bainbridge, georgia

Resumption of Services

At our regular stated meeting on May 12, 2020 the Session prayed, listened, and settled on June 7, 2020 as a safe and prudent time to resume in-person worship in the sanctuary. Governor Kemp has extended shelter-in-place recommendations to June 12 for people 65 and older and those with underlying health conditions, so some of you may feel better waiting another week. Your decisions are honored, and we know you will be with us in spirit until you can rejoin us in person. We will continue to air our morning worship on Facebook Live.

We will begin our re-opening with worship only; there will be no in-person Sunday School or nursery for at least the first two weeks. Please continue your virtual classes during this time of phasing back into all the activities of the church. Also, do not let the absence of a nursery impede your full participation in the worship service. Your children are children of the church. They are welcome!

In order to provide a safe place for worship, there are some guidelines the Session has adopted, using federal and state public health recommendations. They are as follows:

• Hand sanitizer will be placed at each entrance, and we ask that you use this as you enter and exit the sanctuary.
• We will practice social distancing and ask that you sit in family groups no larger than ten people on every other pew on opposing ends in the sanctuary so we can maintain the suggested distance from each other.
• If you wish to wear a mask, please bring one with you and wear it as many Sundays as you like as we ease back into gathering in person.
• Collection plates will not be passed as usual. You will be given instructions in the service as to how to present your tithes and offerings.
• Please refrain from handshakes and hugs (we know this one is hard!) at least for a few Sundays as we closely monitor infection rates in our city and county.
• The minister will dismiss you with a blessing from the pulpit but will not stand at the door as you leave the building.
• Holy Communion will be postponed until July 2020.
• Ushers and Session members will be available to help you as you enter the sanctuary. They will wear masks as a precaution, but you are not required to wear a mask unless you so choose.