RE-OPENING UPDATE – MAY 1
RE-OPENING TIMELINE
It is our desire to return to gathering together as soon as it is safe to do so. We are determined to implement a re-opening plan that is safe, reasonable, and sustainable. Our pastors have been monitoring the local, state, and national government leaders. We have also been in contact with our local and state denominational leaders as well as medical professionals in our community. After reviewing the guidelines given by Gov. Abbot, we believe that we can reopen on May 17th. However, this does not mean we will be able to re-open everything at the church all at once. It will be a process that comes in phases as we seek to implement the guidelines set out by Gov. Abbot.* We realize that for some this may seem too quick and others too slow. However, we believe that this is the best plan to honor God by serving our members, our community, and being good citizens. Thank you for your kindness, charity, and patience during this season.
FOUR PHASES TO RE-OPENING
Phase 1 | Online Only | May 3, 10
We will continue to stream online only at 10:45 AM on May 3rd and 10th. We will continue to do Zoom small groups and Sunday School classes.
Phase 2 | In Person Worship Services | May 17
We will resume corporate worship in two new adapted services in the Christian Life Center at 9 AM & 11 AM. Both services will be in the Christian Life Center to accommodate the social distancing protocols. There will be a team who will be cleaning the seats, bathrooms, doors, etc. in between the services. The chairs will be sectioned off for family units and spaced 6 ft apart. There will be no Sunday school during this phase. We will continue to do Zoom small groups and Sunday School classes.
Based on the recommendation of the Governor, the 9 AM service will exclusively be for our “at-risk” population only. (Think grocery stores opening early for this group). The CDC defines “At-risk” as, “At-risk population are those who are 65 or older, especially those with chronic lung disease; moderate to severe asthma; chronic heart disease; severe obesity; diabetes; chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis; liver disease; or weakened immune system.” The 11 AM worship service will be open to all. If we reach our capacity in the 11 AM service we will add a Saturday night service as well. For us to best plan and prepare for our services on May 17, would you please go online at tbcgainesville.org/reopen and fill out a quick survey letting us know when you plan on coming back to in person services and which service you’ll be attending?
Phase 3 (Mid-Summer)
Regular Sunday schedule returns. Sunday School classes will resume at regular meeting times on campus. Still no Wednesday or Sunday night programing on campus during this phase.
Phase 4 (Aug 16)
It is our prayer that we will be able to return to our full normal schedule including Wednesday night programming as school returns in the fall.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SHOULD I COME OR STAY HOME?
I wish that there was an easy answer to this question. If you are sick, please stay home. If you are uncomfortable coming because of your health, your proximity to those with health conditions, or do not feel that it is wise at this time, please stay home and know that no one is looking down on you for that decision. However, if you feel like you can safely attend, please come and enjoy worshiping together.
WILL TEMPLE CONTINUE TO LIVESTREAM THEIR SERVICES?
Yes! We have found that streaming our services allows us to expand our impact for the cause of Christ. We are currently working on providing a great online worship experience.
SHOULD I WEAR A MASK?
The Texas guidelines is asking that everyone considers wearing a mask. However, we are going to leave that up to the individual.
WILL TEMPLE BE PROVIDING CHILDCARE & KIDS WORSHIP?
We are seeking to be able to provide a safe way to minister to our kids during this season. At this time, we believe that the best approach is for kids to stay with their families during worship. We understand that this may make our services a little noisier, but we welcome and celebrate that! We will seek to have a special time for the kids each week.
WILL WE BE PASSING OFFERING PLATES OR COMMUNION TRAYS?
No. We will have giving stations located in the CLC where you can drop off your tithes and offering. We will be seeking to provide a creative and safe way to be able to do the Lord’s Supper.
CAN 65+ ATTEND THE 11 AM SERVICE?
Absolutely! The 11 AM service is open to all. The 9 AM service is restricted to 65+ and those with underlying conditions to be able to best provide a safe worship environment for them.
WILL THE SERVICES BE THE SAME?
Yes. Our services will be identical in the music and the message. We will use a combination of older hymns and newer songs accompanied by a small group of musicians. This allows us to use the same musicians, sound technicians, and livestream volunteers for both services. This will reduce the amount of cleaning required and limit exposure of shared equipment.
ARE THESE DATES SET IN STONE OR WILL THEY CHANGE?
The situation is fluid and changing rapidly. We will make adjustments as needed and guided by our local, state, and national governmental officials.
HOW CAN I HELP?
We need volunteers. Each Sunday will require a group of 12 volunteers that we are calling the “Serve Team.” This team will work all Sunday morning from 8 AM to 12:30 PM by greeting, cleaning, and helping people find their seats. If you are willing to serve on the “Serve Team”, please sign up at tbcgainesville.org/serveteam.