Right around the Fourth of July, the ministry of the Lakeside Branch in Arizona was faced with the question of reopening the branch for in-person Sunday services. Needless to say, the branch ministry put a lot of thought and prayer into deciding when to reopen and how.

This is how it happened for our group.

It was a blessing to connect virtually with our branch — and many others throughout the church — during the shutdown; however, it did not compare to seeing one another face to face. When we were given permission to open, we wanted to give those who were ready and willing the opportunity to meet.

Our re-opening theme was "Stay United."

Presiding elder Brother Michael Watson says, "We felt that prioritizing in-person church was something that we needed to do. We had a strong desire to open the branch for anyone who felt ready to attend, while extending love and grace to those who decide to remain home."