When Will We Reopen?
Good morning church,
Last night our Church Council met to discuss the latest information regarding COVID-19 and when Houses of Worship can reopen. On April 29th, Governor Beshear announced there will be 4 Phases to reopening the Commonwealth of Kentucky. In Phase 1 he specifically mentioned Houses of Worship being able to reopen on May 20th with certain restrictions. Along with the mention of reopening, he also listed 10 Rules to Reopen.
Yesterday we mapped out the Worship Center to see just how many people we will be able to accommodate during a Worship Service according to the Strict Social Distancing policy of 6ft. He also mentioned there would most likely be a percentage limitation based upon the maximum capacity of the facility. The percentage limitation has not been stated at this time.
We mapped out the Worship Center and determined that we can accommodate 335 people in the Worship Center at one time, according to the Strict Social Distancing policy of 6ft.
He has also been very clear to state that if Houses of Worship do not follow these guidelines, he will re-evaluate the situation and may shut down the ability to meet.
Due to the above limitations and restrictions, the Staff and Church Council have decided to initially reopen with ONLY 1 Worship Service with no SV Kids or Small Groups. Our target date for reopening is May 31st. But, given the unpredictability of this virus and daily updates from officials, things could change tomorrow.
To meet the Phase 1 Restrictions we will need to:
- Limit attendance to 335 people. (You will need to pre-register to attend)
- Thoroughly clean the entire facility before and after services.
- Require everyone to wear a mask. (You will need to bring your own mask)
- Take the temperature of every person attending our services upon entry.
- Ask everyone, before entering the church, questions related to COVID-19 Symptoms. (If you have any symptoms, you will not be able to enter.)
- Have people wait in line to be seated, and then usher them to their seats. This is the only way we can maintain the strict 6ft social distancing restriction and provide the most number of people to attend the Worship Service. (You won’t be able to sit in your preferred seat.)
We know this is a disappointment to you and to us as well. We are ready to do as God has commanded, “come together to worship.” But, we must do so with our focus being to love and care for those who are most vulnerable to this virus and to follow the regulations set by local, state and federal authorities.
We ask that if you are in the High Risk Group listed by the CDC, to please remain at home at this time. We love you and do not want you to risk being infected with this virus. The High Risk group would include and not be limited to people:
- 65 yrs and up
- with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
- with serious heart conditions
- who are immunocompromised
- who are severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 40 or higher)
- with diabetes
- with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis
- with liver disease
We also understand that many parents may find it difficult to attend a Worship Service with younger children who are not accustomed to attending Worship Services. We totally understand and would encourage you to do what is best for you and your family. Please continue to worship together as a family via Cable TV, online and the radio. Photos of you and your family worshipping from home have greatly encouraged us and bring us great joy. We will be back to meeting together soon, the Lord willing.
It’s easy to think just of ourselves during this time. But, Paul tells us in Philippians 2:3-4 to,
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit,
but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.
Everyone should look out not only for his own interests,
but also for the interests of others.”
We have a lot of work to do to finalize plans for May 31st. We will be updating you regularly with those plans. Please continue to:
- Join us for worship at 9am & 10:45am via Cable TV, online and radio.
- Be in community with others through a Small Group.
- Pray with us and share your prayers with us through our Prayer Ministry.
- Minister to others during this pandemic through many of our Serving Opportunities.
Lastly, we thank you so much for your prayers and your patience during this difficult time. We know that other churches may reopen before us. Please know we are making these decisions based upon our size and what we believe is best for us and everyone who will be attending.
Your Staff and Church Council
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