Update: May 28, 2020
I know that we are all eager to begin gathering as soon as possible. There was a members meeting on May 24th to discuss regathering. I heard from the members concerning my proposal to not strictly adhere to the government guidelines if they impede our worship of God (e.g., continuing to sing even though it is forbidden). I took time after that meeting to follow up and speak with those who did not speak at the meeting or were unable to attend.
So in hearing from all the members, I know that most would agree with me that, while our civil authorities are good intentioned, we should treat their guidelines as just that—guidelines—and be more careful to follow precisely the elements of worship written in Scripture.
Since our discussion, the government has released a new version of the guidelines (available here: https://open.alberta.ca/publications/covid-19-information-guidance-for-places-of-worship). Everyone should review these. These new guidelines for churches no longer forbid singing or communion. They offer alternatives and discourage congregational singing, but no longer forbid it. This is welcome news! These new guidelines are also clear that responsibility for following the guidelines falls only upon the event organizer (me in this case). This is also welcome news for those who were concerned about legal or financial consequences if they attended.
Regathering Plan
This Sunday, May 31st, I will be at the church for the livestream broadcast rather than in my home. Members who wish to be in attendance are welcome to contact Alex (alex.russell@fairviewbaptistchurch.ca) to “register.” This will give us an idea of the number of people attending and to test our new assigned seating arrangements that will maximize the number of people who can attend while being mindful of space between households. This Sunday will be open for members only as we iron out our process and implement health precautions (registration system, assigned seating, sanitization, entrances, exits, livestreaming from church, etc).
Then, on Sunday, June 7th, we will allow everyone (members or not) to email Alex and register to attend. It seems that things are changing by the day, but this is what we’ll aim for.
Civil Disobedience?
Some will be curious whether we will follow government guidelines at every point or not. We will seek to accommodate as long as the worship of God and the fellowship of the saints—as set down in Scripture—is not impeded. As such, the guidelines will be treated as guidelines. For full disclosure, we will deviate from the guidelines in the following areas:
- Our services will include congregational singing even though it is discouraged.
- We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper. We will ensure that the elements are distributed without any shared contact.
- We will not cap attendance at 50. The number of attendees may exceed the government guidelines depending on the number of households in attendance and our ability to assign seating to ensure room between households (e.g., cohort families can sit together).
- People are encouraged to respect one other’s convictions regarding distancing. PPE such as gloves, masks, etc, will not be mandated but can be worn at the discretion of individuals.
Health Measures
What measures are we taking to ensure safety and prevent the spread of COVID-19?
- We’ll remind attendees about the risks involved in their attendance.
- We’ll ask that those with symptoms, close contact with another person with symptoms, or recent travel not attend.
- We’ll ensure areas of congestion (entrance, exit, foyer) are clear.
- Hand sanitizers will be available throughout the building.
- High touch surfaces will be regularly sanitized.
- No nursery will be provided. Parents will be responsible for their children.
- People will be assigned seats that ensure distance between households or cohorts.
- A full list of instructions and reminders will be provided to everyone who registers to come.
Online Livestream
The current livestream via YouTube (Scripture reading, pastoral prayer, and sermon) will continue until gathering restrictions from civil authorities no longer conflict with our worship gatherings. Those who are convinced in their conscience that they must be in submission to the governing authorities in this matter (following Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2), or for health reasons, you will still be able to access the livestream in the same manner as in past weeks.
Whether one is present or watching from home, let us ensure that everyone is treated with grace, respect, and love as we all have different convictions on the matter. We all love Christ, his church, and one another.
Wednesday Prayer Meeting
This past Wednesday, May 27th, was our last online prayer meeting. Starting June 3rd, our regular prayer meeting will be held at the church in the basement at 7pm. We have plenty of space downstairs to spread out and maintain distance.
“Knowing God” Studies
The online studies going through Knowing God by J.I. Packer will remain online. Both studies are past the halfway point and will continue on Saturday mornings and Monday evenings via online videoconferencing.
Update: May 21, 2020.
You can click here to download the proposal to regather as a church in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
To watch the same presentation on video, see below.