We want to keep you informed on the various adjustments we are making to our Sunday gatherings to keep everyone as safe as possible.
SUNDAY SERVICE CHANGES
Protection of Vulnerable Members
People over the age of 65 and those with compromised immune systems are encouraged to stay home and watch online. Please join us online if you’ve had these symptoms this week: fever over 100 degrees, cough or sore throat, shortness of breath or contact with anyone confirmed to have COVID-19 (in the last 14 days).
If you’re planning to join us physically for a service, here are some guidelines we’ll be implementing:
Masks
While we won’t require masks, we will have them available at both entrances if you need one. The CDC does recommend wearing a mask in public gatherings.
Social Distancing
The Surgeon General and CDC strongly recommend that we keep social distancing (a 6’ buffer between people) during these times.
Physical Contact
Please, as a general rule, avoid physical contact with others. While you may feel comfortable with some form of contact, other individuals may not.
Entering/Exiting the Building
Front doors at the east and west entrances will be propped open before and after service to prevent the need to touch door handles. Greeters/ushers will welcome you to the church with a smile and a wave at the appropriate distance.
Facility Changes
– Foot door stops have been installed on the doors to adult restrooms, and the doors will remain open during services.
– Sanitizing and cleaning will be ongoing while we are in the building (during and in-between services).
– Hand sanitizer stations will be located throughout the facility.
– Café will be closed until further notice.
Service Changes
– The Worship Center will have spaced-out seating to provide proper distance between family units.
– We’ll be livestreaming our services in light of our vulnerable population and those that choose to join us online.
– A family-friendly viewing area will be staffed and available in the Youth Room with a live feed of the service happening in the Worship Center.
– Communion will be done using a prepackaged, sealed bread and juice cup. Individually wrapped gluten-free options will continue to be available.
MINISTRIES
Children’s Ministry
Ages birth–kindergarten have resumed Sunday mornings at all three services. Registration is required. Visit firstfamily.church/kids-regathering to learn more and sign up.
Youth Ministry
FFC Youth has resumed meeting for Youth Group! Visit firstfamily.church/youth for more info.
Discipleship Ministry
We’re encouraging Small Groups to have outdoor gatherings this summer for the purpose of community. Discovery Class and Membership Class will meet once a month as needed. (online vs. in-person will be communicated).
FAQs
Will the music and preaching be live in the room? Or just a video playing? The service in the Worship Center will be live in-person! To create an option for families with small children and make sure we have room for everyone, we will be streaming the service from the Worship Center in the Youth Room where tables are set up.
Will we receive a physical bulletin? There will be bulletins on a table as you enter the Worship Center that you’re welcome to pick up.
Will the drinking fountains be open? Yes, someone from the cleaning team will wipe them down after use.
Are people allowed to stick around after the service and fellowship? We are encouraging everyone to make their way out of the building fairly quickly after the conclusion of each service to avoid people arriving for the next service. You’re welcome to continue conversations outside of the building at the appropriate distance.
What is FFC’s plan if someone presents signs of illness? Will you be able to safely take a temperature reading if necessary? We will have a touchless forehead thermometer available to take temperatures. If you have a temperature over 100, we may ask you to watch our services online out of respect for others in attendance. Just like we regularly do, if a child presents signs of illness, we will take them to the check-in area and take their temperature. If it is over 100 degrees, we will notify the parents to come pick them up.
Do we have to wear masks? Will we have masks available if I do not have one? No, but you are welcome to wear one. Yes, we will have masks for you to pick up inside both main entrances.
Can I sit with someone not in my family unit? We strongly recommend sitting with your family unit, but if both you and the individual/family are comfortable, you can join someone outside your family unit if there is space in their clump of seats.
Is it ok for me to bring a snack for my child during service? Yes, but please clean up any wrappers or crumbs left before you leave for the next service.
Will the Library be open? It will be closed for the time being, but it will continue to be available in an online capacity.
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