Re: Reopening our Doors at Ebenezer
“His huge outstretched arms protect you— under them you’re perfectly safe;
His arms fend off all harm.” (Psalm 91:4 Message)
A few days ago, Governor Burgum lifted the restrictions placed on businesses (churches) to slow the spread of the coronavirus. This means we are free to open our doors at Ebenezer under Phase 1 rules in the North Dakota Smart Restart plan. However, opening our doors does not mean that people who come to our church building are free from the danger of being infected by the coronavirus. On the contrary, the danger of being infected still exists. Coming together for worship could mean an infected person possibly spreads the coronavirus to another. This risk is a real one. Thus, we all need to be informed of the risks of assembly and individually consider the wise and prudent response. As we enter this phase of recovery we all have a social responsibility to do what we can keep one another safe.
Reputable groups have suggested precautions and offered guidelines to churches like our own who are preparing to reassemble for public worship. Gleaning from a number of these resources has given us recommendations and practical steps to follow as we proceed in coming together for corporate worship. Ebenezer will be following a strict protocol with new guidelines as we assemble for worship.
Be Informed
“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
(Proverbs 11:14)
One of the most important suggestions is to be informed about the risk factors from the coronavirus. Those with preexisting conditions and those over 65 are at higher risk and experience worse symptoms than others if they contract the virus. The Center of Disease Control (cdc.gov) has a wealth of information on how to protect ourselves and what to do if you are sick. We strongly encourage our Ebenezer family to inform themselves regarding this deadly virus and take the recommended precautions given by the medical and government authorities.
If you are in a risk group we ask you to consider not coming to a public worship at our Ebenezer facility but continue to stay at home and worship with us through live streaming (ebenezerflc.org). If you are feeling ill in any way, we ask you to stay at home. There is no rush to return to public worship.
Others may experience anxiety and fear in coming together in a public gathering. Again, there is no rush for all of us to come together. After a period of transition and recovery, hopefully we will soon all be able to worship together again.
Social Distancing
“A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.” (Proverbs 14:15)
To those who have considered the risks of the coronavirus and after making inventory of their own health are wanting to join in public worship a few new procedures will be followed.
1) Social distancing procedures will be posted for all to read as they enter our church facility. Included in these procedures are the following
* We encourage families to sit together as a family unit but must sit at least 6 feet from other families.
* Seating will be every-other-row to keep a row space between attenders. We will clearly designate the rows that will be closed.
* Make only non contact greetings. Do not greet one another by touch in any way.
* The Coffee Nook will not be open.
* It is our recommendation to enter our worship facility and take your seats immediately.
* It is also our recommendation to limit your post-service greeting to only short greetings and conversations.
* Always keep a 6 foot distance between persons in any conversation and greeting.
2) We will not hold communion on the first Sunday of the month in the normal way of coming to the front and kneeing at the altar. On communion Sunday, the elements will be offered through pre-filled disposable packaging and taken while at your seat.
3) Offering will not be taken by ushers. A basket in the entry will be designated for drop off offerings.
4) Sunday School for all ages will not be held.
5) Children’s sermon will not be held at the front.
Cleanliness
“Wash your hands” (James 4:8)
There are also sanitation procedures we will ask attenders take as they come to our facility. These steps will be clearly posted as each attender enters our facility.
1) The front door with either be propped open or a volunteer will open the door to those who enter our facility.
2) Hand Sanitizer stations will set up at the entry area. Each attender is asked to stop at this station and sanitize their hands.
3) Hand Sanitizer stations will also be set up at the entry area of the restrooms. Each person entering is asked to sanitize their hands before they enter the rest room and as they leave.
Hand washing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. Remember to scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
Disinfectant wipes will also be found in the restrooms. Please use them to wipe the counter as you clean up.
4) We encourage all attenders to wear a mask for the protection of all. A limited supply of face masks will be on hand to those who can use them. [ note – face masks will not be available until Sunday May 10th ]
As the threat of the coronavirus passes over the weeks and months, some of the guidelines and recommendations given may be discontinued. However, during this time of coming together for pubic worship we ask you to faithfully abide by these guidelines and procedures.
I am reminded of the passage in the Psalm where King David was evidently getting so beaten down with life that an advisor told him to ‘flee like a bird to the mountain’ just to get away from all the hardships around him. It was bad for David, he spoke of the foundations of life being destroyed. Yet, as hard as life was, David would have none of this advice to flee to the mountains and basically run from his troubles. He knew a profound truth that gave him assurance and hope no matter how bad life was. As David told his advisor:
“The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them.” (Psalm 11:4)
It may feel like the foundations of life are crumbling as this virus brings us to our knees. Yet, no virus pulls our Lord off His throne. He’s still seeing all and knowing all we face and endure. Like David we can repeat his closing line of the Psalm
“For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face.” (Psalm 11:7)
In other words, our Lord is going to see us through this. He is good and just. What we must do is look upon His face and trust Him.
In His Amazing and All Sufficient Grace
Pastor Mark
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