2020 has been unlike anything we've ever experienced. It required hard decisions from all of us that we've never needed to make before. Getting to a "new normal" and reopening the church will also take some getting used to. Below is a letter from our Outreach Director. You'll also find an extensive list of Frequently Asked Questions following the letter.
GCC Family,
After much prayer and preparation, we’re ready to resume worshipping in our church building on July 5th, and we hope you’re able to join us!
*** Before going any further, let me say this: As excited as we are about being able to gather together again, we also want to make this as safe as possible for everyone. So, if you have experienced any COVID-19 related symptoms in the last two weeks or if you have compromising health issues, please continue to join us from the comfort of your home at www.gccflnj.org or maybe you’re just not comfortable coming back right away… That’s okay! Know that our church family loves you and we want to protect you, and we encourage you to continue worshiping with us over the internet until you’re ready to re-join us in person!
Here are some reminders and things you need to know for July 5th…
The church building will be unlocked 30 minutes before worship starts. Please don’t arrive earlier than 9:30am.
Downstairs will be closed off for the time being therefore, the only entrance into the building will be the front door. You will be greeted by a few friendly faces. Everyone’s temperature will be taken with a no-touch forehead thermometer. If you show any signs of a fever you will kindly be asked to leave.
To help create a touchless environment, all external and internal entrances and exits will be manned by a greeter or will be propped open. We’ll have ushers that will help you find a seat. This is so that we can get everyone in the sanctuary safely and efficiently. Remember, we will not be offering nursery or kids’ church so they will remain with you throughout the length of the service. Items in the backs of the pews including Bibles, hymnals, envelopes, and pencils, have been removed. Also, there will not be a physical bulletin handed out, you can find our digital bulletin on our website.
Face masks are required. If you don’t have your own mask, we will have one available for you. For your protection, when you’re inside the building please also adhere to the CDC’s recommended six-foot social distancing guidelines before, during, and after services. Unless you need to go to the restroom, once you've been seated please stay seated. Portions of the building — specifically the worship areas and restrooms — will be thoroughly sanitized before, during, and after services. Any Coffee Stations/Water Stations will be closed.
Offering plates will not be passed. You can drop a check/cash in one of the offering collection plates in the back of the sanctuary. Or continue to give online or by mailing a check to the church if you'd prefer.
Since our first Sunday back is Communion Sunday there will be individually packaged communion kits on the back table for each person to take on the way to their seats.
I think that's pretty much it! We look forward to worshipping with you on July 5th, whether in-person or online! Thank you for remaining prayerful, faithful, and flexible in these times. We truly appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we navigate as responsibly as we can. Again, we are committed to protecting your health and safety and remain vigilant in taking every precaution possible.
If you have any questions email us at info@gccflnj.org
In Christ,
Emily Kern, Outreach Director
201.675.3084 (mobile) / emilyk@gccflnj.org
Grace Community Church
886 Franklin Avenue
Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We all have questions. We’re asking ourselves new ones every day. If you think of any that haven’t been answered here, please email us.
Is there a plan for cleaning and sanitizing?
In addition to the normal weekly cleaning and sanitizing that is normally done, new cleaning and sanitizing protocols will be put into place throughout our church as we open. (regular wiping of surfaces, volunteers holding doors, hand sanitizer stations, etc).
Will there be seating with distancing for services?
The pews will be marked off to maintain social distancing, and we will ask for distancing to follow the general rule, "Live together, sit together."
What does "social distancing" mean?
Social distancing has come to be defined as people being at least six feet apart, with no physical contact being made.
Will grace community church continue to stream digital content in Phase Four?
Yes! We will continue streaming our worship services every Sunday on our Facebook page, YouTube Channel, and website but there will be a delay because we will be recording the service and uploading it after it ends so it will not be live at 10:00am.
Will there be a Vacation Bible School this year?
Unfortunately, no. Given our current situation, VBS will not be able to occur in its traditional form. We may hold a special kids/family event later in the summer as phasing permits.
Can these plans change?
Of course. We're all learning as we go, and this is fully uncharted waters. We are so grateful for the patience and grace our whole community has exhibited through this, and we can't wait to see you all as soon as we are able.
Will masks be required to enter the church?
We will follow all gathering guidelines as established by state and local authorities. As of right now, yes, masks are required.
With services limited to fifty people, will there be more services offered?
At this point, we do not plan on increasing the number of gatherings during the reopening phases. Please keep in mind that we will be encouraging watching from the comfort of your own homes.
Will we be allowed to shake hands and hug?
We will be encouraging the practice of suggested social distancing procedures and guidelines during all of our activities. Until further notice, this means that hugging and shaking hands will be discouraged.
What’s the plan for shared food and drinks as we start to gather (coffee fellowship, connection cafe, and communion as a church)?
Most likely, until at least Phase Four, we will not be serving coffee in the lobby on Sundays. Also, coffee fellowships will be on hold. As we are able to implement procedures better ensuring safety for these things, we will begin to return to these activities. We will also be continuing with our packaged communion kits for the safety and ease of communion Sundays.
What about those who are more medically vulnerable?
For those aware that they are more medically vulnerable, we would ask that they make use of the digital services available to them until such a time as they are not in increased danger.