ReEmerge Update
Welcome to our ReEmerge Home Page
July 28, 2020 Update
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
~ Proverbs 19:21 ~
A quick update — but an important one.
One of our members has tested positive for COVID-19. She was exposed during a visit with her Chiropractor. Her doctor was asymptomatic and did not know at the time that she was infected.
Our member was in attendance with us on Sunday morning, July 19th, not knowing that she had been exposed. Later that week she tested positive, finding out the results this past Sunday night, July 26th, though she was already self-quarantining at that point.
In an abundance of caution, we will not be doing Live Worship for the next two Sunday mornings, August 2nd and 9th. We will still be doing Livestreaming on those days. We will make a determination of when we will return to Live Worship as we see whether or not there are new infections within our church body within the next two weeks.
Our Zoom Sunday School class will still be on for Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. with the information in our E-Newsletter, CONNECTIONS.
Pastor Terrell
July 1, 2020 Update
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” ~ Proverbs 19:21 ~
It seems to be time for an update. We are still in Phase Two or our ReEmerge Plan here at First Southern. [See below for a description of the Phase.]
We realize that Arizona is currently in an “uptick” phase of COVID-19 cases. Yavapai County is not experiencing the uptick to the extent that other areas of our state are at the present time. Our local newspaper reported today that we are currently at 794 cases with 9 deaths. Prescott Valley currently has 117 cases of people infected. With a population of 50,000+ people, that represents a very low percentage of our population. To our knowledge, no one in our church family has been exposed to anyone who has been infected.
Our hearts go out to those infected and those families and friends who have experienced loss. If you know of individuals or families that we may be able so minister to in this time of crisis, please contact myself or the church office and give us the details.
Two recent directives have been given that have an effect on churches.
First, our Governor gave local governments the authority to determine when and where facemasks must be worn. Prescott Valley’s Town Council has determined that our low incidence rate does not warrant a facemask mandate. They are leaving wearing masks up to individuals or to businesses. We will continue to leave wearing facemasks optional during our In-Person Worship. We will also continue to make facemasks available in the foyer during worship and outside of our offices during the week.
Second, just this week, our Governor once again mandated that certain business close for the month of July. He also stated that gatherings should be 50 people or less. This has caused some concern with people reading that to mean we can only have 50 or less people in worship. We must listen to all he said. He also said that our 1st Amendment rights will not be violated. That means that churches, along with groups of protestors and those attending election rallies will not have those same limitations.
We will continue in Phase Two. We are still planning to meet for In-Person Worship, and we will continue to Livestream our worship each Sunday as well. In fact, we have enlarged our Livestream presence, and will continue to do so.
If you have underlying conditions, or if you happen to wake up not feeling well on Sunday mornings, we encourage you to stay at home and join us online.
Pastor Terrell
FIRST SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCH GUIDELINES
IN ALIGNMENT WITH THE CDC AND THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE RECOMMENDATIONS
TO KEEP OUR HOUSES OF WORSHIP CLEAN AND SAFE, THESE ARE THE STEPS THAT WILL BE USED
AT FIRST SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCH AS WE BEGIN TO ReEmerge AND GATHER ON OUR CAMPUS.
1. PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING
In order to achieve social distancing of at least 6 ft in our Worship Center, we have designated seating. Each family group will be assisted by our ushers to sit together. All designated seats will be marked by the weekly Ministry Guide. The same seating arrangements will exist on the main f
2. HIGH RISK/VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS
It is recommended that all individuals who fall into this category, as defined by the CDC, stay home and worship online. If you desire to attend church in person, we recommend that you follow social distancing protocols closely, including wearing a mask. If anyone is feeling sick, running a temperature, or is experiencing coughing, it is recommended that they not attend worship that day.
3. PRESCHOOL/KIDS MINISTRIES
These ministries will continue to meet online until we move to the next phase of our ReEmerge plan. Diaper Changing Stations are available in both Women’s and Men’s Restrooms in the foyer. Feel free to bring tablets/phones with headphones for your children to use during our service to watch/listen to our online children’s worship experience.
4. HAND SANITIZING STATIONS
We will have Hand Sanitizing Stations throughout our gathering areas.
5. MASKS
Masks are not required, but recommended, to wear during or worship services. Our Greeters and Ushers will be wearing masks. Masks will be available in the foyer if you need one when you arrive.
6. RESTROOMS/DRINKING FOUNTAINS
Our restrooms will be open. They are cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis. Bottles of water will be available in the Foyer.
7. MINISTRY GUIDES, SERMON NOTES AND CONNECTION CARDS
These will be on your seat when you enter the Worship Center, or you are free to download them from our Web page. Pew Bibles, Hymnals and pens will be removed during this phase of our ReEmerge plan.
8. OFFERINGS AND COMMUNION
Offerings will be collected in the Offering Boxes located just inside the two main entrances into our Worship Center. On Communion Sundays, sealed elements will be available for individuals to pick-up before being seated.
9. CLEAN
All surfaces (ex: handles, seats, counters) will be cleaned and sanitized before and after every service.
Floor as well as in the balcony. In addition, it is recommended that social distancing of 6 ft be practiced in all common areas.
