We are so excited to be returning to indoor services this coming Sabbath, 8/14/21!! Although we are saddened to see Pastor Nixon and his family go, we are grateful for the opportunity to say farewell inside of the actual church building! This summer while holding outdoor services, the Church Re-Opening Committee has been working simultaneously to prepare the inside of the church building.
Thank you for your patience as we worked behind the scenes to create an environment where every member and friend will feel safe and welcomed in light of the times we are in. The following has been completed with your family in mind:
- Updated HVAC system with UV-ray lights attached to cleanse the air we breathe in.
- Janitorial cleaning and upkeep.
- Rearranging of furniture to maximize our space for social distancing.
- Touch-free hand soap and sanitizer dispensers have been installed in all bathrooms.
- Touch-free trash cans with lids have replaced the open ones throughout the church.
- Masks & gloves are available to be used when you’ve forgotten your own at home.
- AV System upgrades along with maximized internet bandwidth for livestreaming.
- Installation of COVID-19 safety signage to help guide our interactions.
- Our piano has been tuned.
- Bottled water has been purchased albeit use of the water fountains is suspended at this time.
- High-touch items such as Bibles, bulletins, hymnals, pens, information/prayer cards, paper literature, prayer box and fans have been temporarily removed from the pews to lessen potential virus spread.
- Tithe & Offering envelopes will be available with a Deacon at entrances. Please take one as needed, please use your own pen to fill out before the end of service. You may to drop in your Tithe & Offerings in the metal lock-boxes with our Deacons as you exit. In addition, our www.adventistgiving.org church account has been set-up by our Treasurer for use via the internet or you can download the app!
- On-going works in progress include our new church website being implemented: www.franklintonsda.org, technology equipment and system upgrades are happening to keep us virtually visible to those who choose to join us from their homes via YouTube &/or Zoom.
Because this whole process is a team effort, we invite you to do your part:
– Please wear your mask covering BOTH your nose and mouth! Remember to allow your neighbor 6ft!
– Doors will be open at 11:15 to begin temperature checks and the COVID-19 screening process.
– Please be respectful of our Ushers as they work hard to seat everyone in a safe & timely manner by 11:30am, when service begins.
– When the sanctuary has reached 35 congregants, arrivers will be asked to walk around on the Green Hill Rd. side of the church to the fellowship hall (now referred to as “Overflow”) for seating. Overflow seating has a maximum capacity of 12.
– If your child needs to use the restroom, please accompany them.
-Please allow the Mother’s Room to be used by only families with young children or those who are expecting.
- At this time we ask that you enter and exit through the same doors. -Enjoy fellowshipping with one another with smiling eyes behind those masks and air-hugs! This is a new normal for us all, so please extend grace and let love cover a multitude of mistakes as we learn new behaviors. Soon this will all be second nature.
- We realize that many of our church family has/is still doing some summer traveling. In light of this and the fact that this is our first Sabbath back inside and the Pastor’s last Sabbath (who wants to miss all of THAT?!), and our desire to extend grace…….we will use the same screening process that we have been at outdoor services (see attachment). Out of an abundance of caution and respect of those who have not traveled PLEASE be sure to wear your mask at all times, social distance at all times, and use hand sanitizer as frequently as needed.
- Going forward, please refer to the INDOOR COVID-19 Screening that will be initiated beginning SABBATH, AUGUST 21, 2021. We ask that you prepare yourselves and are praying that you will be willing to govern yourselves accordingly.
Have a great rest of the week, see you Sabbath!!!
Ashley Chancellor, Chair & your Church Re-Opening Committee
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