All of you are aware that we decided to suspend in-person worship services on June 16. Our desire was to be back together on July 12, but due to a surge in cases in our area, your staff and deacons decided to postpone reopening until July 26. In order to safely meet together, we are asking our church family for your cooperation and patience during this time as we implement health and safety guidelines. We are aware that we are responsible for making sure that we protect your physical well-being, but we are also tasked with your spiritual and emotional well-being. We have been blessed that we have no known, active cases. Our desire is to keep it that way. Much prayer has been given to the direction we take moving forward. Please join with us in prayer for our church family.
We fully understand that some of our church family are uncomfortable or cannot attend in-person worship gatherings due to health vulnerabilities. We strongly encourage those who are at high risk or medically compromised to continue to worship with us by livestream. The Sunday morning and Wednesday evening services will continue on YouTube and Facebook live or they may be viewed at a later time on YouTube (fbcgalabama). You may also go to the church website (firstbaptistguinal.com) to link to the services. You will also be able to access the Bible Study notes on the website.
General Health: If you or a family member have experienced any recent symptoms such as: fever in the last 48 hours; a cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, new loss of taste, vomiting or diarrhea in the last 24 hours, then we are requesting that you remain at home until you are free of these symptoms. In addition, if you have been in close proximity with anyone with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, we request that you remain at home for two weeks after exposure. In general, if you or members of your family are ill, please remain at home.
Parking: There are no restrictions for parking but we ask that you allow plenty of space between yourself and others as you are walking from your vehicle to the church.
Face Coverings/Masks: For your protection, all of our greeters and volunteers will be required to wear face coverings/masks. We will have masks available for your use and encourage you to make that a part of your preparation to join with us.
Worship Areas: During this unusual time of personal distancing, we are going to use both the sanctuary and gym for spaced seating. The gym will have a worship leader(s) and will livestream the message. Seating in the sanctuary will be limited to 125 people, and the thought is that the gym will be set up for the same amount. The gym may be the choice for families with younger children because of proximity to restrooms, etc.
Entering the Sanctuary/Gym: You will be met by door-holders and greeters so you will not have to touch door handles. You will also be directed which way to go for seating.
Entrance and exit will all be one way.
During Worship: We will not distribute bulletins, sermon outlines or guest cards. During our time of worship, please feel free to sing and praise God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.
After Worship: When the Worship service concludes, you will be dismissed by rows in order to maintain a proper distance. Please exit as directed. As you exit there will be a “hands-free” offering opportunity for those who would like to give, or you may decide to give digitally through your bank or later on the website and app.
Childcare: At this time we will not offer childcare, however our nursery will be open for any parent who needs to use it. Please remember parents that you will have to stay with your children since there will be no volunteers to keep them.
HVAC: To maintain constant airflow, we will be running the HVAC system continuously. The sanctuary and gym may be a little cooler than normal. Please bear with us and dress accordingly.
We will continue to evaluate a starting date for Sunday School. As of right now, our plan is to have the Wednesday Night Bible Study and Renewal Groups resume on July 29th for adults.
Many of the plans we had for the Spring and Summer have obviously been canceled, but with your help and cooperation, we can at least meet together for worship.
Please pray for us.
Dr. Kenny Hatcher - Rev. Zane Miles - Stan Junkin