UPDATES ON COVID-19 RESPONSE
5/20/20 Update from Consistory on Reopening Church
The Consistory met on Tuesday night to finalize a plan for the church to restart services in the building. After many discussions we reached a clear consensus on the following points. Please understand there are many other options we could have taken, and I think we discussed them all. Given our situation this is what “seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us.” (Acts 15:28)
What precautions should people take when coming to a service?
Here are things that the church will be doing to help provide as safe of an environment as possible for worship.
3/24/20 Update from Alto Reformed Church
Yes, we have more updates, but before we get to those take a deep breath and reflect with me…
“The Lord our God is near when we ask him to help us. No other nation has a god like that!” Deut. 4:7 ERV
Ponder that verse. Read it again nice and slow.
Did you notice God doesn’t just meet their need? He doesn’t just fix the problem. HE IS NEAR! He is present with them. How much more God has poured out his Spirit to be present in us (Eph. 1:13) now than in the Old Testament times!
Did you notice there is a stipulation? For the Jews, God’s presence was, at least most of the time, dependent on a request for help and a heart seeking God. How much more will God fill us with his Spirit as we, in Christ, come before him in humility (Eph. 5:19-21). You are not alone! God is present with you. Join me in praising our God in the midst of this storm as there is no other god like our God! (Deut. 4:35)
At the same time, we need each other. Connecting with other believers is essential. That’s why the staff is working so hard to create opportunities for you to connect, grow and serve.
May the Lord encourage and strengthen you today,
Pastor Kevin
Office Hours: Due to the Shelter at Home order effective March 25, 2020, the church staff will be working from home and the church will be locked. If you need anything, please feel free to contact any staff member via email, phone call or text.
Pastor Kevin Van Wyk (319) 464-4673 kevin@altoreformedchurch.org
Pastor Doug Shotsky (740) 604-0476 doug@altoreformedchurch.org
Adrea Daane (920) 296-1624 adrea@altoreformedchurch.org
Jessa Ter Beest (920) 979-1853 jessa@altoreformedchurch.org
Megan Vande Zande (920) 210-9922 office@altoreformedchurch.org
How to stay connected: The staff is continuing to do their best to keep you connected and growing in Christ. We will continue to share content via Facebook and have set-up the below schedule. There will be other content shared there as well, but this is the schedule for Live or Premiere videos where you can interact with the staff. We will do our best to make some of these available on our YouTube channel as well. If you do not have a Facebook account, but have internet access, we urge you to get one to stay connected with the church. Please follow the instructions here.
If you know of a member who doesn’t have internet access, but they’d like to get the sermons on a CD or DVD, please let Megan know.
Facebook Premiere Schedule:
Sundays
Sunday Service – 9:30am
Youth Group Lesson – 6pm
Mondays
Munchkin Mondays – 4pm
Tuesdays
Tough Question Tuesday – 7pm
Wednesdays
Worship Song – 1pm
Worship Message – 6:30pm
Thursdays
Thankful Thursday – 8am
Fridays
Fun Friday – random times
Saturdays
Super Saturday Bible Trivia – 2pm
Zoom Prayer: We encourage you to join Pastor Kevin for prayer on Zoom each week. We spend time sharing prayer concerns and then praying for them, but don’t worry, you can pray silently. You will be blessed J
·To attend the Tuesday prayer meeting: Click https://zoom.us/j/596095017 or call +1312-626-6799 and input the Meeting ID: 596 095 017.
·To attend the Wednesday prayer meeting: Click https://zoom.us/j/570484327or call +1312-626-6799 and input the Meeting ID: 570 484 327.
Yes, you can use any phone to call in and join us for prayer!
Offerings: Thank you to all who have brought offerings to the church! We are blessed to be part of a church that values generosity even in difficult times. With all the uncertainty, it is very tempting to hold on to what we have in fear of there not being enough. But this is what faith is all about, trusting God when things look bleak. Keep trusting. (If you are struggling, please contact the staff or a deacon as we do not want anyone to go hungry.)
You may still mail in your offering as the mail will be checked daily. Another option for giving is to sign-up to give via direct payment to the autopay account. The required form is attached if you’d like to go this route. To turn in the form please fill it out completely and then either a) mail it to the church (let Megan know you did this, so we can be on the lookout for it), b) drop it off at Megan’s home (contact Megan prior to arrange this), or c) send it via a secure email (do NOT just send it as an attachment in a regular email).
The second quarter benevolent schedule is attached as well.
A Simple Guide to Using Tech in Our New Reality
1.What is Facebook?
Facebook is social media platform used to connect with other people. You can choose who you want to be “friends” with and which business pages you’d like to view. Your friends and businesses can send messages and you have access to information they post. It can be a really good thing given the mandated isolation we face. Connect with us at www.facebook.com/AltoReformedChurch/
2.What is Facebook Live?
It is a live stream video on Facebook allowing you to interact with the people in the video and the other people viewing the video. Jessa uses this for Bible Trivia. She asks questions and participants type responses. It’s a fun way to connect.
3.What is Facebook Premiere?
It is a pre-recorded video on Facebook allowing you to interact with the other people viewing the video. We will be using this more as it provides a better quality video than Facebook Live.
4.What is Zoom?
Zoom is a platform/software program for video and audio conferencing. You can have a meeting with multiple people using computers, tablets, smart phones and/or a regular landline phone. It’s a great way to connect. Small groups and Sunday school teachers should consider using this or the www.freeconferencecall.com.
03/19/20
Essential Update from Alto
I could never have imagined such a moment of chaos in our nation! Our gods of sports, entertainment, food, and comfort have been removed. Suddenly we are in uncharted waters, the storm gaining strength, and our Messiah seems to be sleeping in the back of the boat (Mark 4:35…). Jesus is asking us, as he did his disciples “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Jesus used many storms and challenges to build faith in his disciples and I believe that is what he is doing right now.
With the current state mandate (effective 3/17/20) restricting gatherings of more than 10 people, we have a new challenge in how we help you grow your faith. All events and activities at Alto Reformed Church are cancelled pending a change in the mandate. However, we are providing many options for you to grow and connect. There are even a few options for those who only have a phone.
Here is our current plan:
Be encouraged! You are not in this alone. Our God can calm the wind and waves. Let’s join him in the back of the boat to see what he might do!
In Christ,
Pastor Kevin & staff
03/14/20
Update from Alto…
I pray you are doing well and preparing for the upcoming weeks. With the school’s closings, I want to clarify what steps Alto Reformed Church will be taking. I’ve consulted with several leaders and staff to hopefully cover our bases well here.
May God give you peace and joy through these troubled time,
Pastor Kevin
EXTRA RESOURCES FOR SUNDAY:
03/13/20
Dear church,
Panic is sweeping our nation and the world. Some are calling for massive shutdowns to protect the elderly and others are concerned about the effects on the economy. Regardless, as Christians we must remember two things…
Do not fear
Paul wrote to Timothy, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Tim. 1:7 NLT) We have hope! Do not let the voice of the media overshadow the voice of God in your life. The Word of God speaks hope into our souls, so please join us in our Lenten Gospel Reading Challenge. Yesterday we started the Gospel of Mark and it’s a great time to jump in with us.
Help others
We have been given a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. This is what enables us to respond as the good Samaritan in trouble situations. It’s tempting to hunker down and take care of your own family. I urge you to think beyond your fears and consider how you can help others who are struggling. Consider…
Our Response:
Staff and several consistory members met today to discuss our response. We concluded…
We will continue meeting for worship unless the government requires closing. Currently they recommend no gatherings over 250. We urge those who are sick, those with autoimmune disease, and the elderly to stay home and watch the service on Facebook Live. NO ONE is required to come Sunday.
Youth and kid programs will continue to meet unless Waupun schools close.
We will hold the Informational meeting regarding the RCA, Classis, and the Denver Collaborative on Sunday at 10:45am.
We are postponing the Volunteer Dinner to a later date yet to be determined.
We will continue to monitor things and appreciate your efforts to keep others safe.
In Christ,
Pastor Kevin
Never forget… “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deut. 31:8)
The Consistory met on Tuesday night to finalize a plan for the church to restart services in the building. After many discussions we reached a clear consensus on the following points. Please understand there are many other options we could have taken, and I think we discussed them all. Given our situation this is what “seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us.” (Acts 15:28)
What precautions should people take when coming to a service?
- If you are sick or have been tested for Covid-19 and do not have the results PLEASE STAY HOME.
- If you are more medically vulnerable or over the age of 65 we urge you to be cautious when coming to church. We would encourage you to wear a mask, gloves, or any other form of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) that you deem necessary for your safety at a worship service.
- We ask that everyone who comes to church to please use your best judgment and decide for yourself if it is safe for you and/or your family to come to church. If you do not feel comfortable coming in person we encourage you to watch on Facebook, the church website, or request a DVD or CD to be sent to you.
Here are things that the church will be doing to help provide as safe of an environment as possible for worship.
- We will begin to host in-person services at 9:30am starting on 5/24. We will host Facebook Premiere services for the next 3 weeks or until Facebook Live is functioning. (We are working on getting better internet and improving the audio and video for Facebook Live.)
- We will use worship videos of our teams and ask attendees to not sing. (We realize this will be very different, but felt it was best for the next 3 weeks. Consistory will meet on June 9, sooner if needed, to evaluate and plan for future services.)
- Be prepared for some hiccups. This plan may need to change, and things may not work as we hope. Please be patient as we navigate this shift.
- A seating chart was put together to figure out the best way to utilize the seating that we have in the sanctuary to allow for the maximum amount of people and still be socially distant. Please understand that “your usual seat” may not be available because of the social distancing rules. There will be benches that will be blocked off as we will use every 3rd pew.
- NO GREETERS OF ANY KIND. Instead of greeters, one person should be placed by each of the 3 main entrances and open the doors for people as they come into church. We want to avoid multiple people touching the doors. Parking assistance will be available. After the service you are asked to disperse using all exits so not to crowd the main lobby.
- The basement will be closed off to keep everyone on the main floor. With only having worship service there is no need for anyone to go into the basement which means we would have less to clean and sanitize.
- Bulletins will be available on a stand by the entrances into the sanctuary.
- Hymnals and Bibles will be removed from the benches to eliminate the need for more cleaning. Members are encouraged to bring their own Bibles with them.
- We will not be passing the offering plate. There are 3 boxes that will be hanging in the fellowship areas that we ask everyone to drop the offering envelope in before the service. A reminder should be given at the end of the service for anyone who has offering to please place it in one of the boxes when they leave.
- Communion will be done using an individually packaged element, a plastic cup of juice with a wafer in the lid. This will be available at the door when you enter.
- There will be no coffee served before or after the service.
- There will be no nursery attendants available. The nursery can be used if a parent needs to take a child out of the service. The toys in the nursery will not be available.
- Groups can use the building, but we ask that you let us know on the whiteboard sign in the lobby if you used a room. Prayer groups are asked to use the prayer room.
3/24/20 Update from Alto Reformed Church
Yes, we have more updates, but before we get to those take a deep breath and reflect with me…
“The Lord our God is near when we ask him to help us. No other nation has a god like that!” Deut. 4:7 ERV
Ponder that verse. Read it again nice and slow.
Did you notice God doesn’t just meet their need? He doesn’t just fix the problem. HE IS NEAR! He is present with them. How much more God has poured out his Spirit to be present in us (Eph. 1:13) now than in the Old Testament times!
Did you notice there is a stipulation? For the Jews, God’s presence was, at least most of the time, dependent on a request for help and a heart seeking God. How much more will God fill us with his Spirit as we, in Christ, come before him in humility (Eph. 5:19-21). You are not alone! God is present with you. Join me in praising our God in the midst of this storm as there is no other god like our God! (Deut. 4:35)
At the same time, we need each other. Connecting with other believers is essential. That’s why the staff is working so hard to create opportunities for you to connect, grow and serve.
May the Lord encourage and strengthen you today,
Pastor Kevin
Office Hours: Due to the Shelter at Home order effective March 25, 2020, the church staff will be working from home and the church will be locked. If you need anything, please feel free to contact any staff member via email, phone call or text.
Pastor Kevin Van Wyk (319) 464-4673 kevin@altoreformedchurch.org
Pastor Doug Shotsky (740) 604-0476 doug@altoreformedchurch.org
Adrea Daane (920) 296-1624 adrea@altoreformedchurch.org
Jessa Ter Beest (920) 979-1853 jessa@altoreformedchurch.org
Megan Vande Zande (920) 210-9922 office@altoreformedchurch.org
How to stay connected: The staff is continuing to do their best to keep you connected and growing in Christ. We will continue to share content via Facebook and have set-up the below schedule. There will be other content shared there as well, but this is the schedule for Live or Premiere videos where you can interact with the staff. We will do our best to make some of these available on our YouTube channel as well. If you do not have a Facebook account, but have internet access, we urge you to get one to stay connected with the church. Please follow the instructions here.
If you know of a member who doesn’t have internet access, but they’d like to get the sermons on a CD or DVD, please let Megan know.
Facebook Premiere Schedule:
Sundays
Sunday Service – 9:30am
Youth Group Lesson – 6pm
Mondays
Munchkin Mondays – 4pm
Tuesdays
Tough Question Tuesday – 7pm
Wednesdays
Worship Song – 1pm
Worship Message – 6:30pm
Thursdays
Thankful Thursday – 8am
Fridays
Fun Friday – random times
Saturdays
Super Saturday Bible Trivia – 2pm
Zoom Prayer: We encourage you to join Pastor Kevin for prayer on Zoom each week. We spend time sharing prayer concerns and then praying for them, but don’t worry, you can pray silently. You will be blessed J
·To attend the Tuesday prayer meeting: Click https://zoom.us/j/596095017 or call +1312-626-6799 and input the Meeting ID: 596 095 017.
·To attend the Wednesday prayer meeting: Click https://zoom.us/j/570484327or call +1312-626-6799 and input the Meeting ID: 570 484 327.
Yes, you can use any phone to call in and join us for prayer!
Offerings: Thank you to all who have brought offerings to the church! We are blessed to be part of a church that values generosity even in difficult times. With all the uncertainty, it is very tempting to hold on to what we have in fear of there not being enough. But this is what faith is all about, trusting God when things look bleak. Keep trusting. (If you are struggling, please contact the staff or a deacon as we do not want anyone to go hungry.)
You may still mail in your offering as the mail will be checked daily. Another option for giving is to sign-up to give via direct payment to the autopay account. The required form is attached if you’d like to go this route. To turn in the form please fill it out completely and then either a) mail it to the church (let Megan know you did this, so we can be on the lookout for it), b) drop it off at Megan’s home (contact Megan prior to arrange this), or c) send it via a secure email (do NOT just send it as an attachment in a regular email).
The second quarter benevolent schedule is attached as well.
A Simple Guide to Using Tech in Our New Reality
1.What is Facebook?
Facebook is social media platform used to connect with other people. You can choose who you want to be “friends” with and which business pages you’d like to view. Your friends and businesses can send messages and you have access to information they post. It can be a really good thing given the mandated isolation we face. Connect with us at www.facebook.com/AltoReformedChurch/
2.What is Facebook Live?
It is a live stream video on Facebook allowing you to interact with the people in the video and the other people viewing the video. Jessa uses this for Bible Trivia. She asks questions and participants type responses. It’s a fun way to connect.
3.What is Facebook Premiere?
It is a pre-recorded video on Facebook allowing you to interact with the other people viewing the video. We will be using this more as it provides a better quality video than Facebook Live.
4.What is Zoom?
Zoom is a platform/software program for video and audio conferencing. You can have a meeting with multiple people using computers, tablets, smart phones and/or a regular landline phone. It’s a great way to connect. Small groups and Sunday school teachers should consider using this or the www.freeconferencecall.com.
03/19/20
Essential Update from Alto
I could never have imagined such a moment of chaos in our nation! Our gods of sports, entertainment, food, and comfort have been removed. Suddenly we are in uncharted waters, the storm gaining strength, and our Messiah seems to be sleeping in the back of the boat (Mark 4:35…). Jesus is asking us, as he did his disciples “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Jesus used many storms and challenges to build faith in his disciples and I believe that is what he is doing right now.
With the current state mandate (effective 3/17/20) restricting gatherings of more than 10 people, we have a new challenge in how we help you grow your faith. All events and activities at Alto Reformed Church are cancelled pending a change in the mandate. However, we are providing many options for you to grow and connect. There are even a few options for those who only have a phone.
Here is our current plan:
- We will continue to provide a Sunday morning worship service via Facebook live which will be available on our YouTube channel either Monday or Tuesday. You can subscribe to our channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTGobcFsjcrNWKZPBSQsM7w
- Staff will be providing devotionals and videos on our Facebook page. This is a great way to connect and be encouraged. We’ve just posted a Hymn Sing and a Praise Service. Check ‘em out!
- Pastor Kevin will host prayer using Zoom on Tuesdays at 8am and Wednesdays at 5:45pm. If you use the video link you may be asked to download software, but just follow the instructions. You can mute your mic and turn off your camera in the bottom section of the screen. The prayer update from the back of the bulletin is attached.
- To attend the Tuesday prayer meeting: Click https://zoom.us/j/596095017 or call +13126266799 and input the Meeting ID: 596 095 017.
- To attend the Wednesday prayer meeting: Click https://zoom.us/j/570484327 or call +13126266799 and input the Meeting ID: 570 484 327.
- Adrea has compiled a list of resources for families and kiddos – see attached.
- RightNow Media is a great resource with an abundance of teaching on any issue you wish to learn about. You can create a free account here and then find videos at www.rightnowmedia.org. If you are wrestling with fear check out The Burden of Fear, session 12 of Traveling Light. If you missed Acts of God this fall, it is a must watch series.
- We want to care well for all and especially shut-ins. Media delivery will be available to the shut-ins as usual, however DVDs will be dropped off at the reception desk of each facility to avoid personal contact. Elders, deacons, and shepherds are also contacting each household. We encourage you to keep in communication with one another and to write letters/make cards for the elderly and health care workers. Addresses are available in your church directory or you may access the church database at www.altoreformedchurch.breezechms.com and login or click create account.
- RCA/Denver Collaborative Update: Pastor Kevin will host two online conversations regarding recent developments in the RCA. This is essential for consistory and our task force, but members are encouraged to join in on Zoom.
- To attend Tuesday at noon: Click https://zoom.us/j/730997428 or call +13126266799 and input the Meeting ID: 730 997 428.
- To attend Tuesday at 7pm: Click https://zoom.us/j/669458754 or call +13126266799 and input the Meeting ID: 669 458 754.
- Don’t forget your Lenten Gospel Reading Challenge. On Friday we hit day 23, but it’s a perfect time to join as we start the Gospel of Luke. Chapters 1 and 2 are longer, but it’s been powerful for our family to hear all the stories of Jesus, so we are working to catch up.J Join us in reading two chapters a day!
Be encouraged! You are not in this alone. Our God can calm the wind and waves. Let’s join him in the back of the boat to see what he might do!
In Christ,
Pastor Kevin & staff
03/14/20
Update from Alto…
I pray you are doing well and preparing for the upcoming weeks. With the school’s closings, I want to clarify what steps Alto Reformed Church will be taking. I’ve consulted with several leaders and staff to hopefully cover our bases well here.
- We will host a barebones church service on Facebook Live this Sunday. The only people involved will be a small praise team and Doug preaching. You may attend, but we strongly encourage you to stay home and watch online, as I will, since I was traveling out of state this week. If we do have trouble with livestreaming, I encourage you to use the resources below and check back later for a video upload.
- We will cancel all other ministries with the service including greeters, ushers, childcare, Walk Out Worship, choir, food service, etc. A plate for offerings will be at the door after the service.
- There will be no other group activities this week, including Sunday school, the Informational Meeting, Alto 2020 Task Force, Jr. High youth, Consistory (Tue.), or Wednesday night activities.
- The staff is preparing to engage more through social media, so check our Facebook page throughout this week.
May God give you peace and joy through these troubled time,
Pastor Kevin
EXTRA RESOURCES FOR SUNDAY:
- Read Pastor Doug’s Scripture passage, Ephesians 4:25-31, and discuss our two key discipleship questions: What is God saying to you? What does God want you to do? You and your kids might also enjoy this overview of Ephesians, https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Content/KidsSeries/336775?episode=1.
- Read the Lenten Gospel Reading Challenge passages for Sunday (Mark 7-8) and discuss our two key discipleship questions: What is God saying to you? What does God want you to do?
- Rightnow Media has thousands of video resources available to you for free. Check it out!
03/13/20
Dear church,
Panic is sweeping our nation and the world. Some are calling for massive shutdowns to protect the elderly and others are concerned about the effects on the economy. Regardless, as Christians we must remember two things…
Do not fear
Paul wrote to Timothy, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Tim. 1:7 NLT) We have hope! Do not let the voice of the media overshadow the voice of God in your life. The Word of God speaks hope into our souls, so please join us in our Lenten Gospel Reading Challenge. Yesterday we started the Gospel of Mark and it’s a great time to jump in with us.
Help others
We have been given a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. This is what enables us to respond as the good Samaritan in trouble situations. It’s tempting to hunker down and take care of your own family. I urge you to think beyond your fears and consider how you can help others who are struggling. Consider…
- Running errands for an elderly neighbor,
- Calling, encouraging, and praying for others in the church,
- Thank those who are working in health care.
Our Response:
Staff and several consistory members met today to discuss our response. We concluded…
We will continue meeting for worship unless the government requires closing. Currently they recommend no gatherings over 250. We urge those who are sick, those with autoimmune disease, and the elderly to stay home and watch the service on Facebook Live. NO ONE is required to come Sunday.
- Choir members, praise team members, Sunday school teachers and any other volunteers should contact their team leader if they will not be at worship.
- There will be no greeters or ushers.
Youth and kid programs will continue to meet unless Waupun schools close.
We will hold the Informational meeting regarding the RCA, Classis, and the Denver Collaborative on Sunday at 10:45am.
We are postponing the Volunteer Dinner to a later date yet to be determined.
We will continue to monitor things and appreciate your efforts to keep others safe.
In Christ,
Pastor Kevin
Never forget… “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deut. 31:8)
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