When Will We Regularly Gather In-Person Again?
On September 13, 2020, we will resume our weekly in-person Sunday worship gatherings in a limited capacity. We will be meeting at the Evergreen Adult Daycare located at 42-19 Bell Blvd., Bayside, New York 11361. Each week there will be two services, 10:30 am and 12 pm. We will adhere to the physical distancing guidelines set forth by the government and have seating arrangements set at a minimum of six feet apart from one another (spouses and families may sit close together). Due to limited capacity, there will be an email sign-up sent via Eventbrite at the start of every week and both services will each be capped at 20 sign-ups (this process is subject to modification as things progress). If you sign-up and are unable to make it, you simply need to let us know so that we can make space for others.
What Other Safety Measures Will Be Taken?
All attendees are required to wear their masks at all times in the building (note: worship leaders and speakers who will be adequately distanced from you are not required to wear masks when leading, but are expected to wear their masks at all other times). All attendees will be required to hand sanitize as they enter into the facility (stations will be available at the entries). Our interactions will be intentionally touch-free (e.g., no hugs or hand-shakes for now, offering box will be in a stationary location so that it does not have to be passed around – although online giving is encouraged, etc.). Temperature checks will be conducted at the door and all attendees will be required to comply. Extensive cleaning and disinfecting procedures will take place prior to the service in coordination with the Evergreen Adult Daycare. If you have any signs or symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home and worship with us online (this will be reiterated every week).
Can I Bring My Family With Me?
Infants or children will be allowed to attend as long as the parents believe their children are able to properly follow the rules (however, there will be no children or youth programs). If not, then a recommendation would be for those with spouses to take turns attending.
What If I’m Not Comfortable Attending A Service Yet?
We know that everyone has different levels of comfort and concerns right now, and so please do not feel pressured to attend. We will be streaming these services live via YouTube so that you are still able to watch from home. If you miss the service online when it is aired live, it will still be available to view afterwards.
A Pastoral Message
We understand that many of you are feeling anxious and we hope to do our best to facilitate a space of worship that alleviates some of your concerns. On the other hand, we also understand that many of you may be frustrated because there are now conditions and restrictions that did not exist before. However, I truly believe that the Lord has greater things in store for us, and I would ask that we all patiently wait for his timing to see what the future holds. One thing I have learned the last five months about our church is that we have an incredibly resilient congregation (evidenced by all of you who have not stopped praying since this pandemic began). You encourage me to confidently know that we will make it through these times as church one way or another. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. – Matthew 7:25
In Christ,
David