Guidelines for On-Site Worship Services

TWO ON-SITE WORSHIP SERVICES: 8:00 AM & 10:30 AM
 
(In addition, the 10:30 am Worship will be streamed live for those who do not want to risk exposure.)
 
SEATING CAPACITY:   Since Arkansas has moved to Stage 2 COVID-19 Restrictions, the seating capacity has increased to two-thirds (2/3) of full occupancy.  Since we must follow “Social Distancing”, it is nearly impossible to predict the number of seats that will be available at a service as the space available for chairs depends on the number and size of families attending. 
 
As of Sunday, March 14, 2021, there will be 110 seats available in the Sanctuary.  Everyone will be required to wear a face-covering/mask.  More chairs may be added for Easter services. (The Seating configuration is shown below).
 

 
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT WHEN YOU ARRIVE:
 
1. When you arrive hand sanitizer will be available.  Also, masks will be available for those who forget theirs.
 
2. A music team and pastor eager to worship.
   We will keep a good distance while speaking/leading music.
   We will wear masks as much as possible.
 
3. A Clean Church:  Floors, Plastic Chairs, Altar Furniture, Music & Worship Stands, instruments, and bathrooms: Cleaned with COVID destroying products!
 
4. Masks: In an effort to avoid spreading the virus, everyone will wear a mask.
   If you do not have a mask, no worries. We have one for you, and you can keep it!
 
5. Communion offered two ways from two separate places.
   If you would like to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion,
   You can come forward individually or as a family.
   The Pastor will say the Words of our Lord to you. (While wearing a mask)
   Then, you will have one of two choices:
A.   You can personally take your prepackaged bread & wine and return to
        your seat, briefly remove your mask to eat, and drink the elements of communion.
       (The prepackaged communion sets were a bit hard to get hold of, so
       we’ve taken steps to make that process even easier/safer)
B.   You can personally take your portion of bread & cup of wine and return
        to your seat, briefly remove your mask to eat, and drink the elements of communion.
        (We’ve made taking the one you want easy.  Either way, several places
        will be available to discard the empty communion cups.
 
God’s peace to you and those you love,
Pastor Carpenter
 
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1)  General Facility Usage Guidelines

Normalization

“Be Not Afraid”

Your Council continues to make decisions while realizing many members have a wide array of opinions on COVID.    It is our hope that we will soon be open without restrictions, but as of now we continue to have less than 2/3 capacity and will require facemasks.     The Council continues to address these issues at each meeting and we appreciate your understanding in following the rules even when more stringent than what the state of Arkansas may require.  

.We have opened the main sanctuary doors, distribute bulletins, and are expanding fellowship between services including planning an easter breakfast for everyone.    You are encouraged to wear masks during circulation but once you sit at a table to drink coffee or eat a snack you may remove your masks. 

God has blessed us through the last year and we are now seeing dramatic improvement in the spread of COVID.    We hope to soon lift more restrictions.

Yours in Christ

Tom Stockland, President, Church Council

  • Hymnals, songbooks, attendance cards/pens will be removed from the sanctuary.
  • Committees and Groups (over 10 people) may meet on-site or via “ZOOM” meeting.
  • Committees or small groups of ten (10) or fewer people may use the facility and are encouraged to wear face masks, follow the social distancing guidelines below, and be responsible for cleaning tables, chairs, and other surfaces used before leaving the facility.
  • Hand sanitizer will be available at entrances/exits and bathrooms.
  • The sanctuary, bathrooms, and fellowship area surfaces will be disinfected after each service.

2)  Use of Face Masks and Social Distancing Guidelines:

     All members and guests over the age of 10 will be required to wear a face mask during worship services. 

  • Disposable face masks will be available for worshippers arriving without a mask.
  • No physical contact (handshaking, hugging, or elbow/fist-bumping, etc.) is recommended.

3)  Worship Service Guidelines:       

  • Fellowship Hall has reopened and we are excited to announce there we are working on an easter breakfast. Please take this opportunity to catch up with members of our church family.   Mask will be required when you are not actively eating or drinking.   

  • Sanctuary Guidelines:   The increased capacity will allow you to sit with other members. Please be mindful of those who wish to sit by themselves and keep their distance from others.   Communion will be taken by pod.   For those who wish, there will be the opportunity to enter through and leave through the side door of the sanctuary to avoid the fellowship area. This is the same entrance and exit we have used since May.  
  •  During Worship Service:
    • Worship hymnals and songbooks will not be used during the service.
    • Bulletins may be available during both services.  There WILL BE NO reuse of bulletins at any service.
    • Worshippers will not be “Sharing of the Peace.”
    • Collection plates (baskets) will be located at the front of the sanctuary.
    •  
  • Leaving Worship:
    • Worshipers may leave on their own.  Please be respectful of those who wish to maintain distance.
    • Worshipers may exit the sanctuary through the rear sanctuary door, pick up mail from their mailbox, and exit the facility through the main Fellowship Hall door.   Worshippers are welcome to stay in the fellowship area and visit in accordance with the guidelines above.
    • Those who wish may exit through the side door in the sanctuary.