COVID-19 Update - Re-Gathering at First Baptist Church (4/23/21)
As we prepare to re-gather for worship, we wanted to share plans and expectations. We know that there are differing comfort levels within our church family, and that’s okay. We want to meet as safely as we can using the universal guidance, as well as to continue to livestream our worship for those in our family that are not comfortable re-gathering or not able to re-gather at this point.
Here is the universal guidance as given by the state of Vermont and how we plan to implement it in our worship services:
We are easing into re-gathering, so we will not be offering childcare during the service at this time. We will be working on a plan for childcare; however, we are not prepared yet. We will let you know the plan as soon as we can. In the meantime, feel free to bring activities to keep your child entertained (i.e. coloring books, quiet toys or games). If you feel the need to leave the service with your child, we do ask that you go outside. We know attending church with little ones can be difficult. We want you to know that we love their little distractions.
If you or someone you know is in need of pastoral care or resources, please feel free to reach out to Pastors Chris and Kathleen by email (ck.blackey@gmail.com) or by giving them a call at 856-7266.
Here is the universal guidance as given by the state of Vermont and how we plan to implement it in our worship services:
- Stay home if sick. We ask that if you are not feeling well and have any COVID-19 symptoms that you watch our livestream worship from the comfort of your home. We will be writing down names of people in attendance. Please let us know; if you begin to feel sick or if you test positive for Covid-19 after attending service. We will keep your personal information confidential.
- Wear a mask. The State of Vermont currently has a mask mandate in place. Please wear a mask throughout the service. We will have masks available, if you forget yours at home. If you have any questions about mask wearing at our worship services, please feel free to reach out to us.
- Ensure six-foot spaces and uncrowded places. We ask that you sit with your household and try to keep six feet from those outside your household. We recognize that some in our church family have already been vaccinated and some have not, so we ask that you make responsible decisions on how you interact with others in our church family. If you would like to have a time of fellowship after worship services, we encourage you to go outside.
- Practice good hygiene. We will have hand sanitizer available in the front entrance and plenty of soap in the bathroom. We will keep the offering plate in the back of the sanctuary, and tithes and offerings can be placed in the plate before or after worship. Tithes and offerings can also be given online. Also, we will continue to serve communion in the prefilled communion cups that can be picked up on the way into worship on the first Sunday of the month.
- Think before you travel. Our goal throughout this past year has been to love God and love our neighbor. If you travel to a place high in COVID-19 numbers or participate in something that could be risky, we ask that you would consider how to interact with our church family upon your return.
We are easing into re-gathering, so we will not be offering childcare during the service at this time. We will be working on a plan for childcare; however, we are not prepared yet. We will let you know the plan as soon as we can. In the meantime, feel free to bring activities to keep your child entertained (i.e. coloring books, quiet toys or games). If you feel the need to leave the service with your child, we do ask that you go outside. We know attending church with little ones can be difficult. We want you to know that we love their little distractions.
If you or someone you know is in need of pastoral care or resources, please feel free to reach out to Pastors Chris and Kathleen by email (ck.blackey@gmail.com) or by giving them a call at 856-7266.
Pre-COVID pictures of our church family!