Sunday Morning Attendance INformation

Unless otherwise noted, Chatham is open for worship on Sunday mornings, and those who are physically able are welcome to join us for Sunday School at 9 a.m. and worship at 10:30 a.m. For those who may feel ill or are otherwise unable to attend in person, we will continue to broadcast services via Facebook Live. (You do not need a Facebook account to view this page or watch online.)

Please note that while face masks are not presently required, anyone is welcome to wear a mask as desired. Individualized Communion kits remain available at the table just inside the Worship Center doors, and you may take one as you enter if you are uncomfortable coming forward for Communion during the service. Those in attendance may give at the offering box alongside our Welcome Center kiosk in the entry foyer, or anyone may utilize our online giving options.


Childcare is available through age 3 throughout the morning, and Children's Church for 4 years to 2nd grade is released during the service.

For information about activities throughout the week, view our Calendar.

Please see below for the most recent updates from our elders.

1.7.22
Elder Update

Dear Chatham family,


In light of the recent increase in COVID cases in our church and our community, the elders encourage everyone in our congregation to follow appropriate practices for their own safety as well as the safety of those around them. If you are showing any symptoms, please stay home and join the worship service online via Facebook Live. (You do not have to have a Facebook account to watch our livestream). If you have been exposed or tested positive for COVID, please follow the CDC guidelines.


The January 5th St. Louis County Face Covering Order (https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/public-health/covid-19/public-health-orders/face-covering-order-01-05-2022/) focuses on the individual responsibility to wear a mask at public gatherings indoors and does not require organizations, including churches, to enforce masks. Our policy remains unchanged in that we leave it up to the individual whether to comply with the order.


We believe that the biblical mandate is to love one another and do what is best for each other and for others in our community. Let's continue to seek the Spirit's guidance on specific individual and corporate decisions.


-Pastor Sergei on behalf of the elders

12.31.21
Elder Update

Brothers and sisters,


This Sunday, we will meet to worship our Lord in person and online. If you are feeling well and have not been exposed to COVID, come and worship. Please feel free to wear a mask and/or social distance if desired. If you have tested positive, are experiencing symptoms, or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive, join us online at Facebook.com/ChathamBibleChurch. And continue to pray for those who are sick.

-Pastor Sergei on behalf of the elders

12.28.21
Elder Update

Chatham family,


There have been a handful of positive COVID tests in the last couple days among the Chatham people. If you are among those who have tested positive, please self-report on Realm and communicate with those who may have been exposed, especially if you were in attendance at the recent services or events. In general, we encourage everyone to be responsible and follow the CDC guidelines. The elders are monitoring the situation closely. If you have any questions, please contact me or another elder. Stay tuned for information on how this might affect this coming Sunday.


And let's continue to pray for those affected by COVID to recover quickly and without serious complications.


On behalf of the elders,

Pastor Sergei

10.1.21
Elder Update

Church Family,


This week St. Louis County health officials issued another Face Covering Order on September 27th, 2021. This order, similar to the previous mandate, focuses on personal masking requirements. This mandate is being challenged in court.


Chatham is not currently requiring masks, but as we continue to monitor the status of the order, we encourage everyone to take whatever precautions you feel are necessary during this time. And if you are sick, please remain home for the wellbeing of others.


The elders ask for continued prayer for us and our body as we navigate these ongoing changes and challenges and seek to honor the Lord through this situation.


John Gobble, on behalf of the elders

8.3.21
Elder Update

Church Family,


A St. Louis County Circuit Court Judge has issued a temporary restraining order on the July 26th masking order that is in effect until an August 17th hearing on the case.


Masks are not currently required.


As we continue to monitor the situation, we encourage everyone to take whatever precautions you feel are necessary during this time, and if you are sick, please err on the side of caution and remain home.


The elders ask for continued prayer for us and our body as we navigate these ongoing changes and challenges and seek to honor the Lord each step of the way.


John Gobble, on behalf of the elders

7.28.21
Elder Update

Church family,


This week St. Louis County issued a new a mask order (see Face Covering Order). This order differs in language from previous orders and emphasizes personal responsibility over enforcement by organizations. In submitting to our authorities per Romans 13, we recommend wearing masks as of today while inside the church building and understand that there are legal challenges to the order which could alter it in the near future.


We encourage those who disagree with this county order to be gracious, and if there are questions to please speak with an elder. We understand that there are health considerations that should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we would like to process those with each concern individually. Referencing the order: “Nothing in this Order shall require the use of a Face Covering by any person for whom doing so would be contrary to their health or safety because of a medical condition.”


The Fellowship Room upstairs will be available with a video feed during our normal worship time to provide additional capacity and space for anyone who chooses to utilize it.


John Gobble, on behalf of the elders

5.14.21
Elder Update

Church Family,


Based on the update provided below, and effective immediately, masks and social distancing are no longer required at Chatham. We encourage each person to take whatever precautions you feel are necessary to maintain safety for yourself, and please continue to consider the needs of others in the family of Christ as you interact.


The following message was posted here by the St. Louis County today at 11:30 a.m., Friday, May 14th, 2021:


St. Louis County has rescinded its health order requiring masks and social distancing

Thank you,

John Gobble, on behalf of the elders

2.3.21
ELDER UPDATE - In-Person Service February 7

Chatham family,


The elders have decided to resume in-person services beginning this Sunday. Nursery will be provided but we will not be having Children's Church this Sunday.


That said, we will be evaluating our situation on a week-by-week basis and trying to balance the physical safety and the spiritual needs of congregation. It certainly has not been easy to navigate this season. Please continue to pray with us for wisdom from above.

 

Our general encouragement to everyone remains the same. If you are able to come and worship while not putting yourself or others at risk, we encourage you to do that. If you need to stay at home because of your specific risk factors or because you have recently been exposed to the virus, we do not want you to feel guilty in any way and encourage you to join online. We are committed to serve everyone at Chatham whatever your circumstances are. If you have any needs or concerns, please let me or another elder know.


-Pastor Sergei on behalf of the elders

1.27.21
ELDER UPDATE - ONLINE ONLY SERVICE JANUARY 31

Brothers and sisters,


Considering the high number of COVID cases among the people at Chatham, the elders have decided to have an online only service this coming Sunday, January 31. However, we will livestream it from church and will have music (with projected lyrics), pastoral prayer, Communion, and other usual parts of the service. 


Please pray for wisdom in decisions, as the elders are taking it week-by-week. We do want to make sure everyone is as safe as possible while still providing spiritual care for the congregation.


Also this week... 

Youth Group will not meet tonight and will reevaluate for next week.
School Connection Spot will take a break for at least the next 2 weeks. 
Senior Group will not meet this Friday either.

You can always view our online calendar for the latest scheduling updates.

Please prepare the Communion elements beforehand Sunday morning. If you would like to give online, you can find the details here: chathambiblechurch.org/giving


Let's keep trusting in God's faithfulness and goodness together as we get through this tough season.


-Pastor Sergei on behalf of the elders

1.22.21
Elder Update - Online Only Service January 24

Brothers and sisters,


Due to the recent COVID cases and potential exposures among the Chatham congregation, the elders have decided to do online only service this Sunday, January 24. Just to be clear, there will be nobody physically present in the church building this Sunday. Please plan to watch the service on our Facebook page. If you know of anyone who is not on Realm and might come to church this Sunday, please let them know there will be no service there and encourage them to watch online.


I plan to livestream the service from our house. You can think of it as the next phase of the virtual tour of our house you have been participating in over the last year or so :). We will probably do some singing, we will definitely pray and preach, and we will be taking communion together. Please prepare the elements beforehand.


Let's continue to pray for all those who are sick in our church and our community. While it is a difficult season (and it has been a long one), God has been faithful and we must continue to trust in him. May he receive all the glory!


-Pastor Sergei on behalf of the elders

1.20.21

Elder Update

Brothers and sisters,


As you know, we have been dealing with several cases of COVID in our church family. Please be in prayer for those who have tested positive and those who have been exposed.


The elders would like to provide direction as we respond to the higher number of cases affecting our church. As far as we know, by God's grace, so far no one has contracted the virus at church. For that we are grateful.


If you are feeling fine and have not been exposed to anyone who has tested positive for COVID, we encourage you to come and worship with us on Sundays. 


If you are not feeling well, please stay home. We encourage you to be careful and think of others.


If you have been exposed to someone else with COVID, please follow the CDC guidelines.


If you are staying home because of your specific health concerns, we miss you! And we look forward to seeing you once you are able to return in person. Until then, we continue to try to minister to you online, by phone, or in any other way possible. If there is something we can do to care for you, please let one of the elders know.


If you had to isolate because you had COVID or because you were exposed to someone with COVID, once you have been cleared to return, come back to church.


We would like to end with a passage that the Lord gave us at the elder retreat. Hebrews 10:24-25 says: 

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.


We love you and are praying for you.


-Pastor Sergei on behalf of the elders

11.18.20

Elder Update

Brothers and sisters,


A new public health order took effect in St. Louis County yesterday, November 17, 2020. You can read all the details here: https://stlcorona.com/dr-pages-messages/public-health-orders/all-public-health-orders-archives/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-safer-at-home-order/


The primary adjustment for Chatham is that we will be limited to 25% of our building’s fire code occupancy. The elders believe that our Worship Center and Fellowship Room will be able to accommodate our expected attendance on Sunday mornings and remain within county guidelines. 


If you have any questions about the new health order affecting your ministry or small group, please talk to one of the elders or pastors. We are evaluating the use of the building during the week on a case-by-case basis. 


As we have emphasized throughout the pandemic, if you feel sick or exhibit any symptoms associated with COVID-19, please stay home. We are encouraging everyone to be extra cautious during this time when we are experiencing an increase in confirmed cases and hospitalizations. With the holidays coming up and college students returning home, please exercise wisdom and follow the CDC guidelines of wearing masks, washing your hands, and social distancing. Chatham will continue to live stream worship services on Facebook Live and utilize Zoom for Bible studies and other meetings. While we desire to be together in person, we understand that you may need or choose to participate online. If you are unable to attend church, please let the elders know how we can serve you during this time. 


If you were exposed to someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19, follow the CDC guidelines for quarantine. To understand what constitutes exposure and when it is necessary to quarantine, see https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html.


If you test positive for COVID-19, be sure to inform anyone you may have exposed and please let the elders know as well. We want to care for you. 


Please continue to pray for our church and our community. May the Lord use this difficult time for his glory. Please be in prayer for the elders as we seek to make wise decisions. 


-Pastor Sergei on behalf of the elders

6.4.20
Reopening WalkThrough Video

You can view our reopening walkthrough video below:


4.24.20
Elder Update

Dear Chatham Family & Our Greater Community,


We have been monitoring all the recent developments closely, and take seriously the guidelines and recommendations of both our medical leaders and government authorities. As we consider the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are reminded that only God understands the situation completely and is able to see all the factors correctly. He is the source of all wisdom, and we trust in His Spirit’s guidance during this difficult season.


As leaders of Chatham Bible Church and Christians who care deeply about the people in our wider community, we have decided to continue online only services through the end of May. During this time our church building and facilities will remain closed. If you need any help, please contact our office or one of our leaders. We are here to serve you.


As we all deal with the uncertainty of our future, we encourage you to trust Jesus, who died the death we fear and rose again to give us a new life and a secure eternity. His love and His victory on our behalf allow us to be hopeful even during a crisis like this one.

 

-Pastor Sergei on behalf of all the elders

3.18.20
AN Important Message From the Elders

Dear Chatham Family,


God calls us to seek the welfare of the community where he has placed us and pray to the Lord on its behalf, because our community’s welfare and our welfare are intricately connected (Jeremiah 29:7). During the current coronavirus pandemic we have an opportunity not only to care for ourselves, our families, and our brothers and sisters in the church, but also to work together with our neighbors and leaders for the healing of our whole community. As a church we want to be part of the solution rather than contributing to the already awful situation in which we find ourselves. The elders believe that taking an aggressive approach toward preventing the spread of COVID-19 is an expression of Christian love for our church and our community.


We have decided to cancel all activities and gatherings regardless of size in our church building. While the elders will be monitoring the situation closely and reassessing our approach as new information comes in, we expect the building to be closed for at least 3 weeks. At this point, it is very doubtful that we will gather for worship on Easter morning.


We urge everyone in our church to self-quarantine. Please, as much as possible, stay at home and avoid contact with others. Even if you do not believe that you are in danger of getting COVID-19 yourself, consider how you might contribute to its spread and the harm it can do to others. If it is necessary for you to be out of the house, please practice social distancing and follow the CDC guidelines.


This is an unprecedented time for our church and we are committed to shepherd the flock very intentionally. The elders will have weekly virtual meetings to pray and make timely decisions. We will live stream Youth Group teaching time and Sunday worship utilizing only essential volunteers. We are setting up online giving options. Of course, you can also continue to give by mailing a check to the church. We request that small groups and Bible studies stop meeting together. The elders plan to provide guidance and resources to maintain communication and relationships. Our Mercy Ministry and others in the church are available to help with various needs.


More information will be coming to explain all the changes. Please direct your questions to any elder or staff. They are all available via phone or e-mail while they work from home. You are welcome to use all regular communications, including our office phone number and email.


-Pastor Sergei on behalf of all the elders

3.13.20
Chatham's Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic

Brothers and sisters,


What is the Christian response to the possibility of the COVID-19 outbreak in our community? It is neither complacency nor fear. We should neither take this crisis lightly nor give into panic. Instead, we should respond in wisdom. Wisdom is applying God’s truth to specific life situations. As we consider what changes to make in the next days and weeks, we recognize that this world is not as it should be and disease is one of the inescapable realities of our sinful state. We also recognize that God is sovereign over all and our destiny as his children is secure. To walk wisely is to exhibit both caution and courage rooted in the hope we have in Christ.


With the above perspective in mind, prayerfully seeking the Spirit’s guidance, and staying informed as events develop, the elders have decided to make the following changes to our Sunday services.


We will not be taking communion, passing the offering plate, or using the pew Bibles. Please use your own Bible and drop your offering off in the front of the sanctuary. Additionally, we plan to have the whole service streaming online and are working to set up online giving.


While we are not canceling smaller gatherings and ministry events at this time (including Sunday School, Friday Night Prayer, Kids’ Connection, and Youth Group), we will make sure that frequently touched surfaces are cleaned thoroughly and regularly.


For those who are over 60 or have compromised immune systems, we leave it up to your discretion to decide when to attend and when to stay home. We encourage everyone to follow the CDC guidelines:

  • Stay home when sick.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Limit close contact with others as much as possible (about 6 feet).

Times of crisis are often full of unexpected opportunities to serve others and share the good news of Christ’s victory over sin and death. Be open to how God might use you or our church during this time.


-Pastor Sergei on behalf of all the elders