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 HAS CHANGED: Since Arkansas has moved to Stage 2 COVID-19 Restrictions, 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.
 
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT WHEN YOU ARRIVE:
 
1. A greeter will share some hand sanitizer and mask if you need one.
 
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. Separation: Chairs are set far apart so worshipers can keep the distance from each other.  Even during the distribution of Communion, you’ll notice people maintain a lot of distance.
 
5. 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!
 
6. 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.
   I will say the Words of our Lord to you. (While wearing a mask)
   Then, you then 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 it.
       (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 them.
        (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
 
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1)  General Facility Usage Guidelines

  • The Nursery and Education Classrooms will be closed until further notice.
  • The Fellowship/Coffee Hour will not be held between services.
  • Hymnals, songbooks, attendance cards/pens will be removed from the sanctuary.
  • Committees and Groups (over 10 people) will continue to meet 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.
  • All worshippers wearing a facemask must be seated and remain six (6) feet apart from other worshippers – except for family units who may be seated together. Worship leaders without masks must remain 12 feet from worshipers.
  • No physical contact (hand shaking, hugging, or elbow/fist bumping, etc.) is
    recommended.
  • The sanctuary floor and chairs will be marked to ensure appropriate social distancing.
  • Ushers will remind worshippers and guests of social distancing requirements.

3)  Worship Service Guidelines:       

  • All members not feeling well are urged to stay home.  Vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and those with underlying health concerns are encouraged to stay home and watch the live stream service.

  • Worship leaders will not wear face masks while conducting the worship service.

  • Two Ushers will be used at each worship service to assist worshippers and guests.  

  • Assisting Ministers, Communion Assistants, Lectors, and Door Greeters will not be used during this phase of resuming worship services.Pastor Carpenter will continue to distribute “drive-through” Communion in the parking lot for one (1) hour following the 10:30 service for worshippers watching online and wanting to receive communion. 

    Arriving for Worship:

    • Worshippers should not arrive more than ten (10) minutes before the worship service starts (except for worship leaders).
    • Worshippers will enter the sanctuary through the window side entrance door.
    • Worshippers entering the sanctuary will pick up a pre-filled communion cup and take their seats.
    • The sanctuary floor and chairs will be marked to maintain social distancing. Ushers will also remind worshippers of seating and social distancing guidelines.

    During Worship Service:

    • Worship bulletins, hymnals, and songbooks will not be used during the service.
    • Worshippers will remain in their seats during the “Sharing of the Peace.”
    • Collection plates (baskets) will be located at the back of the sanctuary at the end of the service.

    Leaving Worship:

    • Worshipers will be ushered out by row either individually or by family unit at the end of the service.
    • Worshipers will exit the sanctuary through the rear sanctuary door, pick up mail from their mailbox, and exit the facility through the main Fellowship Hall door.
    • All visiting and conversation between worshippers should be outside the building while maintaining appropriate social distancing.