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IN-PERSON GATHERINGS
God’s word exhorts us to assemble together in order to stir each other up to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25). Early in the Covid 19 disruption, we sought substitutes in things like livestreams, online meetings, telephone calls, and social media posts. These substitutes helped our church family to weather the crisis until we could better evaluate the situation, and plan an appropriate response.
Planning an appropriate response has been complicated by the current environment in our country of polarization and politicization. We have been presented with a host of conflicting and self-contradictory information regarding the current Covid 19 disruption. The resulting confusion has created a situation in which godly brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ may have radically differing opinions about the best way to respond.
In Romans 14:1, God’s word calls us to receive each other, but not to dispute over doubtful matters. As a result, we have tried to craft a response that respects the varied opinions and concerns held by our congregation and community.
OUR SERVICE OFFERINGS
WATCH ONLINE
For some it may be beneficial or desirable to remain at home. We plan to continue to offer the Livestream each Sunday at 9:30am so that they can participate in the ministry of FBC Zeeland from home.
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WATCH PARTIES
Current public health orders allows for social gatherings of 10 people or less. Some may wish to organize watch parties in their homes or outdoors in order to participate in the Livestream in a larger social group.
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SUNDAY SERVICE
Current public health orders specifically exempt individuals and houses of worship from penalty for gathering for worship. Sundays at 9:30am, we hold in-person worship services with social distancing in the main auditorium and broadcast this service on our Livestream.
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OUR SAFETY STEPS
During our in-person gatherings at the church facility, we plan to take the following steps to help protect the congregation and community from infection:
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We plan to practice social distancing by spreading out those who gather in the main auditorium to designated spaces.
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Door handles and bathrooms will be cleaned and disinfected prior to each service.
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If the weather allows, we plan to have the windows open to allow an increased flow of fresh air. Otherwise, the ventilation system will be circulating and filtering the large volume of air in the main auditorium per CDC recommendations.
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We will not pass offering plates. Many have begun giving online through our church website. Those who wish may continue to give in this way. Those who wish to give a physical offering may do so using the Joy Boxes or by sending the gift in the mail. Info on how to give online, in-person, or by mail may be found at www.fbczeeland.org/give.
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HOW YOU CAN HELP
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Please remain home and watch the service on the Livestream if you or a member of your immediate family are showing any symptoms of Covid-19 infection (cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell), or have been exposed to Covid-19 within the past two weeks (you have spent 10 or more minutes within 6 feet of someone with a confirmed or suspected case of Covid-19.
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Please remain home and watch the service on the Livestream if you or a member of your immediate family are part of an at-risk group (older adults, or people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions).
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Please sanitize your hands upon entering the church facility and wash your hands after using the restroom.
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Mask wearing inside the building is encouraged but not required.
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The CDC recommends remaining at least 6 feet away from others unless they are a part of your household. Please wave at people rather than initiating physical contact with them (shaking hands, hugging, etc.).
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Please show the maximum possible grace to others as they each respond to our current challenges in their own way.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I come to an in-person service if I am sick?
If you are showing any symptoms of Covid-19 infection (cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat or new loss of taste or smell), please stay home and participate by watching our Livestream service on Sundays at 9:30am at www.fbczeeland.org/livestream.
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Can I come to an in-person service if I am in at-risk group?
If you or a member of your immediate family are part of an at-risk group (older adults, or people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions), please stay home and participate by watching our Livestream service on Sundays at 9:30am at www.fbczeeland.org/livestream.
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Can I come to an in-person service if somebody in my house is showing symptoms of Covid-19?
If you or a member of your immediate family are showing any symptoms of Covid-19 infection, please stay home and participate by watching our Livestream service on Sundays at 9:30am at www.fbczeeland.org/livestream.
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How did FBC Zeeland come to the decision to gather for in-person services?
Current public health orders specifically exempt individuals and houses of worship from penalty for gathering for worship. In light of this, we believe it would be best to offer our church community various opportunities for communal worship and fellowship as they feel comfortable.
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Do I have to wear a face mask?
Mask wearing inside the building is encouraged but not required.
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Can I hug people?
The CDC recommends remaining at least 6 feet away from others unless they are a part of your household. Please wave at people rather than initiating physical contact with them (shaking hands, hugging, etc.).
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Can I still watch the Livestream service?
Absolutely! We will continue to offer our 9:30am Sunday service online for anybody who will like to engage with our our worship and teaching in this way.
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Will I be arrested or fined for attending at worship service in-person?
No. Current public health orders specifically exempt individuals and houses of worship from penalty for gathering for worship.
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Can I sit in my favorite pew?
To practice social distancing during our Sunday morning service at 9:30am, we will have each household group or individual sit at opposite ends and every other pew. Bulletins will be placed where seating is available.
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How can I give my tithe or offering?
If you are currently giving online, we would encourage you to continue to do so. Those who wish to give a physical offering may do so using the Joy Boxes or by sending the gift in the mail. Info on how to give online, in-person, or by mail may be found at www.fbczeeland.org/give.
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