Troy's thoughts....
The Lord continues to bless us all, even in uncertain times. The leadership of Martinsville Church of Christ continues to lift each of you up in prayer. We are aware that there is both anxiety, stress, some doubt, eagerness, frustration, and many other emotions and thoughts surrounding the idea of returning to in house services. We do not wish to delve into the discussion of any of the social, economic, political or other overtones of the situation. We simply want to do our due diligence, and put forth a plan that will bring us back together. We ceased meeting together in the building using two words; WISE and PRUDENT, and the use of those words has not changed. We would like to take this time to address our plan and strategy for doing so. The current plan is to open for corporate worship service tentatively on Sunday, June 21st at 10:00 am, which is Father's Day. This is, much like all things in our current status, subject to change. We will be providing regular updates and status reports. While this may seem like an excessive wait time; there are many things that will need to happen to facilitate this reopening, and we have a plan.
We want to address that plan by looking at multiple aspects of how it will most likely look. They are as follows:
1.) Social Distancing/Facility Usage We are aware of the value that social distancing has, and that there are recommendations that have been put forth that appear to be effective. With that said, here is the plan.
-We ask that the basement not to be accessed by anyone (other than Troy for his office, and anyone doing necessary maintenance).
-The worship area will be sectioned/taped in such a way as to create/provide safe distance between worshippers at all times. We simply ask that the only worshippers in those pews be family members you live with, or immediate family you are comfortable sitting with. If you are an individual; the pews will be marked/adjusted in order to provide the same safe distance. We understand that any group or individuals you choose to sit with are at your own risk, and we certainly can not "enforce" a hard and fast rule regarding this. We are simply operating with the recommended guidelines.
-The stage is also not to be accessed by anyone, except for worship leaders (praise teams, communion meditation presenters, preachers).
-The fellowship area will have no seating or tables available, therefore the only attendees in that area should be those utilizing the handicap ramp for entry, those using the restroom, and those preparing communion. Additionally, the kitchen will only be accessible to those preparing communion.
-The sound booth will only be accessible to those individuals designated to conduct the audio/visual/social media portion of our worship time.
-The foyer will be the primary entry to the building. There will not be a typical greeter, however there will be someone posted at that door to open/close the entry door. We ask that you refrain from handling the door handles, if at all possible. We also ask that the foyer not be used for any gathering. The coat room will not be accessible, therefore the foyer is for entry into the worship area only, and the worship area door will be open, or someone will be designated to open/close, it as to prevent contact with the door handles.
-While in the worship area, please, do not gather in groups, unless you and your group are of recommended safe distance.
2.) PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
-Face coverings will be worn while in the facility. While we cannot "enforce" this, we are asking those attending to honor this request. There is no plan to provide any PPE, except for those doing any sanitization.
-Those on stage providing worship, communion mediation, or preaching may be permitted to remove their face coverings while leading in their designated roles.
-Hand sanitizer will be provided at multiple points in the worship area, and is to remain in the worship area.
3.) Cleaning Procedures
-The fellowship, entry, and worship areas will fully cleaned and sanitized following each morning worship, and will be untouched until the next worship time; with the exception of those designated to prepare for morning worship.
-The restroom in the fellowship area is to be the only restroom utilized, and we will attempt to sanitize it after each use. We are seeking individuals who will see this as their ministry opportunity.
-The basement area is not be accessed by anyone, except for Troy to access his office. Therefore, there is not a necessity to sanitize that area. Troy himself will sanitize his office.
4.) Worship Time/Services Provided
-At this time, and until further review, there will be no Sunday School time provided.
-Worship will be begin at 10:00 am each Sunday morning, as we normally do.
-Following the end of worship, attendees are asked to not remain in the worship area. If weather is suitable; please fellowship in that environment while maintaining proper distancing.
-There will be no children's programming offered in the facility. We apologize for any inconvenience this presents.
-Prayer time will not be as it was prior. We want to know about your prayer requests and praises. At this time, we do not want to offer cards or paper products for those requests. What we do ask is that you present those requests/praises in the following formats: e-mail, facebook message/comment, voicemail (937-685-2238) or verbally to a designated person at the entry to the worship area. Those prayer requests/praises will be prayed for individually, however will no longer be presented in front of the worship time. The individual leading in prayer will enter the stage and present a prayer.
-Communion will be presented in a safe manner to all those who desire to partake. (multiple options are being pursued)
-Offering plates will be made available in the rear of the worship area. Attendees are encouraged to utilizing either these or continue to send offerings via mail (P.O. Box 162, Martinsville, Ohio 45146)
5.) Social Media Ministry
-We have been blessed by the utilization social media has offered us, in order to worship together and present the gospel message to many who have watched/listened.
-That ministry will continue to provide the very same worship/message moving forward.
-Steps are being implemented to improve the quality of the viewing/listening experience, including some hardware and technology improvements.
-Services will be offered on both Facebook Live https://www.facebook.com/Martinsville-Church-of-Christ-103909141187541 and will be available on the church website http://www.mcocoh.com/morning-worship.html
We hope this answers at least the majority of your questions/concerns. We also understand that we each fall along a different point in the spectrum, as to how we view this circumstance. We are attempting to provide for each perspective along that line, and have no intention to exclude anyone or further frustrate anyone beyond what we have all experienced. The goal is to bring the saints together for worship, both in house and via social media. If you have any further; please do not hesitate to contact a member of the leadership http://www.mcocoh.com/leadershipcontacts.html. We do ask that you contact them only, in order to make sure the information is direct. God bless you all, and we are definitely looking forward to being together on the appointed day.
God bless,
Matt, Eric, Dale, Gene and Troy
God Bless,
Troy
Equipment Manager
We want to address that plan by looking at multiple aspects of how it will most likely look. They are as follows:
1.) Social Distancing/Facility Usage We are aware of the value that social distancing has, and that there are recommendations that have been put forth that appear to be effective. With that said, here is the plan.
-We ask that the basement not to be accessed by anyone (other than Troy for his office, and anyone doing necessary maintenance).
-The worship area will be sectioned/taped in such a way as to create/provide safe distance between worshippers at all times. We simply ask that the only worshippers in those pews be family members you live with, or immediate family you are comfortable sitting with. If you are an individual; the pews will be marked/adjusted in order to provide the same safe distance. We understand that any group or individuals you choose to sit with are at your own risk, and we certainly can not "enforce" a hard and fast rule regarding this. We are simply operating with the recommended guidelines.
-The stage is also not to be accessed by anyone, except for worship leaders (praise teams, communion meditation presenters, preachers).
-The fellowship area will have no seating or tables available, therefore the only attendees in that area should be those utilizing the handicap ramp for entry, those using the restroom, and those preparing communion. Additionally, the kitchen will only be accessible to those preparing communion.
-The sound booth will only be accessible to those individuals designated to conduct the audio/visual/social media portion of our worship time.
-The foyer will be the primary entry to the building. There will not be a typical greeter, however there will be someone posted at that door to open/close the entry door. We ask that you refrain from handling the door handles, if at all possible. We also ask that the foyer not be used for any gathering. The coat room will not be accessible, therefore the foyer is for entry into the worship area only, and the worship area door will be open, or someone will be designated to open/close, it as to prevent contact with the door handles.
-While in the worship area, please, do not gather in groups, unless you and your group are of recommended safe distance.
2.) PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
-Face coverings will be worn while in the facility. While we cannot "enforce" this, we are asking those attending to honor this request. There is no plan to provide any PPE, except for those doing any sanitization.
-Those on stage providing worship, communion mediation, or preaching may be permitted to remove their face coverings while leading in their designated roles.
-Hand sanitizer will be provided at multiple points in the worship area, and is to remain in the worship area.
3.) Cleaning Procedures
-The fellowship, entry, and worship areas will fully cleaned and sanitized following each morning worship, and will be untouched until the next worship time; with the exception of those designated to prepare for morning worship.
-The restroom in the fellowship area is to be the only restroom utilized, and we will attempt to sanitize it after each use. We are seeking individuals who will see this as their ministry opportunity.
-The basement area is not be accessed by anyone, except for Troy to access his office. Therefore, there is not a necessity to sanitize that area. Troy himself will sanitize his office.
4.) Worship Time/Services Provided
-At this time, and until further review, there will be no Sunday School time provided.
-Worship will be begin at 10:00 am each Sunday morning, as we normally do.
-Following the end of worship, attendees are asked to not remain in the worship area. If weather is suitable; please fellowship in that environment while maintaining proper distancing.
-There will be no children's programming offered in the facility. We apologize for any inconvenience this presents.
-Prayer time will not be as it was prior. We want to know about your prayer requests and praises. At this time, we do not want to offer cards or paper products for those requests. What we do ask is that you present those requests/praises in the following formats: e-mail, facebook message/comment, voicemail (937-685-2238) or verbally to a designated person at the entry to the worship area. Those prayer requests/praises will be prayed for individually, however will no longer be presented in front of the worship time. The individual leading in prayer will enter the stage and present a prayer.
-Communion will be presented in a safe manner to all those who desire to partake. (multiple options are being pursued)
-Offering plates will be made available in the rear of the worship area. Attendees are encouraged to utilizing either these or continue to send offerings via mail (P.O. Box 162, Martinsville, Ohio 45146)
5.) Social Media Ministry
-We have been blessed by the utilization social media has offered us, in order to worship together and present the gospel message to many who have watched/listened.
-That ministry will continue to provide the very same worship/message moving forward.
-Steps are being implemented to improve the quality of the viewing/listening experience, including some hardware and technology improvements.
-Services will be offered on both Facebook Live https://www.facebook.com/Martinsville-Church-of-Christ-103909141187541 and will be available on the church website http://www.mcocoh.com/morning-worship.html
We hope this answers at least the majority of your questions/concerns. We also understand that we each fall along a different point in the spectrum, as to how we view this circumstance. We are attempting to provide for each perspective along that line, and have no intention to exclude anyone or further frustrate anyone beyond what we have all experienced. The goal is to bring the saints together for worship, both in house and via social media. If you have any further; please do not hesitate to contact a member of the leadership http://www.mcocoh.com/leadershipcontacts.html. We do ask that you contact them only, in order to make sure the information is direct. God bless you all, and we are definitely looking forward to being together on the appointed day.
God bless,
Matt, Eric, Dale, Gene and Troy
God Bless,
Troy
Equipment Manager