Dear family of Christ, July 8, 2020
Here at The Presbyterian Church of Floyd, we are looking to re-open our church for worship this Sunday, July 12, at 11:00 a.m. We know that everyone has missed our times of worship together as we have faithfully followed all of the precautions to keep our congregation safe. None of us has ever experienced a pandemic before, and it has caused us to make major changes in every aspect of our lives. Even as we prepare to re-open, we must be mindful that things continue to change around us. There are new cases of the coronavirus, and, frankly, we don't know what the future holds. But for now, we want to have an opportunity for worship for those who are comfortable gathering once again. We will continue to have a message from Pastor Bob on our webpage each Sunday for those who are not comfortable gathering in the sanctuary.
We want you to know in advance what precautions will be taken for gathering together. These safety practices are being implemented in compliance with Phase 3 of the Commonwealth of Virginia's plan for re-opening, and they also are in compliance with health professionals' best recommendations for keeping us safe.
Here is a list of what to expect on July 12:
1.) Face masks will be required for seating in the sanctuary. If you do not have a face mask of your own, one will be provided for you as you come to the church.
2.) Appropriate social distancing will be practiced. The pews will be marked to ensure 6 feet of distance between worshipers. Family units (a couple or a family) are allowed to sit together.
3.) There will be no congregational singing. It has been determined that singing spreads more germs than coughing or sneezing. So all music will be instrumental, except on those occasions when we have a guest soloist (which we hope will be often).
4.) There will be no passing of the offering plates. A basket will be placed at the rear of the sanctuary.
5.) Communion will be served with safety-sealed elements. Each worshiper will be provided with the sealed elements prior to entering the sanctuary. There will be no passing of communion trays or coming forward to receive the elements.
6.) All those attending are encouraged to refrain from handshakes or hugs--even though we thrive on the human interaction. We must make sure that everyone is comfortable coming into a safe environment.
7.) The church will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected prior to the service. However, the following areas of the church will be closed: kitchen, fellowship hall, classrooms, and library. EVERYONE WILL BE ASKED TO ENTER AND EXIT THROUGH THE FRONT DOORS. Members of the session will be present to assist and answer any questions you may have.
Thank you for understanding! We want everyone to be safe, and if you do not feel comfortable coming to worship at this time, we fully understand. Wherever we are--even in these difficult times--we can worship our great and sovereign God.
In the love of Christ,
The Session
(Jim Richards, John Getgood, Janice Shelor, Joyce Blevins, Roger Thompson, George Lane, and Pastor Bob McLavey)
Here at The Presbyterian Church of Floyd, we are looking to re-open our church for worship this Sunday, July 12, at 11:00 a.m. We know that everyone has missed our times of worship together as we have faithfully followed all of the precautions to keep our congregation safe. None of us has ever experienced a pandemic before, and it has caused us to make major changes in every aspect of our lives. Even as we prepare to re-open, we must be mindful that things continue to change around us. There are new cases of the coronavirus, and, frankly, we don't know what the future holds. But for now, we want to have an opportunity for worship for those who are comfortable gathering once again. We will continue to have a message from Pastor Bob on our webpage each Sunday for those who are not comfortable gathering in the sanctuary.
We want you to know in advance what precautions will be taken for gathering together. These safety practices are being implemented in compliance with Phase 3 of the Commonwealth of Virginia's plan for re-opening, and they also are in compliance with health professionals' best recommendations for keeping us safe.
Here is a list of what to expect on July 12:
1.) Face masks will be required for seating in the sanctuary. If you do not have a face mask of your own, one will be provided for you as you come to the church.
2.) Appropriate social distancing will be practiced. The pews will be marked to ensure 6 feet of distance between worshipers. Family units (a couple or a family) are allowed to sit together.
3.) There will be no congregational singing. It has been determined that singing spreads more germs than coughing or sneezing. So all music will be instrumental, except on those occasions when we have a guest soloist (which we hope will be often).
4.) There will be no passing of the offering plates. A basket will be placed at the rear of the sanctuary.
5.) Communion will be served with safety-sealed elements. Each worshiper will be provided with the sealed elements prior to entering the sanctuary. There will be no passing of communion trays or coming forward to receive the elements.
6.) All those attending are encouraged to refrain from handshakes or hugs--even though we thrive on the human interaction. We must make sure that everyone is comfortable coming into a safe environment.
7.) The church will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected prior to the service. However, the following areas of the church will be closed: kitchen, fellowship hall, classrooms, and library. EVERYONE WILL BE ASKED TO ENTER AND EXIT THROUGH THE FRONT DOORS. Members of the session will be present to assist and answer any questions you may have.
Thank you for understanding! We want everyone to be safe, and if you do not feel comfortable coming to worship at this time, we fully understand. Wherever we are--even in these difficult times--we can worship our great and sovereign God.
In the love of Christ,
The Session
(Jim Richards, John Getgood, Janice Shelor, Joyce Blevins, Roger Thompson, George Lane, and Pastor Bob McLavey)
