First Baptist Church’s Five-Stage COVID-19 Response Plan

 
Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders.
Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another,
for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God
so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:5-7 
 
This is a stage-driven plan and not a date-driven plan. While targeted dates are a part of this plan, all dates remain fluid and will be based on the stage of recovery we are in according to our community partnership, unless there is a time when we discern that what is best for our church requires independent decisions apart from these existing partnerships. 
 
The following descriptions are only bullet points AND GIVE ONLY A BRIEF GENERAL LOOK at our FBC Plan.  There is much more detail in the accompanying pages and document for each stage.  In order to jump to a specific stage, just click on the sign for that stage. 
If you wish to jump to the entire document now, you can read it by clicking HERE.
 
For an update on what is happening with our Children & Youth Ministries (as of Sept 3rd), please click HERE.
 
STAGE ONE
 
PROJECTED DATES
 
March 15 – May 11*
PRIMARY WORSHIP EXPERIENCE
Online Only
WHAT DO WE WANT
YOU TO DO?
Watch Online Only
STAGE TWO
PROJECTED DATES
 
May 12 – May 21*
PRIMARY WORSHIP EXPERIENCE
Online (with allowances)
WHAT DO WE WANT
YOU TO DO?
Watch Online if you can, in person if you can’t
(and follow safety protocols)
STAGE THREE
PROJECTED DATES
 
May 22 – June 11*
PRIMARY WORSHIP EXPERIENCE
Online (with allowances)
WHAT DO WE WANT
YOU TO DO?
Watch Online if you can, in person if you can’t
(and follow safety protocols)
STAGE FOUR
PROJECTED DATES
 
June 12 – September  25*
PRIMARY WORSHIP EXPERIENCE
In Person (with exceptions)
WHAT DO WE WANT
YOU TO DO?
Come in person if you will follow the safety protocols.
  Stay home if you feel ill.
STAGE FIVE
 
PROJECTED DATES
 
Beginning September 26 – November 14*
PRIMARY WORSHIP EXPERIENCE
In Person
WHAT DO WE WANT
YOU TO DO?
Please follow recommended safety protocols.
*As we lift restrictions and more people return to work, visit a store or restaurant, and participate in more activities, the number of COVID-19 cases will increase. If we cannot meet these principles, all or portions of the state may need to pause on moving forward, or we may return to an earlier stage of the governor’s stay-at-home order.  We are required to wear masks and socially distance.
 

The State Guidelines for Places of Worship:

Quoted from the governor’s guidance to churches:
 
 
  • Ask all individuals who are 65 and above or who have an underlying at-risk health condition to stay home and watch services online.
  • Ensure 6 feet between individuals or family units of the same households during services
  • Space and mark seating, alternating rows when possible
  • Clean between each service and disinfect high-contact surfaces regularly
  • Place hand sanitizers in high-contact locations (e.g. bathroom, entry, exit) and ask staff, members, and guests to sanitize their hands before entering the building
  • Put on a face covering before entering the building (modification per the governor’s executive order)
  • Consider placing signage telling staff, members, and guests to not enter if they are symptomatic or if they have tested positive for COVID-19
  • Implement non-contact greetings
  • Avoid handing out materials
  • Keep cafés, coffee, and other self-service stations closed
  • Establish safe protocols for any communion and collection to avoid contact
  • Dismiss services in a way that supports social distancing
  • Place readily visible signage to remind everyone of best hygiene practices
 

 

For information on the governor’s more complete 5-stage plan, go to

 
Below is information that is most current
(Updated October 15)
 

Back on Track Indiana Stage 5 Modified

 
The governor’s latest announcement (begins at 6:00; date graphic is at 16:20):
 
 
This was a very GENERAL OVERVIEW of our FBC plan.  For the complete OVERVIEW AND INTRODUCTION with a helpful video from Pastor Jerry, please click on the following link:
 
 

CONTINUE TO INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW PAGE