We’re back in the race!
We are once again meeting for worship in our church Sanctuary! As before, we need to be sure everyone understands the precautions and constraints we will be operating under for a while.
Please know that there is no expectation for anyone to return to church before they feel comfortable doing so. I want everyone to have the Lord’s peace when they decide to again gather together for worship at Pine Grove. Some of you are ready to come back right now, some are going to wait for a few more weeks, and others are going to wait for most health restrictions to be lifted. That is okay! God knows each of our hearts, and we want to continue to show grace to one another during this time.
We will continue to offer our service online even after returning to our modified Sunday morning worship service. That way you may keep sharing time in God’s Word with us whether at home or in person. Via our church website you will continue to find links to Sunday’s livestream and children’s Sunday school videos, along with the downloadable Sermon Notes/Growth Group Study Guide.
What you need to know about COVID-19
- Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms.
- Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.
- Please assess yourself for symptoms, and check your own temperature prior to coming to church on Sunday. (Click here for an online self-assessment tool).
No one should plan to attend services who is experiencing symptoms, or is known to have had any contact with anyone with a confirmed case COVID-19.
If we become aware that someone who has been in a service becomes ill, we will follow these procedures:
- We will ask the person to stay home and seek medical care if needed.
- We will contact local health officials.
- If public health officials determine we need to, we will assist with determining who needs to be contacted for contact tracing.
- Any areas we determine the confirmed COVID-19 person visited will be sanitized.
Changes and Precautions PGBC Will be Observing
Things to know as you join us on Sunday:
- Our Worship Service will begin at 10:00 am.
- We will only be offering a single worship service as we reopen. There will be no Sunday School, Children’s Church, or Nursery care provided. Families will remain together in the main service.
- The Main Entrance from the parking lot (grass courtyard area) will be the only open entrance to the church for the Sunday Worship service.
- Greeters will be confirming that everyone entering our facility has a mask, as required, and will be reminding people to maintain at least six feet of social distance between themselves and anyone else who is not part of their family unit.
- We will be singing fewer songs than normal, and will try to keep the service to one hour.
- Doors will be propped open so that you do not have to touch the door handles.
- Though seating is not marked off to create distance, please seek to ensure that you are seated at least 6 feet away from any non-family member to promote social distancing suggested by the county.
- We will not be passing offering plates during the service. Instead, there is an offering box located to the rear of the Sanctuary. Offering envelopes will be available next to the box on the table. Please place your offering in the box as you enter or leave the Sanctuary.
- Hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout the Lobby and Sanctuary.
- There will be no coffee or tea service in the Lobby. Also, the drinking fountains will be closed.
- While the Lobby restrooms will be open, we encourage you to use the restroom at home before coming to church.
- There will be no handouts of any kind (Worship Bulletins, prayer sheets, children’s activity pages & crayons).
Please bring your own mask for each member of your family. If you forget yours, a disposable mask will be provided to you.
To simplify this process, the following practices shall be observed:
DO
+ Bring a mask.
+ Wash your hands before and after services.
+ Observe six feet from non-household members.
+ Cover your coughs or sneezes.
+ Visit hand sanitizer stations frequently.
X Shake hands.
X Hug others.
X Come to church if you are sick.
X Touch your face, nose, and mouth.
X Leave items like tissues or disposable masks in the Sanctuary.
I am grateful that we will again be meeting together in person in our church building. Praise God for continuing to lead us through the challenges of this time in the life of the Church.
We are all looking forward to things getting back to normal, and they will. As things continue to change and improve in our community, we will expand the ministries the church is offering.
Thank you for your patience, your prayers, and your participation in this unusual time of ministry.