UPDATE AS OF 5/14/2020:

Dear church family.

As we previously communicated, we are looking forward to resuming worship services in person on May 31^st with hopeful anticipation. We are currently in the process of putting new standards and practices into place, and cleaning and preparing our facilities so that we can operate within all the guidelines and recommendations our state has put forward for churches in phase one.  Compliance with these guidelines will result in an experience that will be very different from what we are accustomed to.  Here are some changes you can anticipate when we resume services later this month. 

1. We will be having two worship services to reduce the size of our gathering.  The first will take place at 9 AM and the second at 11 AM.  We are suggesting that the most vulnerable in our congregation choose the 9 AM service and the 11 AM will be geared for families attending with their children. 
    
2. We will continue streaming our services and this will be viewed as a viable way to fully patriciate in the life of the church. For those of you who are considered most vulnerable we would recommend that you continue to join us online.  We will continue taking steps to enhance and improve the stability and quality of our livestream as we develop a full “online campus.”
    
3. We will gather for worship only.  Midweek programing and Sunday school / discipleship groups will not meet for the foreseeable future. Group leaders are encouraged to facilitate ways for their groups to connect digitally on Zoom or other preferred online platforms.  As we proceed leaders are empowered to make judgement calls about when and how their groups can safely gather outside the church while practicing appropriate social distancing. 
    
4. We will not be offering children’s programing or youth programming on Sundays and Wednesdays for the time being. Pastor Jackie and Caleb will continue to create content and ways for these groups to connect and grow together online. 
    
5. Masks will need to be worn for worship gatherings and at all times while in our facilities in accordance with state recommendations.  
   • We understand this may be challenging for many of you who are healthy and don’t see the need for a mask.  We are not asking you to wear a mask for your safety.  We are doing everything in our power to love one another well and protect the most vulnerable, elderly and immuno-compromised who call our church home and assure we do not contribute to the spread of the virus in any way. If you have your own mask please bring it with you.  If you don’t have a mask we will gladly provide one for you before entering the church. If you choose not to wear a mask please consider joining us online.  
      
6. We will practice social distancing as we gather together.  This will affect how we welcome and greet one another (no hugs and handshakes for now), and how our seating is arranged. 
    
7. The doors to the Family Life Center will remain locked until 15 minutes prior to service times. We will be using the glass doors facing Scott Street and the doors on the back alley facing the Brickhouse for entry.  Our ushers will greet you at the door and help you find a seat. Hand sanitizer and a mask will be offered to you as you enter the building.  If you or anyone in your family / household has run a fever or exhibited any symptoms or if you have been around someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 please stay home and join us online.
    
8. At the close of the service everyone will be dismissed by sections or rows and asked to immediately exit the building.  All fellowship will need to take place outside. 
    
9. Due to the size of our restrooms they will be limited to one occupant at a time unless assisting a child or family member.  Changing tables will also be available in the men’s and women’s restrooms.
10. Facilities and surfaces will be cleaned prior to and between all gatherings. 
     
11. Bulletins and other printed materials will not be available for the time being. We will also refrain from serving coffee and other refreshments and access to the kitchen will be restricted. 
     
12. Offering plates will not be passed but there will be a place for you to drop off your offering near the exits.  Members and friends of the church are encouraged to continue to use online giving as well. 

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.  We acknowledge that this is not ideal and will present new challenges as we work together and adjust these measures.  If you have questions or concerns about how these decisions were made or why we are taking these steps please do not hesitate to contact me at tim@conwaynazarene.com.  

With all of these changes and innovations in place we will have an increased need for volunteers in several areas.  If you be interested in serving  on any of the following teams please email me.  We will need more greeters and ushers than ever before, we are launching a livestream team to help with production and hosting our online experience, and we are forming a cleaning team to help clean and disinfect surfaces between services. 

Thanks for being a part of Conway First Church of the Nazarene.  Please know that you are loved and prayed for by our staff and leadership.  We are looking forward to gathering with our church family again very soon.
 
Grace and Peace
Pastor Tim