What to Expect When We Re-Open the Church Building Tomorrow

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It will be wonderful to be back together, but it may not feel quite the same at first. As a Christian church, we are committed to the work of providing a safe, compassionate, and vibrant worship environment. Violation of the guidance below is a serious matter. Every member and visitor is encouraged take our return to in-person service seriously. Church leadership has a high expectation of compliance from each member of our church community.

WHAT WILL OUR WORSHIP EXPERIENCE LOOK LIKE?

Beginning June 6th, Shiloh Port Royal will gather in-person. Join us at 10:00am for worship service. Unvaccinated individuals and high-risk individuals (people over 65 and those with underlying conditions) are recommended to continue to worship online per CDC guidance.

Screening

  • Worship service participants will be required to participate in temperature screening prior to entry and must wear a face mask while on church grounds.

Worship Service Re-Imagined to Meet Safety Requirements

  • Church members will NOT be permitted to enter the building until 15 minutes prior to the service and church members will be required to leave the building immediately following the service (mingling within the church building will NOT be permitted).

  • ALL worship experience participants MUST wear face masks (neck gaiters, bandanas, masks with valves, and face shields will not be permitted) while at church, as is recommended in public spaces.

  • Distancing:  Church members are requested to spread out in sanctuary space with one household per pew (extended family/families residing is separate households are recommend to be seated separately); empty pews will be maintained between families.

  • Bibles and hymnals will be removed from church pews and church bulletins will NOT be provided.

  • Singing is among the riskier behaviors when it comes to spreading droplets/aerosols which can carry the virus a significant distance and remain suspended in the air. A cloth mask is unlikely to be enough to protect you or your neighbor if you are not vaccinated. We will limit singing in the sanctuary when the congregation is gathered.

  • Offering will NOT be collected during service. Physical collection of offering will take place upon arrival or following the service via “drop off” with an assigned trustee into an “offering box.” Shiloh Port Royal will continue to collect offering online (Give — Shiloh Baptist Church (sbcportroyal.org).

SHOULD I COME TO SHILOH PORT ROYAL IF I FEEL SICK?

If you are feeling sick or running a fever, the best way that you can love your neighbor is by staying home. We encourage you to worship online with us on Sundays at www.sbcportroyal.org/rooted.

WHAT PRECAUTIONS SHOULD I TAKE WHEN I COME TO SHILOH PORT ROYAL?

We encourage everyone to take certain steps to protect themselves and others from the coronavirus, flu, and other illnesses, including:

  • Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;

  • Using hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available;

  • Not touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands;

  • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick;

  • Staying home if you are sick;

  • Covering your cough or sneeze;

  • Disinfecting objects and surfaces regularly.

HOW CAN I BETTER UNDERSTAND THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)?

The best source for information is directly from The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization. The CDC states that the risk in the U.S. is still low. They will update this status regularly on their website. You can also find more information from the World Health Organization.

CHURCH COVENANT OF CARE IN RESPONSE TO COVID 19

If you choose to attend in-person service, you do so with the understanding that:

  • No organization can absolutely eliminate the risks associated with COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. All individuals must take full responsibility for their actions.

  • The aforementioned guidelines may continue to change as the nature of the pandemic and guidance from authorities continues to evolve.

  • You are expected to report to the Church and Virginia Health Department if you develop symptoms or learn that I have a reason to be quarantined.

We look forward to meeting you at 505 Market Street!