Summer Regathering Plan

We are excited about regathering on Sunday, June 28th at 10:30 AM. As we regather, we will be carefully following a plan approved by our church board. Here are some of the details of our plan to regather this Summer.

How will we as a church family walk through this time?

• We won’t forget our mission. We are committed to connecting people to God’s love and family. This means our primary focus must not be inward, but outward to the mission that God has given us.  This mission is too important for us to be distracted by lesser things.
• We will care for the vulnerable. We will work together to create a safe environment for all in our worship gatherings and events.
• We will keep the unity of the Spirit. We will seek humility and intentionally preserve the unity and love of Christ in us by serving one another.
• We will seek to honor the recommendations of our local governing authorities, the CDC, and Health Department. We seek to be good citizens of our community, because we are citizens of heaven.
• Our plan to regather will be incremental and will be reassessed frequently. We will closely monitor developments with COVID-19 and make changes as needed. We will reevaluate monthly and as needed.

What do I need to know about our Summer Regathering Plan beginning June 28th?

This first phase of regathering will be slow, deliberate, limited, and incremental. We will reassess the restrictions and guidelines we have in place monthly. These initial guidelines and procedures will be reviewed regularly, and changes will be made as needed at the recommendation of the Regathering Task Force.

Even though our plan for regathering places procedures in place to keep everyone safe, we recognize that some will be more comfortable worshipping from home for a while. People who are at higher risk of illness are encouraged to stay home as long as desired. There is no pressure to gather in person. The service will continue to be streamed online each Sunday on Facebook and Youtube for those who would like to gather from home.

We recommend that all who attend our gatherings closely follow the guidelines of the CDC and IDPH on wearing face masks, staying home if sick or ill, and practicing social distancing. We will not be policing our congregation for compliance, but recommend out of love and concern for the well-being of others for all to follow the guidelines. We especially recommend wearing a mask when entering and exiting our facility. Once you are seated where social distancing can be maintained, you may lower your mask if desired.

What specific safety improvements will be in place?

• Hand Sanitizer Stations – There are several new Hand Sanitizer stations throughout the facility for your safety.
• Personal Protective Equipment – By the main entrance to the building, face mask and gloves are available for anyone who would like one.
• Sanitation after every gathering –  All areas will be sanitized after every event and service according to the CDC Sanitation Guidelines in addition to our regular cleaning services.
• Socially Distanced Seating – We have reduced the amount of seats in our sanctuary to comply with social distancing guidelines. Seats are grouped for families and for individuals.
• CDC Signage – We have placed the CDC recommended signage through our facility for reminders about proper hand-washing and social distancing.

What temporary changes can I expect to our worship gathering?

• Bring your own Coffee – We temporarily will not have a coffee bar so be sure to bring your coffee with you. We will have bottles of water available at the back of the sanctuary.
• Individually pre-packaged Communion 
• No Bulletins or Connection Cards 
• No Passing of the Offering Buckets – We have online giving available. Locked offering containers have been installed at the back of the sanctuary for those who would like to bring a tithe or offering.
• Dismissal by Rows –  At the conclusion of our service, ushers will dismiss by rows. If you would like to linger and connect, we encourage you to talk outside.
• Hold the Handshakes and Hugs – Please avoid shaking hands or giving hugs.

What about Children’s and Youth Ministry?

• Kids will worship with families. During the summer, all of our kids are invited to worship with their families. We will be adding elements in the service for kids and also will have activity packets available. We will not be staffing our early childhood or elementary ministry areas during the Summer.
• Outdoor Activities. We are working on planning a few outdoor activities for children and youth this summer. Stay tuned for more details.
• Facebook. Parents be sure to join our Children’s Ministry Facebook Group and Youth Ministry Facebook Group for more information about events and ways to connect.

What about Small Groups?

• During the Summer there won’t be small groups onsite in our facility. We encourage our church family to connect at home and in the backyard with friends from church and neighbors. This is a great time for outreach and developing relationships that strengthen our faith.
• Join or Start a Zoom Group – Many have been blessed by participating in a small group through Zoom. We will continue to support those who would like to join or start a small group online.

What if I have questions?

• Please contact our church office or our pastors if you have any questions. We are glad to serve you and would be glad to talk with you if you have a question or concern.