July 18, 2020 UPDATE: Updated graph of new cases in the NWA area as of Saturday, July 18th.
July 4, 2020 UPDATE: Updated graph of new cases in the NWA area as of Friday, July 3rd.
July 1, 2020 UPDATE: As mentioned in the previous update, we are making an announcement today in regard to the location of our future worship services. After much prayer and consideration, our pastoral staff has made the decision to resume indoor, in-person worship services this Sunday, July 5th. Even though the number of new cases in Northwest Arkansas continues to rise, we believe that this is the time to make this move for several reasons:
- Except for a few outliers, the numbers in Benton County have been plateaued and seem to be trending downward.
- Because of our commitment to alternative worship options, we have had time to prepare for the necessary health, safety and sanitation needs for a healthy atmosphere.
- And lastly, we believe that this is the safest option available to us at this time.
As for the necessary health, safety and sanitation needs for indoor services, there are many facets of this reopening. Some of you will want the detailed explanation below, while others would prefer an abbreviated version (download highlights here).
Safety Guidelines:
- We will be having two identical worship services every Sunday morning at 9:00 and 10:30. This will enable us to practice appropriate social distancing; and the multiple services will enable us to maintain a 40% to 60% capacity in our auditorium.
- A health check will be done for every attendee before entering the facility. The health check will consist of some simple questions and checking temperature with infrared thermometer.
- Entry into the facility will only be through the covered, double-door entrance. All other doors will be locked. For this reason, we would encourage everyone (other than the worship band) to park in the main parking area on the north side of the building.
- We will make every effort to limit physical contact with surfaces (i.e. opening doors for you, bulletins already in your seat, etc.)
- Since some folks will be leaving as others are arriving for services, please pay attention to the posted signs for entry/exit from our parking lot.
- At the end of the service, we will ask you to exit through the single door on the northwest corner of the foyer. Please do not linger in the auditorium or foyer because we will be preparing those areas for the next service. Please feel free to visit with one another once you are outside the facility.
- Seating in the Gathering Room is limited to those with small children (under 5 years old), and the nursery is available to any families with a baby (under 2 years old). There will be no drop-off nursery or children’s church offered at this time.
Cleaning Procedures:
- Corvus Janitorial Service will be cleaning and sanitizing all our facilities (excluding the education building) every Saturday.
- To ensure the safety of those attending the second service, immediately following the 9:00 worship service, Corvus Janitorial will be disinfecting the sanctuary seating utilizing an electrostatic spraying device.
- Also during this interim period, we will have a team of volunteers, the Sanitizing Squad, who will disinfect all hard services, light switches, door knobs, etc.
Health Guidelines:
- Please do not come to the indoor, in-person services if you have Coronavirus symptoms, have been exposed to Covid-19 or have a compromising disease that puts you at a higher risk if contracting the virus. We will continue to live stream the services each week!
- Everyone will go through a health screening upon entry.
- Masks/Face-coverings are to be worn over your nose and mouth anytime you are walking, talking or singing inside the facility. This does not include those on stage.
- Wash your hands and utilize hand sanitizer.
- Sanctuary seating has been re-positioned to allow for congregate family groups to sit together. Please choose an appropriate length row for your family. Ushers will be available to assist you if needed. Please do not move the chairs. Thanks!
- Some people are ready for “hugs n’ handshakes” but we should assume that our fellow church members prefer to social distance.
If you are interested in helping on one of our ministry teams, please let us know. Some opportunities for service include: ushering, security team, health screening team, sound room team and sanitizing squad.
Finally, I know that there are many of you who have thoroughly enjoyed having our worship services outside these past 3 1/2 months. As we seek to find our “new normal,” I would ask you to be open and flexible as we seek to honor our Lord in this community!
Reopening-Highlights