Rawlinson Road Baptist Church

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Dear Church Family,

The past two months have been a difficult time for many in our church family as we have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Fortunately, I do not know of any active church member who contracted the virus and for that we are thankful.  Nonetheless, we have all been affected by the pandemic in some form whether it be from schools moving online, work furloughs, social distancing, friends or family being infected or something else. 

I viewed a Facebook Live interview our South Carolina Baptist Convention conducted with Governor McMaster. The Governor clearly said the state has not – and will not – pass a law which limits or inhibits the churches of South Carolina from gathering to worship.  He referenced our First Amendment rights under the US Constitution.  However, the Governor explained the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic and asked churches to use sound judgment and consider the health of worshippers when deciding to reopen.

Many have shared how they miss their church family and our worship gathering on Sunday mornings.  Their main question is, “When are we going to start meeting again?”  For a while we did not know, but now we do have a date and a plan to worship together in person.  We are calling it THE RETURN TO RAWLINSON ROAD.

Over the past weeks the staff & deacons have been looking toward the day we resume our Sunday worship.  I am excited to tell you that we plan to RETURN TO RAWLINSON ROAD and resume our on-site worship service Sunday, May 31 at 10:00 a.m.  Please keep in mind that this is our plan as of Thursday, May 21.  If there is a spike in confirmed cases, we may need to push back the return for sake of everyone’s health.  Now that a tentative date has been set, I want to share with you some of the things you need to expect our first Sunday back. 

• We are only resuming Sunday morning worship.  Small groups, Sunday School and evening services are not resuming at this time.  They will return later, but not yet.
• Only the main lobby and auditorium will be open and unlocked.  The rest of the church facility will be closed.  You will need to enter through the front entrance of the auditorium.
• Due to health concerns, there will be no nursery, childcare or children’s church when we resume on May 31.  All children will need to sit with their parents.  As soon as it is safe, we will resume nursery & children’s church.
• A “Pew Packet” will be provided to preschool and school age children that contains crayons, coloring sheets and other items to help children make it through the service. 
• A video will be shown during the service that features a children’s ministry worker sharing an object lesson for the kids.
• We will observe social distancing in the auditorium.  You are asked to sit with your family unit and maintain six feet of separation from others on pews near you.  Ushers will be on hand to help you find a seat and practice social distancing.
• We will not print bulletins or pass the offering plates.  A collection box will be available for you to drop off your offering near the entrance to the auditorium. 
• For the safety of all, we are discouraging handshakes and hugs at this time.  Facemasks are welcome but not required.
• Hand sanitizer will be available in the main lobby as you enter and exit the auditorium.
• Restrooms are available for emergency use.
• Once the service is complete, ushers will dismiss you row by row beginning with those in the back of the auditorium.  The purpose is to minimize exposure and maintain social distance.

I know these steps seem strange, but we feel they are necessary steps to protect everyone’s health.  If you do not feel well or are not comfortable gathering around others yet, please stay home.  No one will think negatively of you.  We encourage you to check your temperature before you leave home. Those who have a fever, show symptoms of illness or who are at a higher risk should stay home until the threat subsides. I don’t know when things will get back to “normal.”  I have a feeling “normal” will be different in the days ahead.  But we are in this together and we will overcome together.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me or one of the leadership.  We look forward to seeing you and celebrating God’s greatness on May 31.

With Kind Regards,

Pastor Michael

michael@rrbc.org

803.324.7530

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