06/04/2020
Dear Life Center Families,
COVID-19 has impacted all of us, in ways seen and unseen. Our staff began working on a reopening plan within days of shutting down in mid-March. Our leadership has been required to make tough choices for how we sustain our Life Center, Summer Camp, and After School Care. After much discussion, we have had to make several difficult decisions that we know will affect the lives of so many of our families and staff.
We wanted to make decisions as soon as possible to give you as much time as possible to make other arrangements for childcare, and to give our staff time to find new employment. The impact of COVID-19 continues to put our entire ministry in flux. Yet, it is not only our church ministries that are making changes, but it is also Shelby County Schools, as they begin to make plans for the Fall. While there has been no formal statement from SCS, we do know that the school year, coupled with social distancing, will no longer fit the current model of our after-school care which is based on after school care from 2:30pm to 6:30pm. The safety of our children is our number one concern.
Part of that decision included canceling summer camp. Memphis is still in Phase Two of our government shutdown guidelines, but Phase Two has been continued for an unknown time due to increased cases of the virus.
This next paragraph we want you to hear clearly: We are actively pursuing all options and potential partners to continue to minister to our school-age families this fall, to accommodate whatever school day schedule is handed to all of us by SCS. We hope to have answers within the next 2-3 weeks. We will keep you informed of any changes. If we work with an outside group, we will work to secure employment for as many of our valued staff as possible.
We are sad that changes that are out of our control have impacted The Life Center. We are also heartbroken for our dedicated staff. Many of our staff have worked at the life center for 10-20 years. We wish them well and thank them for the love and devotion that they have shared with our families.
Please know we are working to provide creative solutions for your family and will keep you informed as plans unfold.
Geoff Mitchell, Senior Minister, Lindenwood Christian Church
Phil Vaughn, Minister of Operations and Outreach
