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Covid Guidelines December 2020

We urge you to follow the latest COVID-19 guidelines. Grace Church will be limiting attendance in the building to meet CDC guidelines.

 

  • Do not enter if: you have a cough, high fever, shortness of breath; or have been exposed to anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days

  • Please wear a mask when in the building (cloth face covering is recommended but not required for children ages 2-12).

  • Allow for adequate spacing of 6 feet or more to abide by social distancing guidelines. (However, families and members of the same household may remain together).

  • Please express your compassion in ways other than physical expressions to limit physical contact with others.

 

March 18, 2020

Grace Church Update 

Greetings Church! Well, it is an understatement to say that much has changed since we gathered for worship this past Sunday; but, I think we all realize that we are in a very fluid situation and each day brings new challenges. We will be increasing our communication using this email in addition to updates to our website in an effort to keep us all connected. The following is an updated schedule of activities and events: 

  1. The Church – We are open, alive, and functioning! We are the Body of Christ, it’s not possible for us to shutdown or close. We are, however, adapting and operating a bit differently for this season. Pastor Steve (856-981-0436) or Pastor Chuck (302 545-41490) are available by phone/text if you need to talk or pray. Steve and Chuck can meet with you and your family if needed. In all cases, they will be diligent to follow the CDC’s recommendations.

     

  2. Mid-Week Marriage Small Groups – Postponed until further notice. The groups kicked off two weeks ago today and wow, what a blessing!  We had over 30 people gathered in 3 locations across the tri-state area and the feedback was very positive.  Let’s keep this momentum going! Use the same time period to gather together with your spouse and do a marriage devotion together, and then pray for the other couples who are in your study group. Some of you may even be ambitious (and tech-savvy) enough to gather with other couples using FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype and have a virtual small group meeting!

      

  3. Church Workday – The workday scheduled for Saturday March 21st has been canceled.  One of the things that we enjoy most about our volunteer workdays is the fellowship and community that it provides. Obviously, the current situation limits that ability. There are, however, ongoing projects that are in progress to improve, update and maintain our facility.  If you would like to be informed about those opportunities, please email Pastor Steve ssmickley@gracewilmington.org

  4. Men’s Mini-Retreat – The retreat scheduled for April 3rd & 4th has been canceled.  We are prayerfully looking into a Fall Retreat. The Pocono mountains and Fall foliage, how cool would that be!

     

  5. Grace Beyond Women’s Conference – The event scheduled for May 2nd has been canceled.  The leadership team is prayerfully considering options for a future event.

     

  6. Third Friday Prayer – As of now, our prayer gathering is meeting as scheduled Friday evening (March 20th) at 7 pm in the Fellowship room.  There is room to allow the recommended social distancing (I am beginning to hate that phrase) but still remain close to our Lord!

     

  7. Sunday Worship Services – As a result of the restrictions on gathering size which have been recommended by our civil leaders and health experts, we will not be able to assemble as normal on Sunday morning.  Pastor Chuck and I will be sending out a video message to you by the end of the week. That message will explain how we are approaching Sunday worship and also talk about our heart for the church through this challenging time.

This is a unique time for the Church.  As we are learning, COVID-19 is having global impact and needs to be taken seriously.  We, the elders of Grace,  believe that this world-wide crisis is a critical time for the church family. We are called to shine brightly as a beacon of hope to a fearful world. Our calling is to encourage each other and to uplift one another and our neighbors in prayer, and to point the way to Jesus Christ, our hope and salvation.

 

March 13, 2020

Grace Church Wilmington
Corona Virus (COVID 19) – Response and Action Plan

This is a rare and challenging time for the Church. As we are learning, COVID-19 is having global impact and needs to be taken seriously. We, the elders of Grace, believe that this world wide crisis is a critical time for the church family. We are called to shine brightly as a beacon of hope to a fearful world. Our calling is to encourage each other and to uplift one another and our neighbors in prayer, and to point the way to Jesus Christ, our hope and salvation.

Because our responsibility is so great, Church will go on this Sunday. Decisions about future Sundays as well as special ministry events will be addressed on a daily and case by case basis.

Grace Church is implementing guidelines provided by the CDC, to help provide a safe environment for our Sunday gatherings.

Precautions we are taking at Grace Church:

• Greeting – We will suspend the “greet one another” portion of our service in an effort to increase our social distancing as recommended by the CDC. In other words – no handshakes and hugs for a while.

• Food – The food component of our hospitality after church is being put on hold. We will offer coffee served with disposable cups and bottled water.

• Cleaning – Extra attention is being given to cleaning and disinfecting the church facility with special care given to high touch surfaces such as; table tops, door handles, light switches, and bathroom fixtures.

Your Part in Keeping Our Church and Our Community Safe:

• Keep washing your hands. Use soap and water, and wash for at least 20 seconds. (Praying the “Lord’s Prayer” from Matthew 6:9-13 takes about 20 seconds.)

• Avoid handshaking.

• Avoid touching you eyes, nose and mouth.

• If you’re feeling unwell, rest at home until you are better. If you feel ANY cold or flu-like symptoms, please do not attend church or any related events.

• If you have recently travelled to high risk areas – or have reason to believe you have been in contact with the COVID 19 virus, please rest at home for the recommended two weeks. Please do not attend church, small groups, or any other related events. Information on these locations is available on the CDC and WHO websites.

• If you are in a “high risk” category – As guided by the CDC, older adults, and people who have serious chronic medical conditions (i.e., heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease), should take extra actions to reduce their risk. If this is you and you decide to stay home please email Pastor Steve (ssmickley@gracewilmington.org) so that the elders can pray for you, and stay in touch with you. Also, remember you can listen to our past sermons through our website: www.gracewilmington.org

In Christ,

The Elders: Alex Trotty, Richard Grayson, Chuck Roland, Stephen Smickley, Rob Reilly