Latest Update: We have enjoyed outdoor worship services for the last four Sundays and hope to continue outdoors for this coming Sunday. However, the weather report makes this unlikely. If it is raining, alternate plans have been made. We are now in Phase 4 of opening up Illinois, which means that we can now move indoors as far as the church is concerned. Our reading of the recommendations is that we can have attendance up to 25% of capacity, but with smaller clusters of people. This means for SVC, that we can have up to 200 people attend at a time, but continuing to practice social distancing.
Given our understanding of the recommendations, which are admittedly unclear, especially for churches, we have decided that we will offer two identical worship services on Sunday when we move indoors. The first will be at 9 a.m. and the second at 10:45, with no more than 200 people attending each service. Within the Worship Center, we ask you to sit in family clusters, that you social distant, that you do not sit directly in front or back of any other groups, and that you sit at least one row apart. The cry room will be available for families with children that want to use it, as will the entire adult educational wing where livestream will be available in three rooms. This will allow for those who would rather not congregate with a larger number of people the comfort of being in a room with very few others. Every effort for safety will be made. We encourage wearing masks while indoors.
More information will be coming later this week. A final decision about indoor or outdoor services will be made on Saturday, so confer back to our network on Saturday for a final decision.
If you have any questions, please let us know.
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Previous Update: As most of you know, as part of stage three in the reopening of Illinois, the Governor of our state is allowing churches to hold outdoor worship services. We held our first last Sunday, and the Lord gave us perfect weather and a wonderful time together. The forecast for this coming Sunday, June 7, is for warmer weather and more humidity. Nevertheless, our elders have decided it is best to meet outdoors again, on the southeast side of the building. We will move the meeting time to 9 a.m. to attempt to get ahead of the heat. We will also open up room 207 in our southeast wing for up to 40 people, who might have trouble with the heat or have respiratory issues. This room will be air-conditioned, and the lifestream will be projected on the screens. All other instructions and guidelines remain the same as last week, which I will duplicate below from that previous announcement. We hope to see most of you this coming Sunday morning.
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May 31 Update: We are excited to confirm that SVC will be holding its first in-person worship service in over two months, this Sunday, May 31st. As most of you know, as part of stage three in the reopening of Illinois, the Governor of our state is allowing churches to hold outdoor worship services. Our service will be held at 10 a.m. on the southeast side of the church building. Since the Governor has issued virtually no instructions regarding outdoor worship gatherings we will be proceeding with our best understanding of the protocol put in place for other establishments now being reopened, such as restaurants.
Let me start by saying that while we hope to see most of you Sunday morning, we realize that some will not be able to come and some will choose not to do so. We understand that there is a variety of responses to the Covid-19 situation, from little concern to deep apprehension. In the spirit of Romans 14, no believer should either judge or look with contempt upon the choices individuals will make in regard to regathering. We love those who cannot, or are unwilling to come Sunday, and will provide our regular livestream so they can participate with the rest of the church body in the comfort of their own home. Some may also choose to attend but remain in their cars during the service. That is perfectly acceptable.
We would ask all able-bodied individuals to park on the west side and not park any further east than the dumpster. Some who might be joining us on the lawn, but who have difficulty walking a longer distance, could park in the far east parking lot on the south side, leaving the north side open for those who wish to remain in their automobiles during the service. We will have some of our young people available to assist anyone who has a particular need, such as carrying their lawn chairs.
For those who gather with us on our church lawn we need to provide the following information:
Masks will be optional. We know that there is a wide difference of opinion concerning their use, but let love, graciousness, and kindness rule (Eph 4:1-3). Even if you choose not to wear a mask be considerate of others who do. I will not wear a mask when on the stage, but when I mingle with you I will wear one out of courtesy and respect for those who would feel more comfortable if I did. Bring your own lawn chairs, blankets, and anything else you deem necessary. We will not provide seating. Bring your Bible, smartphones, or tablets. You will be able to view the words of the songs we will sing from your devices. Practice social distancing, maintaining 6 feet between one another. It would be helpful if families sat together at least 6 feet from others. Our bathrooms will be available in the new wing only, and accessible via the east door, which will remain open throughout the morning. This will allow our custodial staff to sanitize a limited area following the morning. There will be no coffee available, and the drinking fountains will not be useable. Hand sanitizers will be available. We will serve communion with two-in-one individual communion cups, which have not been touched by anyone else. The elders will serve these elements while wearing masks and with gloved hands. Offering containers will be made available. There will be no nursery or child care. But please come with your little ones. For centuries the church has met with children present. If they cry or become restless we will cover any inconvenience with love. Please do not stay at home because you have small children. Even though this a more informal service than usual, being outdoors, and you may want to dress accordingly, please do not bring pets. This is still a worship service.
This may seem like a lot of instructions, but hopefully, these will provide clarity and answer most questions. If you have further questions please feel free to ask. We look forward to being with you once again, in person, this Sunday. Invite a friend!
Gary Gilley, Senior Pastor
