Bridge Youth Update

Hello Parents,

I am sure many of you didn’t want to even think about having to navigate another lockdown, and neither did I. Reflecting on our current situation, I was reminded of the One who sits on the Throne. Although things seem to be dragging out, God is still very much in control, working things out for His good (Rom 8:28). So be encouraged and continue to seek God for your perfect peace (Isa. 26:3; Phil. 4:7).

I am writing this to give you an update on the Youth Ministry and how we will respond to the new restrictions in effect. Currently, the staff and board agree with continuing in-person services for youth on Friday nights. Since our Youth Nights are considered a “religious service,” we can continue to gather per the new restrictions. However, as always, we will constantly be evaluating the situation. Our priorities will always be to ensure the safety of the youth while doing our best to meet them where they’re at.

What to Expect On Friday

In response to the new restrictions, the following changes will be in place:

• Medical-grade masks (or better) are now required. Youth who do not have a mask that meets this requirement will be provided with a disposable medical mask upon arrival.
• Physical distancing will be structured into the nightly program by keeping youth in smaller distanced groups throughout the night with an adult youth leader.
• For dismissal and pick-up, youth will stay in their smaller distanced small group until picked up. So, we ask that parents do their best to be on time when picking up their children.

Screening

Parents can continue to help us create a safe environment during our youth nights by not allowing their children to attend a night if they are showing symptoms or have come into close contact with someone who has shown symptoms/tested positive.

Friday Small Groups and Absent Leaders

Some small groups may have a leader absent on a given Friday. In these situations, we will have another small group leader cover that group or will have that group join another small group for the night of physically distanced fellowship. This ensures that all youth who come on a Friday will have a meaningful time together.

Comfortability

We understand that there are parents and youth who are not yet comfortable with returning to in-person. So, we will be encouraging our Small Group Leaders to make alternative arrangements to check in with the youth in their group who will not be in person over the next few Fridays.

Please continue to stay up to date by reading the weekly Parent Emails. If you are not on the parent email list, we would love to get you added, and you can do so by emailing [email protected]. As well, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me personally at [email protected].

Grace and Peace, 

Pastor Rod 

Pastor of Student Ministries