Updated: Tuesday, May 21st at 2:00pm

Hello Myrtle Grove Family!!

We are SO excited to announce our future plans about meeting together again. The leadership and pastors of Myrtle Grove Baptist Church have been praying and discussing our desire and ability to meet again as soon as possible. With the spread of COVID-19 still a threat and our safety for you being of utmost priority, we are taking all the precautions necessary. The online services have reached so many more people than ever imagined, so we also want to make sure we transition well to continue reaching the people that God has allowed us to.

As we get back into the sanctuary, there will be some changes and precautions that we will do together as a family in an effort to steward our time together that honors God. It is our responsibility as leaders and before God to make sure that we are careful how we do this, everyone is at risk; some more than others. In an effort to meet sooner rather than later, we will need your help to make sure that we are careful and strategic in how we approach this global situation.

Pending any potential changes in the situation, these are our goals:

• First date back in the sanctuary: Sunday, May 31^st
• Recommended attendance for Service times:
  • 8:30am for 60+
  • 10:00am for families (with a children’s message)
  • 11:15am
• The sanctuary seating has changed to meet the social distance requirements set out by the state (pictures attached)
• Sanitation protocols will be followed in-between services for safety; including hand sanitizer stations by the entrance and exits
• Social distancing will be a priority to keep everyone safe
• Entering and leaving the sanctuary will be structured to prevent possible risk
• Children’s programs and Sunday School classes are being discussed for a future date
• We will continue to provide an online service to meet the needs of the whole congregation
• More detailed information on protocols and expectations will be given as we get closer to meeting again

We know these are hard times for everyone and this pandemic has affected so many lives, especially those in our congregation. We are so excited to meet together physically in a worship gathering, but we know that we need everyone’s help to keep it safe for each other and those who are at risk here. Please understand that as much as we would like everyone to be together, we also ask that you follow these simple guidelines in an effort to continue to gather safely.

• If sick, please stay home
• Face masks suggested
• Please stay 6 feet apart – use the seating appropriately and only sit with your families
• Utilize the hand sanitation stations located at the entrances and exits
• No touching encouraged, including fist bumps or elbows
• High risk people, or family member, should be advised to stay home, includes: cardiovascular disease, hypertension, COPD, asthma, renal disease, diabetes type I or II, active cancer, immunocompromised and immunosuppressed, age greater than 65, and children with underlying health problems
• Please think about those at risk so we can keep the environment open and usable to everyone

Thank you for being a part of this family and helping us work come together safely with the purposes of God’s will for our church. We are an example of Christ in our community, so how we do this represents more than just our families. We miss you and hope that you are looking forward to gathering as much as we are. We know every situation is different and we need to show grace and compassion to everyone in our church and community. May God keep you safe and continue to bless you in this season.

Thank you and continue to pray for our families, our church, our community, our nation, and the world.

Myrtle Grove Staff and Deacons

Updated: Saturday, March 21st at 4:00pm