Regathering Plan
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Church, we are preparing to return to on-campus worship this coming Sunday, June 14th @ 11:00 am. We had a trial run last Sunday to help us prepare for our re-gathering and give us an opportunity to insure we can comply with social distancing and other CDC guidelines. It was good to be back in the house of the Lord, and we are excited to have you join us this Sunday!
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We realize there may be some who still have concerns about returning to corporate worship at this time, so we are working on the logistics for a live Facebook broadcast. This will give those who choose to stay home the semblance of being with us.
We have worked to make the environment as safe as we can make it. All surfaces and doors have been sprayed with bleach cleaner and we have a hospital-grade disinfectant spray that will be applied throughout the Auditorium (on chairs, rails, doors). Hand sanitizer will be located throughout the building.
As much as possible, it will be a touchless experience from the car back to the car. You will not have to open doors or touch any surfaces. You are to enter the front doors of the church and they will be open. All doors entering the Auditorium will be open. Exiting the building will be done in an orderly fashion by rows, and each section will leave through different exit points. Each section will be dismissed by row, beginning with the back row until all in the section have been dismissed. This will occur under the supervision of the usher for your section. While exiting, you are encouraged to keep six feet distance.
At the present time there will be no childcare or other age related activities offered. We are encouraging families to worship together and we understand this will create some challenges for parents as well as provide some level of distraction; it is a small price to pay for the safety of our children. We are working to have coloring pages/activity sheets available for parents to pick up from the foyer table that will coincide with the sermon each week. The nursery and cry room will be available for those who may need them, just be cautious to maintain social distancing. During this phase of our re-opening it is extremely important that your children remain with you at all times.
Our restroom facilities will be available, but we ask that they be used only if absolutely necessary while maintaining social distancing. Please abide by a 2-person at a time limit. Restroom entrance doors will be discreetly left open. Physical bulletins will not be distributed; announcements will be published on-line and on the screen. We will not pass an offering plate, but it will be available to you to place your offering as you leave. Or you can continue to give online, or mail it.
We will not touch one another, but we will greet each other warmly with a wave and smile. We will make additional posts this week with more information in preparation for Sunday. Can’t wait to see you!
We have worked to make the environment as safe as we can make it. All surfaces and doors have been sprayed with bleach cleaner and we have a hospital-grade disinfectant spray that will be applied throughout the Auditorium (on chairs, rails, doors). Hand sanitizer will be located throughout the building.
As much as possible, it will be a touchless experience from the car back to the car. You will not have to open doors or touch any surfaces. You are to enter the front doors of the church and they will be open. All doors entering the Auditorium will be open. Exiting the building will be done in an orderly fashion by rows, and each section will leave through different exit points. Each section will be dismissed by row, beginning with the back row until all in the section have been dismissed. This will occur under the supervision of the usher for your section. While exiting, you are encouraged to keep six feet distance.
At the present time there will be no childcare or other age related activities offered. We are encouraging families to worship together and we understand this will create some challenges for parents as well as provide some level of distraction; it is a small price to pay for the safety of our children. We are working to have coloring pages/activity sheets available for parents to pick up from the foyer table that will coincide with the sermon each week. The nursery and cry room will be available for those who may need them, just be cautious to maintain social distancing. During this phase of our re-opening it is extremely important that your children remain with you at all times.
Our restroom facilities will be available, but we ask that they be used only if absolutely necessary while maintaining social distancing. Please abide by a 2-person at a time limit. Restroom entrance doors will be discreetly left open. Physical bulletins will not be distributed; announcements will be published on-line and on the screen. We will not pass an offering plate, but it will be available to you to place your offering as you leave. Or you can continue to give online, or mail it.
We will not touch one another, but we will greet each other warmly with a wave and smile. We will make additional posts this week with more information in preparation for Sunday. Can’t wait to see you!
Because singing is now thought to be high risk for transmission for COVID-19, we will not be singing in the sanctuary. When individuals sing, they project their voices. Powerful voices project droplets at far greater distances than does casual conversation. If an infected person sings or yells, those infected respiratory droplets can increase greatly and disperse much more slowly than talking or even coughing. We saw this to be true several months ago at Liberty Square Church in Cartersville. Therefore, weather permitting; we will meet outside, socially distanced, to sing a couple hymns prior to proceeding into the sanctuary. Health officials strongly advise wearing a mask when singing to protect those around you.
Only the main entrance is to be used to enter the building. Ushers will be available to open the doors for you, so there will be no need for you to touch those surfaces. The fellowship hall and classrooms are not available for use, as there is to be no congregating or socializing allowed inside the building. Everyone must go immediately to the sanctuary to be seated.
Following the service, if you wish to socialize, it must be done outside the building. When you arrive on the outside of the building, you may "hang around" outside to fellowship with the others who have chosen to "hang around." If you don't wish to socialize, you may proceed directly to your car after you exit.
Only the main entrance is to be used to enter the building. Ushers will be available to open the doors for you, so there will be no need for you to touch those surfaces. The fellowship hall and classrooms are not available for use, as there is to be no congregating or socializing allowed inside the building. Everyone must go immediately to the sanctuary to be seated.
Following the service, if you wish to socialize, it must be done outside the building. When you arrive on the outside of the building, you may "hang around" outside to fellowship with the others who have chosen to "hang around." If you don't wish to socialize, you may proceed directly to your car after you exit.
The sanctuary has been prepared for your arrival. We have placed 6 foot markings in the foyer, hallway and aisle into the sanctuary for each family to stand as you wait to be seated. You will be greeted by ushers who will help to place you as near as possible to where you wish to sit, but be aware that our seating will be different . . .
The ushers in the aisles will be there to direct you to a seat. Please, follow their leadership and instructions. Alternating rows of chairs will be used, so there will always be one row, or 6 feet, between each group of worshipers. You may share an entire row of seats with those who are in your household and/or those with whom you have been socializing. Otherwise, you will be separated by a minimum of two chairs from others on the same row. Because of this "distancing placement," there will be a limited number of persons on each row.
There should be no encouraging of physical contact by anyone, and we highly suggest that you do not initiate any physical contact with anyone. You will be asked not to linger in the foyer when you arrive at the church building and not to linger when you leave. As you enter and exit, you are encouraged to keep six feet distance.
The ushers in the aisles will be there to direct you to a seat. Please, follow their leadership and instructions. Alternating rows of chairs will be used, so there will always be one row, or 6 feet, between each group of worshipers. You may share an entire row of seats with those who are in your household and/or those with whom you have been socializing. Otherwise, you will be separated by a minimum of two chairs from others on the same row. Because of this "distancing placement," there will be a limited number of persons on each row.
There should be no encouraging of physical contact by anyone, and we highly suggest that you do not initiate any physical contact with anyone. You will be asked not to linger in the foyer when you arrive at the church building and not to linger when you leave. As you enter and exit, you are encouraged to keep six feet distance.
The following is a summary of procedures we will follow:
Thank you for your understanding and patience, even as some of these items may be subject to change as we actually begin this process. We are seeking to make this as safe and easy as possible, and we will make necessary changes as we go along. We are so looking forward to worshipping with you tomorrow!
- Only the main entrance is to be used to enter the building. Ushers will be available to open the doors for you, so there will be no need for you to touch those surfaces.
- The fellowship hall and classrooms are not available for use, as there is to be no congregating or socializing allowed inside the building. Everyone must go immediately to the sanctuary to be seated.
- We will place 6 foot markings in the foyer, hallway and aisle into the sanctuary for each family to stand as you wait to be seated. You will be greeted by ushers who will help to place you as near as possible to where you wish to sit, but be aware that our seating will be different...
- Alternating rows of chairs will be used, so there will always be one row, or 6 feet, between each group of worshipers. You may share an entire row of seats with those who are in your household and/or those with whom you have been socializing. Otherwise, you will be separated by a minimum of two chairs from others on the same row. Because of this "distancing placement," there will be a limited number of persons on each row.
- Our restroom facilities will be available, but we ask that they be used only if absolutely necessary while maintaining social distancing.
- Exiting the building will be done in an orderly fashion by rows, and each section will leave through different exit points. Each section will be dismissed by row, beginning with the back row until all in the section have been dismissed. This will occur under the supervision of the usher for your section. While exiting, you are encouraged to keep six feet distance.
- Following the service, if you wish to socialize, it must be done outside the building. When you arrive on the outside of the building, you may "hang around" outside to fellowship with the others who have chosen to "hang around." If you don't wish to socialize, you may proceed directly to your car after you exit.
- There should be no encouraging of physical contact by anyone, and we highly suggest that you do not initiate any physical contact with anyone.
- Masks and personal protective equipment are permitted to wear.
- Hand sanitizer will be located in the foyer, bathroom and sanctuary.
- There will be no childcare, Sunday school, or Wednesday night activities for children or students during "Phase I." You are welcomed, and encouraged, to bring your entire family for worship.
- Physical bulletins will not be distributed; announcements will be published on-line and on the screen.
- The offering can be received as you exit the service, or you may continue to give online, or by mail.
Thank you for your understanding and patience, even as some of these items may be subject to change as we actually begin this process. We are seeking to make this as safe and easy as possible, and we will make necessary changes as we go along. We are so looking forward to worshipping with you tomorrow!
Due to the heat and concern for our seniors having to stand outside to participate in singing, we will sing inside tomorrow. However, due to the inherent risk of COVID-19 transmission while singing facemasks will be REQUIRED, along with social distancing requirements. Please bring a facemask with you or we ask that you DO NOT participate in singing. We appreciate your cooperation with the guidelines we have implemented for everyones safety knowing that this is a small price to pay to be able to worship our Savior together! Looking forward to gathering with you tomorrow!
March 19, 2020
Good morning church,
As we continue to monitor the situation with Covid-19, and in light of statements made by the World Health Organization and the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, and out of a desire to love our neighbor and protect our church family, we will continue to cancel all services throughout the rest of the month of March (March 22nd, and 29th). Obviously, if there is a miraculous turn of events, we will alter our schedule. Until then, let's continue to encourage one another and maintain "social distancing" as we have been asked by our local and national governments.
I will be sharing a message this Sunday via Facebook live. This in no way can replace our physical gathering, nor is it intended to. But I do want to use the technology available to us to encourage you with God's word. If you are like me, this time away from church and our friends has created a holy hungering to be with God's people which I am sure will make it all the more glorious when we are finally reunited to worship together again. In some ways, this is preparing us for how great heaven will be!
Please continue to support our church financially through our online options. Simply go to our website and click the option "give," or you can visit www.riverviewbaptistcalhoun.com/give
This will enable us to continue meeting ongoing financial commitments while we are unable to gather. Thank you for your faithfulness, and continue to pray for all those affected by this virus. Our God is on the throne, this has not caught him by surprise, and we can trust this season as an act of his providence. I love you all, and look forward to sharing with you online on Sunday.
Pastor Josh
Good morning church,
As we continue to monitor the situation with Covid-19, and in light of statements made by the World Health Organization and the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, and out of a desire to love our neighbor and protect our church family, we will continue to cancel all services throughout the rest of the month of March (March 22nd, and 29th). Obviously, if there is a miraculous turn of events, we will alter our schedule. Until then, let's continue to encourage one another and maintain "social distancing" as we have been asked by our local and national governments.
I will be sharing a message this Sunday via Facebook live. This in no way can replace our physical gathering, nor is it intended to. But I do want to use the technology available to us to encourage you with God's word. If you are like me, this time away from church and our friends has created a holy hungering to be with God's people which I am sure will make it all the more glorious when we are finally reunited to worship together again. In some ways, this is preparing us for how great heaven will be!
Please continue to support our church financially through our online options. Simply go to our website and click the option "give," or you can visit www.riverviewbaptistcalhoun.com/give
This will enable us to continue meeting ongoing financial commitments while we are unable to gather. Thank you for your faithfulness, and continue to pray for all those affected by this virus. Our God is on the throne, this has not caught him by surprise, and we can trust this season as an act of his providence. I love you all, and look forward to sharing with you online on Sunday.
Pastor Josh
March 14, 2020 UPDATE from our Pastor:
Services are cancelled for tomorrow morning, as well as tomorrow night and Wednesday. Please help spread the word to our older members or those who may not have Social Media. I'll post a more detailed response later. I will also likely post a video tomorrow with some encouragement from Scripture. This decision has not been easy and was not without much prayer. I love you all. Pray for God's will as we trust him.
Pastor Josh
Services are cancelled for tomorrow morning, as well as tomorrow night and Wednesday. Please help spread the word to our older members or those who may not have Social Media. I'll post a more detailed response later. I will also likely post a video tomorrow with some encouragement from Scripture. This decision has not been easy and was not without much prayer. I love you all. Pray for God's will as we trust him.
Pastor Josh
March 13, 2020
Riverview Family and Guests,
I want to update you on what’s happening at Riverview in light of the increased concerns over the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Like you, we’ve been closely following this evolving story with concern. Developments are changing hour by hour, which may ultimately impact this Sunday. For now, please read through this entire email as it contains detailed plans for keeping our campus safe along with suggestions about how you can help.
#1 Gatherings: Our current plan is to remain open and to gather for Sunday MORNING Worship and Sunday School. We will NOT meet this SUNDAY EVENING or WEDNESDAY NIGHT. In the event that local and state health officials recommend further closures, or we determine it is in the best interest of our faith family to suspend gathering or ministries for a period of time, we will inform everyone to the best of our abilities through our website and social media.
#2 Sanitation: We will continue to work hard to keep our campus clean, paying special attention to our preschool and children’s areas and commonly used surfaces like door handles, seats, and counters. We will also have hand sanitizer readily available through our main building and our student center. I would encourage you to avoid shaking hands or giving hugs for the next few weeks, and instead choosing another gesture (such as a wave or a bow).
#3 Offering: We are also going to suspend passing our offering plates at the end of our worship gatherings for the next several weeks. Instead, we will have ushers placed at each of the doors where you can give your tithes and offerings as you leave. (You may also place your offering in the plate at the beginning of the service). We are also currently in the process of enabling online giving, and once this feature is available, we will let you know.
#4 Greeting: We want to continue to welcome one another graciously and display hospitality to everyone around us. However, for the period of time related to communion and offering, we will also be suspending our official greeting time that often begins our worship gatherings.
#5 Prevention: During this time, it’s also good to remind ourselves of what we can do to help prevent the spread of this and other viruses. These include:
#6 High Risk Groups: If you are one at higher risk of getting very sick, such as older adults or those with certain medical conditions, we want to help care for you. We know some of you may feel the need to avoid gathering together with us for a period of time. Know that our weekly sermons will be available online at our website. In the meantime, if you find yourself in need, please let your small group leader know or contact Pastor Josh at [email protected].
This situation is ever-changing, which means our response will need to be as well. We are working to consider any future contingencies that may be required. As we adjust our response, we’ll continue to let you know through email, website, and social media.
Thank you, faith family, for your ongoing concern and support as we all walk through this together. Though the days ahead are unknown to us, they are well known to the God we serve. In times of uncertainty, let’s look to Him in faith to remove our fear, calm our worries, and lovingly guide us through as He always does so faithfully.
I love you, Riverview.
Pastor Josh Pilgrim
Here are a couple of helpful articles to help us think biblically about this current crisis:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/christians-anxious-coronavirus/
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/cs-lewis-coronavirus/
Also, take time to read Moses’ prayer in Psalm 90.
Riverview Family and Guests,
I want to update you on what’s happening at Riverview in light of the increased concerns over the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Like you, we’ve been closely following this evolving story with concern. Developments are changing hour by hour, which may ultimately impact this Sunday. For now, please read through this entire email as it contains detailed plans for keeping our campus safe along with suggestions about how you can help.
#1 Gatherings: Our current plan is to remain open and to gather for Sunday MORNING Worship and Sunday School. We will NOT meet this SUNDAY EVENING or WEDNESDAY NIGHT. In the event that local and state health officials recommend further closures, or we determine it is in the best interest of our faith family to suspend gathering or ministries for a period of time, we will inform everyone to the best of our abilities through our website and social media.
#2 Sanitation: We will continue to work hard to keep our campus clean, paying special attention to our preschool and children’s areas and commonly used surfaces like door handles, seats, and counters. We will also have hand sanitizer readily available through our main building and our student center. I would encourage you to avoid shaking hands or giving hugs for the next few weeks, and instead choosing another gesture (such as a wave or a bow).
#3 Offering: We are also going to suspend passing our offering plates at the end of our worship gatherings for the next several weeks. Instead, we will have ushers placed at each of the doors where you can give your tithes and offerings as you leave. (You may also place your offering in the plate at the beginning of the service). We are also currently in the process of enabling online giving, and once this feature is available, we will let you know.
#4 Greeting: We want to continue to welcome one another graciously and display hospitality to everyone around us. However, for the period of time related to communion and offering, we will also be suspending our official greeting time that often begins our worship gatherings.
#5 Prevention: During this time, it’s also good to remind ourselves of what we can do to help prevent the spread of this and other viruses. These include:
- Wash your hands frequently. Soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective at killing viruses.
- Observe good cough and sneeze etiquette. Cover your mouth and nose in the crook of your elbow or with a tissue that should be immediately thrown away.
- Be aware of your risk of transmitting infection to others. Please stay home if you or your child are feeling sick. Contact your medical provider to let them know you’re ill, and follow their advice. We also ask that you or your child be fever-free for at least 24 hours before returning.
- Get in the habit of not touching your face as often.
- If you or someone you know tests positive for COVID-19, please let us know so we can find a way to help, pray for everyone involved, and take any necessary precautions here at Riverview.
#6 High Risk Groups: If you are one at higher risk of getting very sick, such as older adults or those with certain medical conditions, we want to help care for you. We know some of you may feel the need to avoid gathering together with us for a period of time. Know that our weekly sermons will be available online at our website. In the meantime, if you find yourself in need, please let your small group leader know or contact Pastor Josh at [email protected].
This situation is ever-changing, which means our response will need to be as well. We are working to consider any future contingencies that may be required. As we adjust our response, we’ll continue to let you know through email, website, and social media.
Thank you, faith family, for your ongoing concern and support as we all walk through this together. Though the days ahead are unknown to us, they are well known to the God we serve. In times of uncertainty, let’s look to Him in faith to remove our fear, calm our worries, and lovingly guide us through as He always does so faithfully.
I love you, Riverview.
Pastor Josh Pilgrim
Here are a couple of helpful articles to help us think biblically about this current crisis:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/christians-anxious-coronavirus/
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/cs-lewis-coronavirus/
Also, take time to read Moses’ prayer in Psalm 90.