Coronovirus Update

"St Joe Back On Track" plans for the careful resumption of worship services beginning May 17, 2020. 

Dear Church Family,

I never expected 2020 to unfold like it has so far.  My heart grieves for those who have contracted COVID-19, and for families who lost loved ones from it.  I am also saddened by all the unintended consequences of the quarantine.  Please continue to pray for all who are suffering right now. 

I have been highly encouraged by the responses of our St Joe family during the past few months.  Members are contacting one another regularly, serving those who shouldn’t/can’t go to stores, and providing other helps as needed.  People call me each week ready to volunteer if needed.  Tithes and offerings remain strong.  The worship band and a team of technical volunteers produce quality online worship services.  The Mental Health Team continues to provide encouragement and timely resources.  And while we certainly have a variety of viewpoints, there is a continued commitment to Christlike unity.  I am humbled to be pastor of such a wonderful church family! 

Churches everywhere are considering when to begin in-person worship services.  Our church leaders prayerfully established a St Joe Back on Track Plan that follows Governor Holcomb’s plan.  We will begin multiple worship services in our sanctuary will begin May 17th.   Here are the key highlights of our comprehensive safety plan:

1. We will continue to provide weekly online worship services for individuals 65 and older, individuals with at-risk health conditions or are currently sick, and for anyone else who does not feel comfortable coming to worship.  Please stay home if this applies to you!
2. New worship times. NEW Sunday worship times are 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM, with a possible Saturday 6:30 PM worship if needed.
3. Sign up for a worship time. We require everyone to sign up for a worship time to keep attendance low at each service and accommodate newcomers who may not know about our sign-up plan.  SIGN UP HERE!
4. Face masks. We highly recommend facemasks and will have extras if needed. 
5. Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the building.
6. Hard plastic chairs have replaced cloth chairs, and rows are six feet apart.
7. Personal space. Individuals/Families must sit at least six feet from other individuals/families in each row. 
8. Sanitation. We will disinfect the building before each worship service.
9. Social gathering is not allowed.  Worship attenders must come immediately to the sanctuary and exit immediately after worship. 
10. Kid’s Connection classes are cancelled.  Children/youth must stay with the families they come with at all times. We WELCOME CHILDREN in worship!  Families, please prepare your children before arriving.  Let them know they MUST stay with you at all times (no wandering around the building) and MUST NOT physically engage anyone outside of their family unit, to respect everyone with proper social distancing.  Bible Story Coloring Pages and Crayon Packs will be provided "self serve" as you enter the building, for use during worship.  Also, our worship time will be shorter than normal.  May God bless all our parents with extra during these much different times.
11. Personal interaction: Hand-shakes, hugs and any other physical contact will not be allowed. 
12. Snacks/coffee. We will not serve refreshments and snacks.
13. Connection Groups Re-Starting: Our Connection Groups are beginning to meet in person once again.  Current groups will decide on their own when to do so, and will implement the safety steps outlined in our St Joe Back On Track Plan.  Keep watching for details on how we plan to expand in-person and online Connection Groups to ensure that everyone at St Joe can participating meaningfully and safely. 
    
14. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Our Mental Health Team has been sending encouragement notes and gathering resources to help the St Joe family get through this pandemic.  They created a handout on "Tips to Handling Anxiety during COVID-19" for us to use and share with others.  Keep watching for more helps from this new ministry team. 
    
15. Weekend Cleaning Team Created   We need to disinfect our building before and after every worship service.  Please reply if you are willing to serve on this very important team.  Thanks!
    

 
Contact us at stjoecommunity@gmail.com if you would like to volunteer for our Cleaning Team.  Please pray we will all wholeheartedly love God and one another as we slowly re-start our church worship gatherings on May 17th. 

And remember, our online worship will continue to be available for all who choose and/or must stay away from social gatherings.  We fully respect your decision!

All for Christ,

Pastor Greg