ORCHARD
[post]COVID19 - Return and Restart
We are currently in Phase 2
At The Orchard, we care about our congregation, and take safety very seriously.
Our staff has been monitoring the progress of COVID19 throughout our region and discussing ways to keep everyone safe, while we take steps to return to the new 'normal. '
As soon as the Governor of Georgia released his policies and timeline for re-opening Georgia, we met together with all of our staff, elders, and deacons to discuss how we all felt about opening our facilities. We were all in agreement that now was not the time, and that when we did begin to open our doors for meeting in person, that it would be a gradual build up.
Our new normal will look different for quite some time, and as you know, things develop and change on a daily basis. We are continuing to monitor these changes and adapt accordingly.
Opening Up America Guidelines
Click here to see the guidelines released by the President for re-opening across the Unites States
Church Phase One
Strict Safe Distancing
Begins Sunday, June 7th
In Phase One, we will be very mindful and not contribute to a resurgence of new cases of the virus. Families with children and the more vulnerable should use their best judgement during this phase.
Phase One Individual Safety Procedures:
- Masks: optional, but encouraged
- No handshakes/hugs
- Hand sanitizing stations throughout
- Cleaning/disinfecting procedures of 'high-touch' areas
- Sick and vulnerable stay home
- Spaced seating; families together, rows separated
- No paper handouts
- No coffee or snacks
- No merchandise sales at Parent Resource Center
phase one weekend / midweek services
- 70 people maximum capacity per service (excluding team volunteers)
- Seating will be by online reservation
- Wider turnaround time between services for disinfecting and distancing
- Response time: digital and back-of-room box only. No basket-passing
- Live service streaming for the vulnerable & unable to attend
phase one kidz Zone services
- Kidzone will not be operating during Phase One
phase one lifegroup gatherings
- Weekly gatherings resume AS EACH group feels is appropriate. Larger groups may want to wait.
- Maintain good social distancing measures; outdoors when possible
- Zoom videoconferencing available and encouraged upon request
phase one deeper classes
- Summer classes will begin in June (probably)
- Groups 10 and under can meet at their discretion
- Zoom videoconferencing available and encouraged upon request
Church Phase two
Moderate Safe Distancing
Begins Sunday, September 13th
Phase two Individual Safety Procedures:
- Masks: Strongly, strongly encouraged
- (masks mandatory for leaders, team members)
- Social distancing: seating by reservation
- Social distancing: seating happens by section, guided
- Social distancing: seating distances greater than 6' (by party)
- No handshakes/hugs
- Hand sanitizing stations throughout
- Cleaning/disinfecting procedures of 'high-touch' areas
- Sick and vulnerable use good discretion
- No-contact paper exchanges and no coffee service
phase two weekend / midweek services
- 70 people maximum capacity per service (excluding team volunteers)
- Seating will be by online reservation
- Wider turnaround time between services for disinfecting and distancing
- Response time: digital and back-of-room box only. No basket-passing
- Live service streaming for the vulnerable & unable to attend
phase two kidz Zone services
- Kidz Zone reopens with limited capacity
- Number of available leaders determine kid capacity
- Parents use self check-in on phones when possible
- Sneeze guard at check-in counter
- Clean and disinfect between services
- No snacks in preschool
phase two lifegroup gatherings
- Weekly gatherings resume AS EACH group feels is appropriate. Larger groups may want to wait.
- Maintain good social distancing measures; outdoors when possible
- Zoom videoconferencing available and encouraged upon request
phase two deeper classes
- Groups 10 and under can meet at their discretion
- Zoom videoconferencing available and encouraged upon request
Church Phase three
The (NEW) Normal
Things are not going to return to the way they were before. This is our best current estimate of how we will operate on an ongoing basis, at least for a while.
Phase three Individual Safety Procedures:
- Masks: optional
- Handshakes and hugs as appropriate (be sensitive!)
- Hand sanitizing stations throughout
- Cleaning/disinfecting procedures of 'high-touch' areas
- Sick and vulnerable use good discretion
- Paper handouts
- Coffee and snacks with caution
phase three weekend / midweek services
- 120 people maximum capacity per service (excluding team volunteers)
- Reservations not necessary
- Maintain wider turnaround time between services
- Response time: digital and back-of-room box only. No basket-passing
- Live service streaming for the vulnerable & unable to attend
phase three kidZ zone services
- Kidz Zone expands to full capacity, all kid ages
- Number of available leaders determine kid capacity
- Parents use self check-in on phones when possible
- Sneeze guard at check-in counter
- Clean and disinfect between services
- Snacks resume in preschool
phase three lifegroup gatherings
- Weekly gatherings continue AS EACH group feels is appropriate.
- Zoom videoconferencing available and encouraged upon request
phase three deeper classes
- We should be in our Fall schedule by this point... Classes to continue in a mostly "normal" fashion
- Zoom videoconferencing available and encouraged upon request
What if the situation becomes severe again?
While we hope that this doesn't happen, we realize that with flu season naturally peaking late in the year through February, it is entirely possible. We are called to "make the gospel relevant to our community," and that means providing hope and comfort during difficult times. Fortunately, we have access to great digital tools to connect people to the community, and to proclaim the gospel... So even if we can't gather to meet and worship together, we CAN still accomplish our mission.
We have already laid the groundwork for this extreme case and can easily transition back to an all virtual format.
What if I don't feel comfortable getting out yet?
Anyone who is sick, has been exposed, or is high risk, is of course welcome to continue to participate from the safety of home as we have been for the past month. Our Sunday services will continue to be livestreamed on both our website and Facebook. Lifegroups will continue to have access to ZOOM so anyone who doesn't feel comfortable meeting, can still participate. Celebrate Recovery will continue to produce a live stream as well so everyone has a chance to be a part of changing lives.
Questions and Comments
If you would like to share thoughts, concerns, questions, or ideas with us as we navigate this "new normal", we'd love to hear from you. Your input and feedback are important to us. Please feel free to email us with any questions or comments.
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