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The COVID Response Team met and feel that we have reached the place where, with precautions, we can resume our in-person services. Our first Sunday back will be Sunday January 24th. I want to thank the COVID Response team for their prayerful consideration and counsel in this decision. I want to thank all of those who have been praying for our church during this time. It seems like it has been forever since we have gathered to worship together.
We do understand some will not comfortable returning at this time. We want you to do what you feel is comfortable and safe for you and your family. We will continue to stream our Sunday Morning Worship Services and continue to invest in the technology to make those streams a higher quality.
Our return to worship is not intended to burden those who think we are return to soon or to placate those who feel we should have opened sooner. We prayerfully considered this decision. Having suffered through COVID in mid-December, I do not take lightly the danger associated with COVID-19. It is a contagious virus. However, we do trust that with the proper precautions we will be able to worship together.
- We have added space between the rows to increase the distance between families.
- We will have hand sanitizing stations at opened entrances.
- We ask that those who attend wear their mask while they are not seated, once seated you can remove your mask if you would like.
- Family units should socially distance at a space of no less than 6 feet.
- There will be ushers at each entry to open and close the doors as you enter the church.
- We will also suspend the passing of the offering plate; there will be an offering box placed at the back of the church to collect tithes and offering.
- We will have volunteers to help keep the surface sanitized throughout the church.
These things are to ensure a safe place to worship so we can continue our in-person services. I look forward to seeing each and every one of you. Bring a friend and come join us in worship.
God Bless – Pastor Doug Paschal
God Bless,
Pastor Doug
Yesterday, the Governor put out new guidelines for the churches and religious organizations. The committee met tonight to go over those guidelines and to discuss the increases in the number of cases, some within our own church family. While to our knowledge, no one who has tested positive with COVID has attended services while positive, we thought it wise to go back to the “online only” format until at least December 6th. We are doing this to protect our church family and community. We will meet again before that date to evaluate the risk to our church family.
I do miss seeing your smiling faces when we are not able to meet in person. I know that the worship service is a very enjoyable part of the service that many will miss. Brother Rod is going to continue to provide leadership in Worship. I would encourage you to sing along with your family in your home.
We will be going back to the “online only” format for Sunday and Wednesday Services.
God Bless,
Pastor Doug Paschal
As you may have heard the Governor announced that churches can start meeting again immediately. The COVID-19 Response Team met a couple of weeks ago to create a plan to return to in-person services. We will be returning to Service on Sunday, May 17th. The first couple of Sundays will be services only, no Sunday School or Children’s Church. All these plans are being put in place with the most vulnerable in mind. We know there are those in our family who are at a greater risk. They have weakened immunities, breathing issues and underlying conditions that make them more susceptible to having serious complication with the COVID-19 virus.
It is interesting to see God work in our church. We have many talented and knowledgeable individuals who have a desire to serve. Many of the precautions suggested by the Governor were already considered and agreed upon but the COVID-19 Response Team as part of our strategy to return to services. The Governor has recommended the following precautions be taken:
- 6-feet physical distancing except for family group
- Face coverings worn at all time inside by anyone over 10 years old (we will leave this to your discretion)
- Worship leaders addressing congregation + performing singers may take off face mask
- 12-foot physical distance required at these time
- Hand sanitizing station will be located at the entrance
- Meet and greet times moved outside if possible (We will not be doing the meet and greet)
- Lines for entry and exit monitored for distancing
- No physical contact
- Eliminate the use of items touched by multiple people
- Refrain from alter calls and Holy Communion
- No class for youth or children
- Sanitize common areas
We will be implementing many of the same changes we implemented in the weeks prior to online service to protect our church family and reduce the likelihood of getting the virus. There will be ushers at each entry to open and close the doors as you enter the church. We will also suspend the passing of the offering plate; there will be an offering box placed at the back of the church to collect tithes and offering. We will have volunteers to help keep the surface sanitized throughout the church. We will forgo the usual greeting and handshaking time during service.
We look forward to seeing all of you very soon!
God Bless,
Pastor Doug Paschal
We have decided to go online because we know there are those in our family who are at a greater risk. They have weakened immunities, breathing issues and underlying conditions that make them more susceptible to having serious complication with the COVID-19 virus. With the virus confirmed in our area, it is vitally important that we take the necessary precautions to protect our family. We will be Facebook Live Streaming the services this Sunday Morning at 11:00am. The link is http://www.facebook.com/FSBCGoshen. You may have other family and friends whose churches have decided to cancel and are not available online or whose church may be having services today, but they are not willing to take the risk of going. Feel free to share this link with them. I have been told that you do not have to have a Facebook account to watch the Facebook Live Stream. For many, giving as a very important part of worship. If you are not able to attend the service you can mail your tithes and offering to P.O. Box 21 Goshen, AR 72735. We also offer online giving at https://www.fsbcgoshen.org/tithe/.
I also want to remind you to follow these common-sense practices to help protect yourself and others.
• Wash your hands regularly with anti-bacteria soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. (Singing Happy Birthday takes approximately 20 seconds)
• Cover your mouth with your elbow or forearm when you cough or sneeze, not your hand.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose and face.
• Avoid physical contact with people include handshakes. Offer an elbow bump or a foot tap. Some have even suggested bringing back the curtsy and bow.
• If you do not feel well, have a fever or show symptoms of illness, avoid attending public gathering including church services. Seek necessary medical attention.
• If you are at greater risk due to medical conditions avoid public places and crowded spaces.
• Regularly clean and sanitize the area around you.
During this time of uncertainty, it is imperative that we remember to pray. We are not cancelling Worship or Church. The Church is the people. Worship is the act of praising, thanking and praying to God. 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 says “When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” Now is the time to pray. Just because we are not meeting in the building should not mean that we are not worshiping. Please join us for Worship Service this Sunday morning at 11:00 am.
God Bless,
Pastor Doug Paschal
