Hi Everyone!
I hope that you remembered this week to check in with the person you prayed with as part of the discussion time at last week's service. If you forgot, it's not too late to follow up with them right now!
The feedback from the S.M.A.S.H. groups has been great so far as people are connecting with each other in ways they never could at a traditional Sunday service. If you haven't joined one yet, you can find one on the website at
http://shorelinevineyard.org/connect/get-small/. We would like to limit the size of these groups during the pandemic to less than 10 people, and we could already use a few more groups to start so that we can respect that figure and can get everyone connected. If you can host a group at your home, will you please contact either
Chris or
Eileen?
THIS SUNDAY
This Sunday we will have our first service returning to the Community Center. The town has assured us that they are in full compliance with all enhanced cleaning protocols that the state has required, including enhancements to the HVAC system like increased airflow and MERV-13 HEPA filters. They also will be sanitizing all the areas we will use along with the common areas before and after our event.
The service will start at 10:30 am, and as with our outdoor services this year, we are taking precautions against the spread of coronavirus. Here is what you can expect.
- When you arrive, we will have an infra-red, touchless thermometer to verify that you do not have an increased temperature. If your temperature is high or if you do not feel well, we would ask that you refrain from joining us this morning.
- Face coverings will be required at any time you are standing, and while singing. I know this will be unpopular for some, and I am sorry. The resources we have available to us advise that singing can "throw" the virus well beyond six feet and I feel a responsibility to ensure that we are caring for the health of each person.
- The musicians will be singing without face coverings but will have clear shields in front of them to limit transmission.
- Chairs will be completely spread out in the room. Please feel free to create a section of closer seating for those who are in your household. However, please keep that section at least 6 feet from the closest person. We have plenty of free space, and the morning may include a bit of furniture moving to get everyone safely settled.
- There will be no coffee service, and we ask that you please do not bring any food to share. Feel free to bring your own coffee or food.
- Please refrain from hugging, handshaking, and kissing.
- While you are seated and not singing, you are free to remove your face covering.
- We will be sharing communion at this service. The elements are sealed in an individual disposable cup and will be available to you at the beginning of the service. A disinfecting alcohol spray will also be on hand if you would like to spray the packaging before you take it.
- We do not expect to air Sunday's service live on Facebook.
With the onset of colder weather and more activities moving inside, the state has seen an increase in COVID-19 and Coronavirus transmissions. We are taking the most cautious approach and have chosen to embrace the government's instruction and guidelines. I am asking that you please follow these guidelines above in order to act in love toward those that may be at higher risk or are very serious about following safe socializing protocols.
Our focus Sunday will be on celebrating Jesus' church and worshipping our God. We will be worshipping both with our voices through song as well as by strengthening each other as it says in 1 Corinthians 14:26:
"When you meet together some will sing, another will teach, or tell some special information God has given him, or speak in an unknown language, or tell what someone else is saying who is speaking in the unknown language, but everything that is done must be useful to all, and build them up in the Lord."
Come ready to share and enjoy your church family. Let's celebrate our King!
I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!!
Air hugs to you all,
Pastor Chris