Dear Church Family,

God has been at work in big ways through our online ministry over the past few weeks. With your help, we’ve been able to reach tens of thousands of people from all over the world with the Good News of the Gospel!

While we have been very encouraged by the positive feedback we have received, we know some of you are longing to meet again face-to-face. As you may recall, we suspended all in-person gatherings in adherence to governmental guidelines that groups of ten or more people should avoid meeting. Because your health and safety are our top priority, we had to make this difficult decision.

In recent weeks, it has become evident that we have been able to “flatten the curve” in Florida. The number of new cases is decreasing, and our hospitals have not been stretched beyond their capacity. Because of this, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that our state is entering Phase I of re-opening.

While the stay-at-home order has been lifted, during this initial phase, many of the same restrictions remain in place. Those over age 65, as well as those with conditions such as high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, or a compromised immune system, are still being asked shelter-in-place. Face mask use is still recommended in public, as is maintaining physical separation of at least six feet at all times. Some businesses, such as movie theaters and schools are not reopening, while others, such as restaurants and retail stores, can operate at limited capacity.

While the governor did not give any guidelines for churches in particular, our church council met this week to prayerfully consider how the other guidelines given might apply to our church. We have created a phased plan for reopening that we believe honors the principles laid out by our local, state, and federal governments.

Beginning May 17, our church will enter Phase I of reopening an in-person service:

• We will offer a brief Sunday service at 10 a.m. that will look very much like what we have been offering online.
  
• Seating will be staggered, utilizing every other row. We ask that every person or family unit leave at least 4 chairs be between themselves and other people.
  
• Attendance will be capped at 25% of seating capacity.
  
• Face masks, though not required, will be recommended.
  
• Hand sanitizing stations will be set up in the lobby.
  
• Those who have symptoms of any illness or who have come into contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 are kindly asked not to attend our services in-person.
  
• The following services will not be available: door greeters, ushers, a planned fellowship time before or after the service, children’s ministry, nursery, and the passing of offering plates. 
  

In the event of a rebound or local outbreak, it may be necessary to put previous restrictions back in place. We will continue to monitor the situation carefully. Gov. DeSantis said that re-opening the state is not like flipping on a light switch. Similarly, resuming in-person meetings at church will happen gradually and in phases. We know many of you have real concerns about attending large public gatherings during a pandemic, and we honor your conviction. We would encourage you to join us for worship at our online campus. We have seen God richly bless our online ministry, and we have no plans of stopping it!

Finally, let me remind you that even though this letter has been about the church “reopening,” actually it has never been closed. Though the doors to our building have been closed, the church is the people. And together, we have continued accomplishing our mission, watching God move in miraculous ways during these difficult days. If we can be of assistance to you in any way, please do not hesitate to reach out by texting 772-277-7072.

In Christ,

Pastor Scott Vander Ploeg