Tallgrass family and friends! We're so excited to meet in person for Central Gathering for the first time since March 8, 2020! We'll be outside at Long's Park and will continue to physically distance while we are a little closer to one another physically.

We'll sing together and share what we're grateful for and what we've been learning during this time. Ben Deaver, Tallgrass Church Lead Pastor, will also share a brief message about what the Bible has to say about gathering in person. We'll have some activities for the kids too. Please feel free to invite a family member, friend, or neighbor who might be interested in Tallgrass Church or just needs to get out of the house!

We won't have a potluck but you are encouraged to bring food and drink for yourself and your family.

We wanted to communicate our desire to gather safely in light of Governor Kelly's announcement this past Monday: “Starting July 3, I will issue an Executive Order requiring masks be worn in indoor public spaces, and at any outdoor gathering in which social distancing cannot be maintained. This step will keep Kansans healthy, and keep Kansas open for business.”

Please choose one or both of the following and commit to it as we gather for Tallgrass Church this Sunday at Long's Park:
a) Maintain social distancing of 6 feet or more at all times
b) Wear a mask

At this time we also discourage hugs, handshakes, fist bumps, elbow bumps, etc. Many of us are excited to give those big ol' hugs to one another but let's stay the course during this COVID-19 era so we can safely be together. However, if you must hug or fist bump be sure to make sure the other person is ready for that too. Grace abounds!

We also ask parents to prep kids beforehand to do their best to maintain social distancing from one another and to not touch one another. Masks are also encouraged for kids. Grace abounds!

Let's love one another well by creating the safest environment possible for as many as possible to be together and invite neighbors into! Grace abounds!

Bring the following:

• Camp chairs
• Food and drink (breakfast, brunch, and/or lunch)
• Fun stuff for kids
• Hand sanitizer
• Your mask (if you want)
• Family, friends, and/or neighbors

We'll plan to also keep Zoom going for those unable to attend in person.

Questions? Ask Ben at bendeaver@tallgrass.church or (785) 341-9863.

Here are lyrics for this Sunday's Central Gathering:

Jesus Loves Me

Jesus loves, this I know
For the Bible tells me so
Little ones to Him belong
They are weak, but He is strong

Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
The Bible tells me so

 

New Normal Workout

2 Rounds:

AMRAP (as many reps as possible)

Write down what you're thankful for (30 sec)
Share responses (1 minute)
Write down good COVID-19 memories (30 sec)
Share responses (1 minute)
Write down things you've begun to do that you want to continue as a new normal (30 sec)
Share responses (1 minute)

Rest for 1 minute to regroup then do the second round.

Total workout 11 minutes.

VeggieTales: Little Ones Can Do Big Things Too 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJZrXPgDI1g

Come Thou Fount

Verse 1:
Come Thou Fount of every blessing
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace
Streams of mercy, never ceasing
Call for songs of loudest praise
Teach me some melodious sonnet
Sung by flaming tongues above
Praise the mount, I'm fixed upon it
Mount of Thy redeeming love

Verse 2:
Here I raise my Ebenezer
Here there by Thy great help I've come
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure
Safely to arrive at home
Jesus sought me when a stranger
Wandering from the fold of God
He, to rescue me from danger
Interposed His precious blood

Verse 3:
Oh, to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be
Let that goodness like a fetter
Bind my wandering heart to Thee
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love
Here's my heart, oh, take and seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above

Here's my heart, oh, take and seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above

 

Corporate Prayer!

From The Church of England Coronavirus (COVID-19) liturgy and prayer resources

Let us pray to God,
who alone makes us dwell in safety:

For all who are affected by coronavirus,
through illness or isolation or anxiety,
that they may find relief and recovery:
Lord, hear us,
“Lord, graciously hear us.”

For those who are guiding our nation at this time,
and shaping national policies,
that they may make wise decisions:
Lord, hear us,
“Lord, graciously hear us.”

For doctors, nurses, and medical researchers,
that through their skill and insights
many will be restored to health:
Lord, hear us,
“Lord, graciously hear us.”

For the vulnerable and the fearful,
for the gravely ill and the dying,
that they may know your comfort and peace:
Lord, hear us,
“Lord, graciously hear us.”

For personal renewal,
that we would establish a new normal now,
so when things go back to normal
we never go back to normal,
but instead live in greater anticipation
of physical resurrection
when there is no more
social distancing ever again.
Lord, hear us,
“Lord, graciously hear us.”

Grant us, Lord God, a vision of your world as your love would have it:
a world where the weak are protected, and none go hungry or poor;|
a world where the riches of creation are shared, and everyone can enjoy them;
a world where different races and cultures live in harmony and mutual respect;
a world where peace is built with justice, and justice is guided by love.
Give us the inspiration and courage to build it, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
“Lord, graciously hear us.”

We commend ourselves,
and all for whom we pray,
to the mercy and protection of God.

Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Savior Jesus Christ.

And all God’s people said,
“Amen.”

 

Amazing Grace

Verse 1:
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.

Verse 2:
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Verse 3:
Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

Verse 4:
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.