SGBC Family News | August 14, 2020
Dear SGBC Brothers and Sisters,
Peace of God be with you!
In response to Ontario’s cancellation of the state of emergency order and the third phase of the province’s restart, we are actively considering when to enter Phase One of in-person worship. The pastoral and deacon team has been planning in accordance to the latest guidelines from Public Health Ontario, the infection situation of Stouffville, and whether the church auditorium and other facilities and equipment can reach the requirement of physical distancing or livestreaming… etc. A decision will be made as soon as possible.
We will pay attention to when school children resume classes at school and when community centre activities resume normal operation before considering Phase Two. As for Phase Three, we will pay attention to the overall situation of the pandemic and whether it can ensure safety for the elderly before we enter. Below is some more detailed information for everyone to understand and prepare to participate the in-person gathering when we restart.
| Reopening Schedule | Phase One | Phase Two | Phase Three |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worship | online / in person (ages 15-64) |
online / in person (ages 64 and under) |
in person / online (* all ages) |
| Children Ministry | online only | in person | in person |
| Life Group | online / in person with break-up groups | online / in person with small group | in person |
| Prayer meeting | online only | online only | online only |
| Sunday School | online only | online only | in person |
* People 65 or above, those with underlying medical conditions that have weakened immune systems, and those who have family members at home who are vulnerable are encouraged to participate only in online activities.
Phase One Details
Building Guidelines
- Masks must be worn at all times inside the building and hands must be washed or sanitized upon each entry and exit.
- All classrooms and sections to be locked except for: Sanctuary, Lobby.
- Washrooms:
- Designated washrooms for SGBC.
- Allow 1 usage in the washroom at a time unless extra help is needed, e.g. seniors or disabled.
- Follow cleaning checklist posted in washrooms.
- Food is not permitted on site. (With the exception of staff during office hours. However, due to the suspension of services, all food waste including disposable coffee cups must be appropriately disposed of off-site by individuals.)
Worship Guidelines
- In-person worship could resume in church buildings where space allows physical distancing, adhering to public health directives and allowable numbers.
- The Lord's Supper:
- 2 in 1 prepackaged Lord's Supper sets are offered at the entrance for self pick-up.
- Each communicant should place their empty cup into recycle upon exit.
Phase Two Details
Continuous to maintain the Best practices of Phase One with the addition of the following:
Children Guidelines:
- All sections to be locked except for: Sanctuary, lobby and designated classrooms.
- Child worship and Sunday school will be conducted according to the size of the small class in accordance with the guidelines of Public Health Ontario. The details will be announced before entering the second phase.
- Masks must be worn at all times inside the building and hands must be washed or sanitized upon each entry and exit.
- No snack times.
- Children will be required to bring their own water bottle and place it in their bag.
- Washrooms:
- Designated washrooms for Children ministry.
- According to the safety rules SGBC has been following, children could go to the washroom in pairs with physical distancing or go alone/supervised by a teacher or volunteer depending on their ages and capability.
- Follow cleaning checklist posted in washrooms.
Phase Three Details
Continue to maintain the Best practices of Phases One and Two where necessary
Since the situation of the pandemic remains uncertain, our church will continue to evaluate appropriate time for each of the stages of reopening. As soon as the situation justifies each stage of the reopening, we shall make announcements at that time.
Since online gatherings may take a long time, the church will endeavour to provide appropriate assistance to groups that are not good at conducting gatherings or activities online. If you or your relatives and friends encounter related problems or issues, please feel free to contact the church at 647-547-3618.
Please continue to pray for the various needs caused by the pandemic and ask the Lord to give us wisdom to make timely and appropriate arrangements for the decision of when to resume physical gatherings.
Rev. Hubert Wu
Senior Pastor, Stouffville Grace Baptist Church