WORSHIP TIME IS 10:15
When Are We Going To Re-Open the Church?
On Monday, April 27th, Governor Abbott presented his plan to reopen Texas for business. May 1st, restaurants and retail stores will be allowed to open at 25% capacity. Some churches in our area will begin to hold mass gatherings of 100 people or fewer for worship services as early as May 3.
What about us at Memorial First? What is our plan for re-opening?
Based on the guidance we have received from the TX LA Gulf Coast Synod, our Church Council has decided for the safety of the entire Memorial First Family, the EARLIEST date that we might resume in-person worship is May 17, 2020. This is a movable date that is dependent upon our area meeting the gating criteria of 14 days of declining cases as established by the White House.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has aptly pointed out that “the virus makes the timeline.” However, we have started the planning process with this date in mind so that if the numbers trend in our favor, we will be ready to go and if we need to delay a week or two, we will then have even more time to ensure we are well prepared and re-open safely.
Over the next weeks, we will be sending out a hardcopy mailer with detailed guidance on how our Sunday morning worship services will be conducted in the post-COVID 19 era. It is not too early to begin grounding your expectations in the reality of some of the more immediately visible changes you will experience. What you will be coming back to on May 17th is NOT what you left on March 15.
Sunday gatherings will now involve strict social distancing, mandatory use of face masks, restricted campus access, no formal social activities (coffee/donuts, etc.) and intentionally reduced sanctuary capacity. “At-risk” populations should stay home until the situation improves. We will continue to livestream services via Facebook and are exploring how to do so via our website as well.
We realize that everyone is anxious to “get back to church!” Our priority is the safety of our Memorial First Family. Again, as we make our decisions, we are committed to a "data not dates" approach. The plan may change as the data evolves, and we are remaining flexible. While we expect to re-open on May 17th, if the data shows it's not safe, that date may change, and we will let you know.
As always, we are available by phone and email. If you have questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We also recommend that you check our Facebook page for on-going updates. Thank you for your continued trust and confidence.
Pr. Steve
(on behalf of the entire Church Council)
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BREAKING NEWS
STATUS UPDATE
Sunday gatherings will now involve strict social distancing, mandatory use of face masks, restricted campus access, no formal social activities (coffee/donuts, etc.) and intentionally reduced sanctuary capacity. “At-risk” populations should stay home until the situation improves. We will continue to live stream services via Facebook and are exploring how to do so via our website as well.
-The church offices are open. Please limit your presence in the offices to official church business.
-All on site services, events, and meetings are cancelled/postponed until further notice
- Larry's Adult Sunday School Class will meet via ZOOM on Sunday morning at 9:15. Contact Larry if you need more details.
-Further information will be posted as it becomes available
AMAZONSMILE
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