Tag Archives: COVID-19

November 13, 2020 COVID UPDATE

Posted on by

As many may know, we had a church member test positive this week. While there is no indication or suggestion that it was transmitted at church (the member was not at church the Sunday prior to diagnosis), and the state contact tracer said it was highly unlikely this member either picked it up, or spread it at church, we began revisiting our current policies and procedures.  With a second positive test this week in another member, some decisions have been made in regards to safety, and in light of the governor’s updated guidelines:

  • We again request that all who enter the building wear a mask. This is most important when in areas where distancing is COVID-19not practical. We still have disposable masks, individually packaged, available at each entryway.
  • A reminder – if you do not feel physically well, are have a fever (temp scanners are available at entryways), or have reason to believe you have been directly exposed to COVID (or the flu that has begun circulating in some areas), please remain at home and join us online.
  • For the time being, to try to provide space to distance with our fixed pews, every-other row has been designated as an empty pew. Because our pastor feels strongly about not turning anyone away, depriving them of the opportunity to worship together, Hayden Hall will be set up to participate via the livestream. This might be particularly attractive for those who may have internet/streaming issues at home.
  • The Choir will not sit on the platform for worship service or for rehearsals.
  • SUNDAY SCHOOL/BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CLASSES: Will NOT meet in-person. Bro. Earnest will continue to record the lesson and it will be available via live-stream (Facebook and Youtube), and will be shown in the sanctuary beginning at 10AM.
  • WEDNESDAY IGNITE! – will continue, but we have suspended food service and will be enforcing masks in the classrooms and other areas where safe spacing cannot be maintained.

Much of what we are trying to do is nothing new, and including the weekly sanitizing of the entire building (thank you Bro. Roger Meredith). While we are not to live in fear, we still should exercise good discernment and use prudence in what we are doing. Please pray for those who have been diagnosed, pray for our pastor, and for each other. If anyone knows of a need for someone in quarantine, please let us know.

*PLEASE REMEMBER THAT PROPER HAND WASHING/SANITIZING IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE MEANS OF PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF CONTAGIOUS DISEASE INCLUDING COVID-19.

COVID-19 Awareness and Plans

Posted on by

While we never shut down or locked the doors to in-person worship and classes, most chose the prudent step of remaining home, with many watching the teaching and preaching from their homes. As of two weeks ago, we began actively encouraging members and visitors to return. We must remember that there is never a 100% safe scenario, with or without a virus such as SARS-CoV-2 (otherwise known as Coronavirus or COVID-19, which is the sickness it produces). But, in an effort to provide as safe an environment as we can, we have taken some additional steps beyond our usual cleaning routine to try to alleviate some degree of the worry experienced by some. These steps include (but are not limited to):

  • Additional effort in cleaning and sanitizing often-touched surfaces.
  • Provision of hand sanitizer at the main most-used entrances
  • A limited number of disposable face masks have been made available and are stationed at these same entrances, or you may bring/wear your own.
  • Fogging of the entire facility with a certified disinfectant/sanitizing product (Fresh15). This will be reapplied as-necessary to those spaces which have been utilized during the week.

We also ask:

  • If you are sick, or exhibiting signs of ANY contagious disease, please stay home, for your sake as well as that of our brothers and sisters.
  • If you are under a suggested or mandatory quarantine, please follow those guidelines.
  • While we won’t “enforce” a 6ft. social distancing rule, we do ask that you respectfully maintain a reasonable distance from those who are not in your immediate household or family unless specifically invited by others.
    • We are a “Hugging Church”, meaning we are not shy in loving others with an embrace. While this is much appreciated and perfectly acceptable, many who are at highest risk from this or any significant illness may prefer to maintain distance.  So – before you hug someobody, or shake their hand – be sure its “ok” with them.
  • Please practice diligent hand washing and use of hand sanitizer.

We look forward to seeing you face-to-face soon!