We all are aware of the ongoing developing concerns re the COVID-19 virus, as well as a contagious flu season. We wanted to share our plans for our upcoming gatherings. We do plan to continue to gather for worship until further notice: Sundays at 9:30 a.m. (English) and 12:00 p.m (Spanish).

We worship the sovereign God of the universe, and know that His perfect love drives out fear (1 John 4.18). Our best response is always to chase after His glory, moving forward in faith, wisdom, and love. And that includes loving one another and our neighbors in times of uncertainty. Your Elder Team is monitoring the recommendations and practices of other faith communities as well as our local school systems, and will continue to seek the way of wisdom for our church gatherings based on this input.

For now, in an effort to love one another and our neighbors well, and also to protect those in our church family who may be more susceptible to illness, we plan to take some extra precautions and would ask you to do the same. These are some of the steps we are planning to take:

• We are increasing cleaning frequencies of restrooms, classrooms, and surfaces around the Calvary facility.
• We encourage you to greet one another with joy but as much as possible do so without handshakes or hugs for the time being.
• You may wish to wash your hands (20-seconds!) upon arrival and returning home.
• We also encourage you to remember what has come to be known as “social distancing”. Our present attendance at Calvary allows us to spread throughout the sanctuary without much difficulty. Respect those around you, perhaps by avoiding seating yourself directly behind or in front of other worshippers
• For the upcoming weeks we may limit or cancel our post-service fellowship time (possibly moving it outside, weather permitting, and limiting it to coffee).
• In lieu of passing our offering plates, we will have offering baskets located in our lobby and on the communion tables at the front of our sanctuary. Additionally, this might be a great time to consider our new automated, online giving. Go here for more info.
• If you are ill or in a high-risk segment of the population and have been advised to stay at home, we plan to livestream our worship services on Facebook Live. Find us at: facebook.com/cbcsb

The Center for Disease Control reminds us of the best habits to prevent the spread of any virus:

• If you or your loved ones are ill with flu-like symptoms (fever, shortness of breath, and coughing), please stay home and contact a physician.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
• Respecting others, refrain from shaking hands or hugging others in public.
• The federal government is encouraging individuals to avoid Coronavirus-affected areas. You can learn more about travel advisories here.

Nursery, KidZone, and AWANA

We will strive to maintain the cleanest possible environments for the children. We will continue to thoroughly clean between each gathering, and we are doing deep cleanings and disinfecting the rooms.  Decisions regarding future children’s ministries will be informed by our local school systems’ processes.

Keep your child home until they are 24 hours free of:

• Fever – without the use of medicine
• Vomiting
• Rash
• Diarrhea
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Strep throat
• If your child becomes ill with any of the previously mentioned symptoms, or you have been exposed to the Coronavirus, please contact us immediately at admin@cbcsb.org

If we need to cancel or postpone events or gatherings in the future due to the spread of illness in our area, we are prepared to do so. If we find it prudent to take those steps, we will make the necessary accommodations to stay connected remotely.

Remember that these circumstances bring about a call to prayer. Pray for:

• healing for those affected
• protection and peace for those living in anxiety
• wisdom for governmental authorities and agencies
• energy and protection for health care workers
• believers and missionaries in nations where pandemic conditions are already in full force

These troubling times represent a real opportunity to share with those around us the hope we have in Christ. Remember that that hope is only in the “Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

For now, we look forward to gathering with you all this Sunday!

In Christ,

Calvary Baptist Elder Council