Many of you watched the governor’s press conference yesterday regarding re-opening Florida and removing the shelter-in-place order which has been in place since late March.
Starting May 1, Florida will be in “phase one” of the government’s plan to reopen America. Phase one recommends individuals at high-risk of infection to stay sheltered, but allows for gatherings of up to 10 people while still practicing safe social distancing.
During Phase one, LifePoint will continue to broadcast our live service ONLINE ONLY at 10 am per usual. However, we may be able to film at our building with a small crew and stay within the recommended guidelines.
If all goes well during phase one, we believe that Florida will move to phase two around May 15. High-risk and sick persons are still encouraged to remain at home, while the rest of the community is allowed to gather in groups of 50 or less.
Beginning May 17, we plan to hold two services (9 & 11 am) in our main auditorium, restricting attendance at each gathering to 50 people. We will use our online reservation system to allow people to hold a spot in either worship service. We believe this will accommodate the number of people who are willing to attend an in-person service at this time, however, if more room is needed we will accommodate by adding another time or creating an overflow area. The reservation system is easy to use and will be available on our website or by calling the church office.
During the phase two-period we will also adhere to the following precautions:
- No shaking hands or hugging
- Rearranged seating to keep social distance
- No passing offering plate, use giving boxes instead
- Self-contained communion cups with wafers
- No coffee station (BYOC!)
- No children’s ministry
- Disinfect surfaces and handles before and between services.
- Our goal is to incorporate our children’s ministry starting on June 7 during the 11 am service.
Depending on how the population in Florida reacts to the virus, LifePoint will continue to operate with these safeguards in place until the state recommends moving to phase three or beyond.
We are excited to begin gathering again as a congregation and will make every effort to be conscientious and diligent in our approach to reopening. We appreciate your love and generosity during this challenging time as a nation and look forward to our future as a growing congregation.
In Christ,
Phil Ayres
