First Baptist Church of Maricopa – Safe Assembly Announcement
Date: May 14, 2020
 

As you have heard, we will be doing a soft re-opening of the church for Sunday School (9:30 am) and our Morning Worship Service (10:45 am) this Sunday, May 17th.

Though we are terribly excited to gather together again, we realize the need for caution and safety in doing so. Having said that, we want to let you know the steps we are taking to make sure everyone stays healthy, as well as to ask for your cooperation in adhering to these safety steps as well. Working together will better allow for a safer assembly for all.

  • We have arranged the Sanctuary seating in such a way as to allow for social distancing guidelines. Toward that end, you will find appropriate rows and/or chairs removed to allow for safe separation, while additional seating will also be added throughout the fellowship hall. (We have set sections of chairs for couples and/or families to remain seated together, while offering single seating for those attending alone.)
  • We encourage everyone to wear a mask, in order to protect both themselves and others.

Note: The wearing of masks is not a mandate, but a suggestion. While our Pastor, Teachers, and Praise Team obviously won’t be able to wear them while speaking/singing, they will work to keep their distance and this should not discourage you from taking this extra precaution if you so choose.

  • We will have a few disposable masks available for those who don’t yet have one available for their personal use. (We do ask, however, that you please bring your own if you have one available, as they are an additional expense and in short supply.)
  • We will have hand sanitizer available. (Please remember, however, that even this does not work as well as washing your hands with soap and water.)
  • We will not be passing the offering plate at this time, so as to avoid multiple contact, but will place the plate at the rear of the church if you wish to drop your tithe on your way in or on your way out. (You may also use our online payment tool if you’d rather.)
  • We will not be offering bulletins at this time, so as not to pass through multiple hands.
  • Though we will be holding Adult Sunday School Class, we will not be serving snacks or coffee at this time. 

NoteIf you choose to bring your own coffee,  please do not bring your cup into the Sanctuary during Service, as this is our time to worship the Lord.

Note: Sunday School will continue to be offered through online Zoom for those at home.

  • Our Nursery will not be open during this time.
  • We will not be holding Children’s Church at this time.
  • We ask that everyone do their best to remain 6 ft apart and respect others. (It’s going to be difficult not to run up and wrap each of our brothers and sisters in a huge, wonderful hug, but we can make it a little while longer, yes?)
  • If you have any underlying health conditions which put you at greater risk, we encourage you to remain home and join us through our online streaming service. (Please don’t take chances with yourself. We will get through this in God’s timing.)
  • If you are feeling unwell in any way, we ask that you please stay home and rest. (We want to Worship our Lord together, but we certainly don’t want to create our own little hotspot at FBCM.) 

Again, if you do NOT feel comfortable coming to the Church to gather as of yet, PLEASE do not feel pressured to do so. We will continue to offer Sunday School Classes through Zoom and to stream services online as long as social distancing practices are still needed.

We wish to allow for all of our church members to come together again, however we absolutely want everyone to remain safe and healthy.

As we continue to pray over how we might best resume our fellowship as a congregation, while encouraging safe assembly practices, we ask that you, also, continue to pray that God’s hand swiftly guide our country—indeed, our world—through this virus with a new and ever strengthened trust in Him.

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For your information, we are posting the AZ State & CDC Basic Guidelines for places of worship here—

Protect yourself while visiting places of worship:

Stay home if sick.

Stay at least 6 feet away from other patrons.

If you are at higher risk for severe illness, you should avoid places of worship

People at higher risk for severe illness include adults 65 or older and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions.

Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.

After leaving the place of worship, use hand sanitizer.

When you get home, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.