A Message From Our Pastor

Re-Gathering Guide

I Chronicles 12:32
“….people who understood the times and knew what Israel should do…”

Introduction

As our community, state, and country begin the process of reopening, our leadership has been praying, studying, and consulting with local authorities, physicians, and the Florida Baptist Convention (FBC) leadership. Outlined below are some basic principles we will adhere to as we begin the process of re-gathering.

·        It will be a gradual process. The re-gathering of our church services, programs, and facilities will not happen at a single point. We will begin re-gathering for in-person
worship on Sunday, June 14. Re-gathering for Bible Study will follow at a later date.

·        It will be a safe and cautious process. We based our process on what is best for our context and the health/safety of our congregation in conjunction with local
authorities, the FBC, and CDC recommendations.

·        It will involve frequent communication. We will use all church communication outlets to keep members and community informed about each step in the process.

It is important to lead prayerfully and wisely during times of uncertainty. Therefore, having met in prayer with our leadership team to navigate this time of transition, we have evaluated the mission to which God has called our church. As we begin re-gathering, we will continue to stream our services through our online platforms. We are committed to wisely shepherding everyone in our congregation and understand that each person has different levels of comfort. We will be mindful to not forget those that are vulnerable and at high-risk. We pray that God will continue to guide us during this re-gathering process.

Re-Gathering: Guidelines Our Church Is Taking

At Downtown Baptist Church we care deeply about you and your family. We are all in this together!
Below are the guidelines we will follow in creating a safe and touchless environment.

• Six-foot social distancing/close contact will be practiced in all areas of the church facilities.
• Use of face coverings are required, until seated at the 6’ physical distance and then you may remove it until time to move about and exit. You may bring your own or we can provide one.
• Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the church facilities.
• Anyone who is ill is asked to stay home and enjoy the service online.
• Vulnerable population (individuals over the age of 65 or those with serious underlying health conditions) is encouraged, per recommendations, to limit their exposure to large public gatherings.
• A self-wellness station is located in the Narthex.

Monitoring

• We encourage any staff and congregant who feel ill to stay at home.
• In each instance that the church is made aware of a person(s) diagnosed with COVID-19 has been to the facility, we will notify local health officials and communicate with staff and congregants about potential exposure while maintaining confidentiality as required by the American Disabilities Act (ADA).
• We will ask that staff and congregants exposed to a person diagnosed or themselves have been diagnosed with COVID-19 stay home, self-monitor and follow CDC instructions if symptoms develop.
• We will close the areas used by a sick person and will not use that area until after cleaning and disinfecting it. We will wait the recommended number of hours to clean and disinfect that area to reduce the risk to the cleaning team.

Church Facility Cleaning Protocols

• Facilities will be thoroughly cleaned after each use by a third-party janitorial service and church facility support team. The cleaning and disinfecting protocols now include EPA approved disinfectants against COVID-19.
• All high-touch surfaces will be disinfected.
• There will be reminder posters around the facilities to encourage safe and healthy gathering protocols.

Worship Experience: Setting Expectations

As we start re-gathering in person, we will continue to offer our online services and follow the online order of worship.
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”    Psalm 133:1

• Parking garage – the use of the 3rd floor parking and entrance will be reserved for those with disabilities.
• Sanctuary access – one entrance and exit located at 120 E Pine Street. (See Bible Studies section for other entrance/exit instructions beginning on June 28,2020)
• Greeting – greet each other from 6 feet away without physical contact.
• Seating – every other row of seats will be unused in the sanctuary. Families may sit together maintaining social distancing of six feet.
• Congregational Worship – we will continue to worship together in songs, however there will be no Choir until further notice.
• Restrooms – only the Narthex facilities will be open at this time. We ask that the ladies’ facilities be limited to no more than two at a time.
• Giving in Worship – offering boxes will be available in the back of the sanctuary. You may continue to give online or mail your tithe and offering.
• Communion – when observing the Lord’s Supper, pre-packaged communion elements will be distributed in a safe and sanitized way.
• Childcare – there will be no childcare at this time. Families are to worship & sit together.
• 
  Church bus service – bus service will not resume immediately. Offering of bus service date to be determined.
  
  
  
  

  Sunday Morning Bible Studies
  

  June 28, 2020 we will begin meeting for Sunday morning Bible Studies. Review your class location, entrance points and exiting procedures below. Please limit 3rd floor entrance and elevator to those with disabilities at this time.  *Remember when using elevator in Education building to limit to one family at a time.

  • Biblical Insights
    Meeting location: Chapel
    Entrance:  Use outside entrance on corner of Church St/Rosalind St
    Exit to Sanctuary: Chapel main doors, thru inner back hallway, straight thru to Sanctuary side entrance
  • JOY (Just Older Youth)
    Meeting location: Parlor
    Entrance:  Use alley-way white double door entrance, then thru Choir Room to Parlor entrance
    Exit to Sanctuary:  Return back thru Choir Room, past alley-way double doors and into side entrance of Sanctuary
  • Explore The Bible
    Meeting location: Fellowship Hall
    Entrance: Use breezeway door entrance into Education building, please limit 3rd floor entrance and elevator to those with disabilities at this time.
    Exit to Sanctuary: May exit thru breezeway door or Pine St door and enter Sanctuary from Pine St main entrance
  • Knowing God (Young Adults)
    Meeting location: Library
    Entrance: Use breezeway door entrance into Education building, please limit 3rd floor entrance and elevator to those with disabilities at this time.
    Exit to Sanctuary: May exit thru breezeway door or Pine St door and enter Sanctuary from Pine St main entrance
  • Unlocking The Mysteries of Genesis

      Meeting location: Education Building Room 107
      Entrance: Use breezeway door entrance into Education building, please limit 3rd floor entrance and elevator to those with disabilities at this time
      Entrance: Use breezeway door entrance into Education building, please limit 3rd floor entrance and elevator to those with disabilities at this time. 

Being A Good Neighbor

Show your love for others and our community by following these simple steps:
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”      Matthew 22:39b

• Be conscious of those around you who may have a different feeling than you about the COVID-19 virus.
• Observe the six-foot social/physical distancing while at church.
• Do not offer to shake hands or hug, regardless of your connection to the other person. This could still cause others to feel uncomfortable.
• Be sure to use proper hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds.
• If you have a fever, a cough, dealing with fatigue, or have an overall feeling of sickness, stay home and enjoy the online service.
• Continue giving your tithes and offerings online or by mail. If you would like to give your offering in person, use the offering boxes located at the back of the church and avoid handing them to others.
• To notify the church if you have been diagnosed with Covid-19 contact the Church Administrator Pamela Glinka. E-mail: pam@dbcorlando.org Phone: 407-425-0200 Confidentiality will be maintained as required per the Americans Disabilities Acts (ADA).
  

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