services, however, this order will offer clear recommendations on safely holding gatherings.
- Gatherings at a household or family residence should be limited to close friends and family and are recommended to be 10 visitors or less.
- Residents in a red or purple county, as designated by the Ohio Public Health Advisory System, should limit hosting or attending gatherings of any size.
- Wear a mask at all times at gatherings and maintain physical distance.
- Use take out, outdoor dining, or indoor dining only when strict social distancing can be maintained.
- Take extra precautions if you go to bars or nightclubs, where use of masks typically is inconsistent and drinking alcohol can lead to less social distancing.
- Protect anyone with serious medical conditions at home by social distancing at home, wearing a mask, and using high levels of personal hygiene.
- High-risk individuals should take extra precautions to limit the number of people they interact with.
- Make the group of people you interact with most often as small as possible and make sure that they are taking appropriate COVID-19 precautions – even if you are just gathering with family friends or neighbors at your home.
In Christ, Tim Thomas GGJA President
