God has been so good to us as a church here at First Baptist. Over the last 4 months we were able to have some amazing times of worship and growth as we had worship services in our parking lot. We saw people come to know Jesus as their Savior, saw 7 baptized, and 18 people added to the church. Now with cooler days approaching, we are transitioning inside to continue to experience what God has in store. Our goal is that our transition will help us maintain a spiritual focus as well as provide healthy safeguards for everyone.
Where will we be meeting?
For the immediate future, we will be having our 10 a.m. worship service in the Family Life Center. With more space to spread out, our seating will maintain at least 6 feet from others. As you are able, please continue to bring your own lawn chairs, as this allows you to space out according to your comfort level. We will be providing the front half of seating with chairs in groupings for those who do not care to bring their own chairs. Each grouping will be for you to sit with those you came with.
What precautions are in place?
Along with hand sanitizer stations at each entrance, we will be cleaning all contact points prior to all services. We also ask you to maintain 6 foot distancing from others. We will be limiting contact points by having all doors open, offering boxes for you to place your tithes and offerings in, and will have disposable cups with wafers for Communion.
What will our indoor protocols look like?
1. Even as we transition inside our first and guiding protocol is from God’s Word: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:3-5) Let’s be faithful to live out what it looks like to come with others best interests above that of our own. We know there are vast differences of opinion, but in a spirit of humility and unity we are seeking hearts that will adapt, think of others, and showcase a love and partnership not seen outside the church. With that in mind we are presenting a few ways that will help people be able to safely come and be part of our services.
2. We are asking everyone to wear a mask as you enter, exit, and move around the building. Once you get to your seat, you may take off your mask if you desire.
3. The side entrance to the gym by the youth rooms will be open for those who want to sit in the section of the gym where masks will be worn the entire service. You can access that door best by going to the back of the parking lot with the Church Sign.
4. After the service we would encourage everyone to fellowship outside, but for others safety please wear a mask until you get outside.
5. Finally, we have a large classroom for Jr Church for our children to spread out once they are dismissed from the service. Your children will enjoy a lesson prepared for them and can be picked up as families get ready to leave following worship.
Where should we park?
Because not all the cars will fit on the Family Life Center side, we want to reserve that side for guests and those who need to park closer. Everyone else that is able is asked to park on the west-side, where our church sign is. You can enter the doors on that side and make your way through the building to the Family Life Center. Those who want to sit in the section of the gym where masks will be worn the entire service are welcome to park on the side door by the Youth Room – that door will be open and accessible.
See you Sunday!
Remember, we want 980 Haven to be Corona-free. This means we don’t desire to have it, spread it, talk about it, or discuss the politics surrounding it. We have far more important things to talk about and unify us. Let’s let each Sunday moving forward have our praise and follow through for Jesus be the focus of our church. God bless you and see you Sunday!
Don’t forget those who don’t feel they can make it, we are also LIVESTREAMING and you can find it on our homepage at www.fbcalbion.com . We miss you and hope to see you soon!