Covid-19 Update!

letter from Pastor Jim on going back to one service

On Sept 14th, Hall county entered Phase 4 of Governor Ricketts reopening plan.  The elders have prayed and discussed the appropriate response and believe waiting 3 weeks until Sunday, Oct 4th is the best course of action.  This will allow us to evaluate the conditions in our community and delay moving back to one service if warranted.  85% of the congregation who responded to the recent survey also agreed with this decision.

As a result, we will plan to reform into one worship service at 10:30 AM on Sunday, October 4th.   We will wait 2 additional weeks until Sunday, October 18th before starting the following ministries: Sunday School;, Children’s Church, and Church Nursery.  This will allow us to have more time to evaluate the health conditions of our community and also complete the preparations to launch these ministries in a coordinated manner.

If you do not feel comfortable returning to worship in the building at this point, we want to reassure you that we understand. We encourage everyone to pray about what is the right step for them and then to follow the Lord’s leading. In order to stay connected as a church, we will have the following options available on a permanent basis.

• A radio transmission of our service is available anywhere in our parking lot. You can park and listen on your car radio (tune to 94.1 FM).
• Streaming of the worship service on Facebook Live.

We will continue to follow the directed health measures as recommended guidance moving forward to the best of our ability. Please note that if anyone in your household has come into contact with someone with the Wuhan Coronavirus or begins to show symptoms of illness, we request that you remain home and join us via our livestream service. Face masks are not required, but you can feel free to wear one if it makes you feel more comfortable. We also will continue to have face masks available for you to use at the counter in the foyer.

Heightened sanitation practices:

• Sanitizing will take place before and after the service.
• Hand sanitizing stations will be provided in the foyer and sanctuary.
• Proper social distancing will be practiced with no greeting during the service and no handshaking or hugging.
• There will be no coffee station or use of the drinking fountains. 
• Offerings will be collected in offering boxes at the doors and an online giving option is being prepared.
• Extensive deep cleaning of the building has been completed including professional cleaning and sanitizing of the carpets and chairs.

We do want to emphasize that we are taking the necessary precautions by cleaning, sanitizing and social distancing.  We cannot, however, completely eliminate the risk of exposure.  By attending a service in our church building or any ministry activity, you are assuming a risk that may result in exposure to infectious and communicable diseases.  That is true during this pandemic or at any time.

At-risk individuals and those with any symptoms of illness will be strongly encouraged not to attend services in the building.  

We are thankful that the situation is improving in our community and are praying for your protection and well-being. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me or one of the elders: Mike Remm, Lorin Krieger, Todd Anania or Pastor Jim (308-940-2920).

Blessings,

Pastor Jim