In this post, we address the Governor’s Order, the In-Person Plan, and Keeping Unity during this time of reopening Eagle LifeChurch. Our approach continues to be driven by personal responsibility. Some of us are at great risk for this virus, while others are at low risk. We trust you and your doctor to make the best decision for your medical well-being.
GOVERNOR’S STAGE-2 ORDER
On November 13, 2020, Governor Little announced the return to stage 2 of the Rebound Idaho plan. This order limits gatherings to 10 or less. However, churches are exempt.
Therefore, we will continue to provide both in-person and online meetings for our congregation. Learn more about our online experience called Church@Home.
If you are at high-risk we encourage you to participate in Church@Home or contact Pastor Brad about joining a House Church.
MASK MANDATE
Central District Health (CDH) has issued a mandatory mask order (link) for Ada County. According to the CDH order,
Every person is required to wear a face covering that completely covers the person’s nose and mouth when the person is in a public place and others are present and physical distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained.
Central District Health (https://cdhd.idaho.gov/pdfs/cd/Coronavirus/Order/CDH%20Quarantine%20and%20Restriction%20Order%2007-14-20%20Final.pdf)
This order has caused us to evaluate what we will do as a church. It’s not easy to make decisions for the congregation during this season. The variety of opinions in our congregation ranges from one end to the other. Therefore, we trust you to make an informed decision and follow the order as appropriate. You are personally responsible for your own well-being.
Here are some answers to questions you may have.
What does the new order mean for Eagle LifeChurch?
The face covering mandate applies to situations where physical distancing “cannot be maintained.” We have made every precaution to ensure that distancing is possible at Eagle LifeChurch. The seating in the Worship Center is set up for 6-foot physical distancing, surfaces are sanitized, and hygiene is maintained.
We will not let this pandemic, mask orders, or illness divide God’s church and distract us from His mission.
What about exemptions?
You and your doctor are best positioned to decide what is appropriate for your medical circumstance. The Central District Health order (link) provides for a few exemptions for those who cannot tolerate wearing a mask – medical, persons who would be at risk in their work, hearing impaired or those caring for hearing impaired, eating and drinking, and those receiving a service to nose, mouth, or face.
According to the CDH order,
A person is not required to provide documentation demonstrating that the person cannot tolerate wearing a face covering.
Central District Health (https://cdhd.idaho.gov/pdfs/cd/Coronavirus/Order/CDH%20Quarantine%20and%20Restriction%20Order%2007-14-20%20Final.pdf)
Therefore, if you are not wearing a face covering, we assume that you are exempt, and you will not be questioned. We understand that there are a variety of circumstances that affect each of you differently so we will have mutual respect and honor for one another.
What if I am not exempt?
We will continue to worship in-person this Sunday for those who wish to come. Please follow the CDH order as appropriate and consult your doctor if you may need to be exempt for medical reasons. If you are not wearing a mask we will all assume you are exempt for medical or other reasons.
We will continue to provide bright yellow smiley face stickers for those who want to let others know that they only want SMILES AND WAVES. If you see someone with a smiley face sticker, please do not enter their 6-foot space, shake their hand, or give them a hug.
We are also providing kn-95 masks for those who want to protect themselves. These masks filter droplets for both the person wearing it and for others. Ask a pastor if you would like one while you are here.
What if I am uncomfortable coming to church in-person?
We understand why you would do that. It makes sense for a lot of people. Your physical health and personal decision are honored. We will continue to provide live streaming of Church@Home and offer life-groups online. Join us online, Sunday at 10:20am, http://Facebook.com/EagleLifeChurch/Live.
LifeGroups
Some LifeGroups will begin meeting in-person this month if the leader, hosts, and group participants can adhere to social distancing and sanitation. Some groups will begin meeting in-person in July when the Governors restrictions are lifted.
ELC Kids & ELC Youth Ministry
ELC LifeKids/elementary and LifeTots/preschool groups will begin meeting in-person October 18. Kids between preschool and 6th grade will be dismissed after music. Mrs. Williams, your ELC Kids director, will be communicating with parents and seeking feedback from you. Plans are in-place for social distancing and strict handwashing/sanitation. Personal protection masks (kn95) are available to help ensure safety for at-risk kids and teachers.
ELC Youth is meeting in-person. The group will meet outside as weather permits, with social distancing and handwashing/sanitation. Please sign up for the Youth group and newsletter to make sure you get updates.
Indoor Worship Plan
Details about Places of Worship Protocol can be found here.
Based on your survey responses and the unity of the Spirit among the staff and board, the plan for the next few weeks is below. If COVID-19 cases remain manageable and there are no known cases in our church family we will meet as follows.
For all social distancing indoor meetings, we will provide various sized chair rows for households to sit in 6’ from other households. We will continue online video streaming for those who decide to stay home. ALL worship services from now on will be streamed online for those who do not come in-person.
For those of you who do attend in-person,
- Social distancing is expected. Please do not enter another person’s 6-foot safety bubble.
- If you are wearing a “smiley face” sticker that are available in the lobby, you will be greeted with smiles and waves, not handshakes and hugs.
- If you are in a high-risk category we encourage you to stay home, or use a personal-protection KN95 or N95 mask. KN95 masks are available for at-risk individuals to be used during worship service. Please see a pastor if you would like one.
- If you have a fever (100.4+), cough, or shortness of breath you should not come for 7-10 days and 24 hours after symptoms subside. Please follow CDC guidance.
- Those who have traveled should follow the guidelines of rebound.idaho.gov and self-quarantine.
- Children will be dismissed after music for ELC Kids in the Fireside Studio.
- You will be able to give online, by text, or by mail: https://eaglelifechurch.org/give
- Face masks and/or gloves are required per Central District Health when physical distancing cannot be maintained, unless you have a medical or other exemption. We have made every effort to maintain physical distancing. If you are not wearing a mask, we will assume you have an exemption.
Indoor Seating
Instructions for those sitting in the Worship Center
- We ask that the front hallway only be used in a one-way fashion, in order to maintain social distancing.
- Before service, the front entrance and hallway will only be used for entering the building. If you need to exit the building before service please use the side door of the Worship Center or another exit.
- After service, the front hallway will only be used for exiting the building. Once you leave the building please do not re-enter.
- The Chairs in the Worship Center have been arranged to help you stay spaced out from other households.
- Chairs have been set out in groups of two, three, four, and five.
- Please choose a row of seats that most closely matches the size of your household.
- Chairs can be moved as appropriate to accommodate those in attendance.
- We trust you to be responsible and wise in maintaining your own personal health and well-being. Wash your hands, cover your cough, sit with those who are in your household.
- Please maintain social distancing.
Keeping Unity
In conversations with members and in the results of our survey, there are a variety of different opinions on how best to proceed and we honor you for speaking up about it. No matter your personal convictions, you are still part of our family and we want you to participate with us however you feel comfortable.
If you feel strongly either way, it is important to understand that other individuals may be at higher or lesser risk. They may have a medical condition, family situation, employment rationale, or personality type that makes them less (or more) likely to attend, wear a mask, sing, talk to others, etc… Please do not judge others who decide differently than you. Be kind.
If you have questions you can email Pastor Brad (bradm {a} eaglelifechurch.org).
