Dear Members and Friends of Calvary Bible Church,
Calvary Bible Church will resume worship services on Sunday, May 31, 2020, at 10:30am. We want to reopen in a responsible way that demonstrates our love and care for one another by reducing the risk of infection as much as we can, especially to those in our fellowship who are most susceptible to severe complications related to Covid-19.
To that end, we will be implementing practices and policies that are designed to help everyone in attendance manage their own risk of infection while at the same time allowing us to worship and fellowship together corporately. It is vital that we approach this gathering together with a deep humility that includes both a humbleness toward one another (Ephesians 4:2) and a submissive heart to the authorities God has placed over us for our good (Romans 13:1-4). We beseech each of you to extend grace to one another as we seek to deal with the impact of this epidemic on our community and state (Hebrews 4:16).
Our plan to reopen has four parts, each of which will require your help and attention. These precautions are temporary and will be eased as circumstances allow. These practices are adapted from the CDC guidelines released following the President's announcement last Friday that churches are "essential" to their communities and should be opened. While these measures represent an abundance of caution, we are not operating out of a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7). Instead, we are motivated by love and concern for one another and the desire to protect those among us who are most vulnerable. When you arrive for worship, here are some things you will need to know:
1. Social Distancing. Worship will take place in the gymnasium for the foreseeable future. This larger room allows us to place rows farther apart as well as to allow space between family groups. Please be respectful of others and maintain a safe distance of six feet when greeting one another. While some may be comfortable with a hug or handshake, others may not, and each of us needs to respect the right of individuals to manage their own risk of infection. Until further notice, we will only gather for Sunday morning worship. We will resume additional services as circumstances warrant.
2. Remote Access. We will continue to broadcast the morning worship service and prayer meeting via Facebook Live. The morning worship service will be posted on the church's YouTube channel for those without access to Facebook. This will allow those who are over 65 and/or with pre-existing medical conditions to participate in the worship gatherings safely from home if they choose.
3. Elimination of Common-Touch Areas. Items which are commonly handled by many worshippers will be eliminated for the foreseeable future. These include, but are not limited to, bulletins, hymnals, registration booklets, offering plates, etc. A collection box for gifts and offerings will be located at the entrances to the gym. Song sheets with the lyrics for that morning's song service will be waiting for worshippers at their seat and may be discarded afterward. Common areas such as the gym and bathrooms will receive a deep cleaning with disinfectant between public gatherings.
4. Personal Hygiene and Health Screening. Those who are feeling ill with any symptoms are asked to stay home and join us via Facebook or YouTube until they are better . Even if coughs or sniffles are due to seasonal allergies, please be respectful of others and join us from home. Likewise, please care for others by washing your hands regularly and using one (1) of the five (5) hand sanitizer dispensers located around the church. The dispensers are conveniently located near the entrances to the gym and restrooms.
Your help with these plans is vitally important to a successful reopening as we seek to maintain a reputation as a church body that is beyond reproach. We don't want an infectious outbreak to distract from the message of the Gospel. It is our prayer that these temporary precautions will allow us to safely return to regular fellowship for the edification of the body of Christ. If everyone cooperates, we can reopen for services to the glory of God.
In Christ,
The Board of Calvary Bible Church