As you know, our goal when we returned to in person services a year ago has been to reach as many people as possible and to give every person an opportunity to come to in-person services. Our 9 a.m. mask required service and 10:30 mask optional service did just that! But, now with the change to the masking ordinance in the City of Springfield, a decrease in COVID-19 cases and vaccine availability, both our 9 a.m. and our 10:30 a.m. worship services will be MASK OPTIONAL beginning Sunday, May 30.  

We will offer a mask required section during our 9:00 a.m. service only that can be accessed through Entrance 4 for those in our church family who need that, prefer that and desire that. Why? Because we want to do our best to not hinder anyone from coming to in-person services. 

Also, on Sunday, May 30, our social distancing barriers will also be removed so that we can access all 1,000 seats in our Worship Center.  We’ve been averaging about 371 people in our 10:30 service (our largest service) since Easter, so we will have plenty of room to spread out. In fact, it will be easier to find seats. If you prefer to have more space between you and others, we encourage you to use jackets or a blanket to block off seats around you. Our mezzanine will continue to be open to provide another area to spread out.

In summary, Northside will be mask optional for children through adults, all volunteers and attendees, in all services beginning Sunday May 30, 2021. 

Now, we know COVID is not gone. So, please keep doing what you have done so well – if you are feeling ill or have been exposed, please worship from home. Our services will continue to stream online at 9:00 and 10:30 on Facebook and YouTube, with on demand viewing available throughout the week.

Finally, thank you to so many of you who have shown grace over this past year as we’ve navigated the ups and downs of a pandemic. Thank you for your humility, for serving one another in love and considering others feelings and convictions.

And, may we continue to do that so we stay focused on our mission which is to connect more people to Christ and one another.