SERVICE guidelines

We will be updating the following procedures as we progress:

WORSHIP SERVICE guidelines

Using New York State guidelines, we have organized our Sanctuary and Fellowship areas to accommodate as many people as we can safely. We will comply with social distancing, and we ask that you wear a mask to protect each other when we are indoors and closer to each other. We need your help and flexibility for a successful and safe transition, and we apologize if we cannot accommodate you when we reach our capacity. Live broadcasts of our services are available through Youtube and Radio (see links above).

CHILDREN’S CHURCH
(masks, social distance, and temperature checks are practiced)

Nursery (infant to 24 months): Open 10:20am
The following age groups will have classes after worship:
2 – 3 yr olds
4yr olds to 3rd grade
4th grade to 6th grade
7th grade to 12th grade

HEALTH (whether indoors or outdoors)
Before coming to church, please take time to consider the following questions. IF YES, please remain home and take advantage of our live service on YouTube and our Radio WGSS 89.3FM. Err on the side of caution and protect one another, and please do not come to church sick.

1. Do I have cold or flu-like symptoms? Sore throat, congestion, runny nose, headaches, cough, nausea, aches and pain, malaise, fever, or simply
an abnormal weird feeling?
2. Do or did I have a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher in the past 2 weeks?
3. Have I had prolonged exposure to a person positive for COVID?  If you have tested positive for Covid, make sure to self-quarantine for the
10-14 days suggested by the medical community.
4. Do I have medical reasons why I should not be around others?

Face Masks: Mask wearing is controversial. It has been associated with political control and there is an element of truth to this. It’s effectiveness in preventing the spread of Covid has been questioned. Masks are uncomfortable; we get it; we feel the same way. But masks are a deterrent if even minimally. If a mask prevents .5-1.5% of a group from being infected, it’s worth wearing a mask. Just think, are you willing to jeopardize one to two people in a congregation of 100 by not wearing a mask? Look around you. Who of your brothers or sisters or loved ones are you willing to risk getting infected by not wearing a mask? Every life is precious in the sight of God.

Therefore, when you come to church wear a mask. When you are seated you can remove your mask. But when in conversation or moving around the church facility please wear your mask. Wear one that makes a statement; one with a scripture or holy symbol or message on it. Let’s turn a burden into a blessing and ministry tool. Let’s take control and wear a mask for His glory and to protect each other and perpetuate our fellowship.

Social Distance:  We ask that physical contact be kept to a minimum. Substitute elbow bumps if you must touch. You can sit close with those you came to church with, but please social distance with others. Remember, you or someone else could be contagious before you show signs of symptoms of the virus. Social distancing is a powerful preventative measure we need to observe and use.

SANITATION
Please use the bathroom at home if possible. However, our bathrooms are available for use. Please take care to use them safely.  If you use the bathrooms or move about the church, touch a handrail or door knob or any structure, wash your hands or use the hand sanitizer dispensers around the building. Our church is cleaned after every service or usage but we need to keep germs at bay with hand sanitizer and washing of hands.