Dear GNBC family:
Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I pray that you and your loved ones are healthy and well. I have some great news for you…we are reopening the church for public worship! Due to last week’s rain, we had to move the service indoors at the last moment. Because of the late change of venue, we were unable to explain a few basic items we’re requesting of people before and during the service when we gather. Please read and familiarize yourself with the following items so that everyone will have a safer and more enjoyable worship experience.
The 10 Commandments of Congregational Gatherings During the Covid 19 Pandemic
1st Commandment: Please consider reading the following passages : I Corinthians 8:9; Philippians 2:4; Matt. 7:12; Rom.14:5; I Cor. 10:23-30 before coming to church. Let’s make sure that we come to church with a joyful attitude that is considerate of others.
2nd Commandment: Please stay at home if you or anyone in your household is sick. Participate with us online.
3rd Commandment: Please come early. The service starts at 10:45 am. Arriving 15 minutes early will help with seating in the sanctuary, narthex area, and any potential overflow seating in the basement.
4th Commandment: Please wash your hands upon entering the building. Hand sanitizer is available. You may also go directly into a bathroom and wash.
5th Commandment: Out of deference to others please consider wearing a mask while inside the building. We have a limited number of masks available at the church building. Please respect requests for social distancing which includes maintaining six feet of distance between you and those not from your family, refraining from hand shaking, hugging, etc.
6th Commandment: Please allow ushers to seat you. Due to social distancing requirements associated with reopening the building, we’ve had to remove nearly half of the seats in the sanctuary. Allowing ushers to seat us will result in our ability to utilize a maximum number of these seats (Think of what it’s like going to a wedding!) Please allow 3 seats of distance between yourself and a non family member.
7th Commandment: Please sit with your family members, roommates, etc.
8th Commandment: Please allow ushers to help dismiss us by rows upon the conclusion of the service (Again, think “wedding”.). We ask that you leave the building quickly. This will relieve congestion in the foyer with the overflow seating.
9th Commandment: Please join with us in worshipping online via live stream if you feel uncomfortable joining us in person.
10th Commandment: Please leave with a grateful heart. Be thankful that your church is open and that you had the opportunity to worship with others today. The majority of your brothers and sisters around the world did not have the same opportunity you were able to enjoy today.
Thank you for your adherence. Remember that these requests are only temporary (Except those associated with our attitudes! J).
In Christ,
Pastor Christopher C. Arch
Senior Pastor of the Good News Bible Church