Hello, FUMCPB Family!

Here is your monthly update.

Mother’s Day and In Person Worship

Mother’s Day has become one of the most special days in worship as families gather to celebrate the nurturing love of mothers by joining them in worship, taking pictures and often taking them out to eat.  This year in the Covid-19 social distancing orders, things will be different.  However, we still need to make it special to celebrate moms and the ability to worship in person on Mother’s Day.

We have been on conference calls with the Governor's Office, attended a briefing by the local health department, and are having ongoing conversations within our church leadership teams. At this moment we are planning to have our first in person worship services at 10:30 on May 10, Mother’s Day in the sanctuary.  Keep in mind that plans and guidance are changing on a daily basis.  Please note that according to the current guidelines we will be asking everyone to social distance including the following guidelines.  

1. Stay at least 6 feet away from anyone not in your party or family grouping.
2. We will have family seating and reserved pews in the Sanctuary.
3. We are encouraging everyone to wear a mask for the protection of others. We have a supply on order.  No one will be forced to wear a mask, and those leading the services will not be wearing a mask while they are speaking and singing but we will be practicing social distancing.   
4. There will not be coffee or other refreshments.
5. Persons are asked not to gather in the lobbies or other spaces closer than 6 feet.
6. We know it sounds hard after not seeing each other but please refrain from hugs and handshakes.
7. We will not have Sunday school, children’s ministry or nursery.
8. Parents are responsible for helping their children and youth practice social distancing.  Some have suggested that Dads or relatives should take the lead as a gift to Moms.  
9. Weather permitting the doors will be open at 10:15 so you will not have to use handles.
10. We are working to make arrangements for temperature checks on the way into worship and asking people running a temperature to please stay home.
11. In the sanctuary, bulletins will be placed in the pews where you are encouraged to sit.
12. In service offering baskets will be at the doors.  
13. Just the CLC and main street doors will be open for the public.
14. We will not have a full choir.

Plans are being made to add services and small groups a little at a time.  Baby steps for our cleaning crews and to see how the soft reopening goes.  We will continue to provide the online services and zoom studies for people to partake in and we encourage everyone to be safe.  The office will be back on regular schedule starting May 4, but the doors will require you to buzz in for safety and social distancing control in the building.  We do not want anyone to do something that you are uncomfortable with and no one will judge your personal choices.   
Any small group wanting to meet will need to submit a plan to the church office including how you plan to social distance.  This will allow for groups to start meeting and our cleaning staff to keep the building clean and disinfected.  

I can’t wait to see everyone in person and hear the sounds of people lifting our voices in praise together in the same space.  I however will not be greeting people and creating groupings, jams or slowdowns on your way in or out of the building.  It will be a joyful noise.  God’s spirit is moving and we will be able to celebrate the amazing love of God and our church family as we gather in our different places to worship.  

This is an exciting first step,
Your Pastor,
David