The Heart Behind Recent Changes
April 10, 2026
Church Family,
I want to take a moment to speak clearly and from the heart about a change many of you noticed this past Easter Sunday.
Main Church Entrance
Moving forward, we will utilize the main front doors of the church as the primary point of entry.
- The front hallway door that leads directly to the Worship Center will now remain locked.
- The back hallway door will remain open until 10:10 AM, as it is the only access point to the back of the building. After 10:10 AM, it will also be locked.
Worship Center Entrance
The gym doors in the main lobby are now the primary entrance to the Worship Center on Sunday mornings.
Communion
Communion will now be handed out by our Welcome Ministry team at the gym doors as you enter. If you miss it, communion will also be available at the gym doors and at the Worship Center side entrances next to the orange folders for first-time guests.
We understand that change is not always easy—especially when it affects rhythms we know and love. When something shifts in a place that feels like home, it can feel uncomfortable. Please hear this clearly: we see you, we understand, and your feelings matter.
I want to share the why behind these decisions. These changes are both logistical and missional. The message of the gospel never changes—but sometimes our methods do, so that more people can experience it.
Main Church Entrance (Security)
We are adjusting our building entry flow for security reasons. The reality is, the world is not what it used to be, and churches are increasingly becoming targets. By limiting and monitoring entry points, our security team can better protect our congregation and remain focused where it matters most.
We know this change may feel significant, but there have been recent incidents in churches within our broader communities that we cannot ignore. This adjustment allows us to be proactive in keeping our church family safe and naturally leads into the next two changes.
Worship Center Entrance
Our church is growing. More people are coming, and lives are being changed. With that growth comes a responsibility to make room for others.
Our mission is to connect people to God and to one another, and this new flow helps us live that out:
- The Worship Center is where we connect with God
- The Lobby is where we connect with one another
This entrance also carries meaning. When this facility was designed, it was intentional that we would enter through these doors—because the cross stands above them. Each Sunday, we are reminded that we come to worship at the foot of the cross.
This is also the most practical entrance for first-time guests. Each week, visitors arrive unsure of where to go, and the previous hallway flow could feel unclear. This adjustment keeps everything centralized, simple, and easy to follow.
Yes, it may be a few extra steps—but those steps can remind us:
- We are walking toward worship.
- We are making room for others.
- We are part of something bigger than ourselves.
We will continue to care for anyone who needs assistance. If you have specific needs, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Communion
We are adjusting communion for two reasons:
- To better serve first-time guests
Being handed communion creates a moment of connection and ensures no one feels unsure or overlooked. - To align with the new flow
Communion will no longer be available at the front of the stage. It will be available:
at the gym entrance
at the Worship Center side doors
The front communion display will remain as a visual reminder.
Church, this is not just about doors—it’s about hearts, mission, and making space for people to experience Jesus.
Thank you for your grace, flexibility, and willingness to move forward together.
What God is doing here is real—and it is worth it.
ONEvite: Who’s Your One?
Research shows that 80% of people will come to church if they are simply invited. That means the opportunity is right in front of us. So we ask you: who's your one?
Who is the one person in your life who needs the hope of the gospel? A family member, friend, neighbor, co-worker?
Beginning April 19, we will launch our ONEvite: Who’s Your One? series. Together, we will learn what it means to:
- Pray intentionally
- Care genuinely
- Share boldly
This journey is not about reaching everyone all at once—it’s about faithfully loving one person and trusting God to do what only He can do. God has always used ordinary people and everyday relationships to change lives. And one life reached can make an eternal difference.
We are also grateful to share that God is moving in our church family—we are growing! Our Sunday morning attendance has reached 70% capacity in our worship center, and we are actively “Making Room for More.”
The changes made (as noted at the tope of this email) will be in place for the foreseeable future—praise the Lord!
As you most likely have already seen, there is now a Onevite Display in the main foyer. This is to display the power of praying, invitations, and community. This display will be maintained by our church staff. Each week, you are invited to participate with this display and pray over each of the names within the glass case.
Church family, let’s continue to be who God has called us to be. Let’s keep sharing the gospel and reaching our families, friends, neighbors, communities, and co-workers with the love of Jesus.
And as you pray this week, ask God to place that one name on your heart.
Because one invitation… can change everything.
Let's be the church.
Blessings,
Don Conley
Ringgold + GC3
Lead Pastor
LOCATIONS
Ringgold Location (10 AM Service time)
14416 Barkdoll Road
Hagerstown, MD 21742
Frederick Location (10:30 AM Service time)
2100 Rosemont Ave.
Frederick, MD 21702
Also available as Markdown.