Articles
Update on Services, Including Resumption of Classes
The elders are continuing to monitor the COVID-19 crisis and discussed the resumption of our regular service schedule, including Bible classes at the church building, at our most recent elder’s meeting. We will continue to follow recommendations, where applicable and appropriate, contained in the Arkansas Department of Health publication “Guidance for Places of Worship” (click here to see recommendations). Members should review these guidelines to determine if they are at a higher risk, and whether it is advisable that they attend services in person or continue to livestream the services. We will continue livestreaming our service as we have been doing. This will be continued indefinitely for the benefit of our shut-ins and sick.
Public schools are scheduled to reopen August 24th. In view of this, we believe that it is appropriate to resume Bible classes at this time. Spiritual education is important, much more so than secular education, and is a vital aspect of the mission of the church. The work of edification of our members and preparation of our youth is necessary to fulfill the instructions of the Lord. It may be necessary to consolidate some of the classes in order to have sufficient students and teachers. This is being discussed with the deacons and Bible class teachers. The auditorium class will also be live streamed for the benefit of those who cannot attend.
We will resume Sunday evening and Wednesday evening services. These will be livestreamed as well, including the auditorium class on Wednesday evenings.
As per the guidelines, social distancing is still recommended and avoidance of physical contact should continue. It is also recommended that everyone 10 years and older should wear facemasks during services. We will try to have facemasks available for those who have not yet acquired their own. This has impacted our ability to sing, but not significantly.
We will continue our present method of observing the Lord’s Supper and collecting the contribution. Rather than passing trays containing the unleavened bread and fruit of the vine, individual serving containers are being distributed when entering the building. At the communion portion of our service, these are opened and partaken of. Afterwards, the container should be replaced in the plastic bag, which can then be disposed of after services in waste receptacles in the foyer. Contributions are being collected in the foyer, either upon arrival or when leaving services.
COVID-19 impacted our event schedule, and our Spring meeting was canceled. Micky Galloway has agreed to return to present the lessons regarding marriage and the family at our Spring 2021 meeting. We still plan on having our fall meeting, and speakers are being contacted to re-confirm that they will be able to come.
It is hoped that are groups may be able to resume meeting as well. Again, there may need to be some accommodations made regarding the number who can attend. This also is being discussed with the deacons and group leaders.
We appreciate the continued support of our members. If you have comment or questions, please contact us. Continue to check on each other, and pray for our congregation.
In Christian love,
The elders of the StoneRidge church of Christ
