We meet at 24th street in Cayucos at 10:30am (NOT 10:00) to be precise. (You can get directions here.)

Evidence indicates meeting outside is much safer than indoors—however, we want to do so in a way that creates a safe space for as many as possible, so we have some guidelines we'd like to adhere to...

Here’s what you can expect, and what we need from you:

—Please wear a mask when you first show up, and keep it on until situated (read: sitting down) in your social pod or household group.

—Maintain physical distance of at least 6 feet from those outside of your household or social pod.

—We are working on having worship! If you want to move around during this time, please be mindful of those around you and maintain your distance from others (fortunately, the beach gives us plenty of room to spread out!).

—As hard as it might be, especially after being apart for so long, this is not the season to greet each other with a holy kiss, hug, handshake, high five, etc. Let’s default to greeting one another in non-physical displays of affection (air hugs! air high fives! hearty hellos!).

—We realize that it can be near impossible to enforce a 6-foot distance between little kids, so it’s up to each parent how they want to navigate their children’s social expression with others. Maybe your kiddos (or you!) will have fun with these--there might be Saturday shipping available if you order on time!

—And finally, if you’re not feeling well, showing any COVID symptoms, or have recently been exposed, thank you for staying home this Sunday. We will miss you!

Obviously, there might be awkwardness, but as a doctor friend recently said to me, COVID doesn’t need to be feared but it does need to be respected. If that’s true of COVID, how much more for each of us as brothers and sisters. Each of us has a different threshold and comfort level, and it’s on us as a whole to honor and look out for each other, especially the most vulnerable amongst us. So thank you for agreeing to these ground rules when you decide to show up! 

That being said, if you still don’t feel comfortable meeting in a group, we understand. This won’t be the only chance to gather in person, as over the next few months we’ll alternate between zoom, house church (limited number) gatherings, and if this Sunday goes fairly smoothly, beach church. (If you really don’t want to miss out, one suggestion may be to ask a friend who’s attending to FaceTime or call you from the gathering and you can participate virtually.)

There is solid science revealing that we need social connection (of substance) just like we need food and water, and that loneliness and longing for connection are the emotional equivalents of hunger and thirst. It’s important that we gather, and thank you for your cooperation with what's outlined above if you decide to join us. I know that we will approach this from a posture of grace, poise, and compassion because there is already plenty of strife, mask-shaming (and mask-shaming shaming), and pressure on each of us. We are a community that can rise above and love big. 

Can’t wait to see you there!

Chris