UPDATE ON RETURNING TO IN-PERSON WORSHIP
It is our desire to do all we can to provide for your safety for worship to our Lord for those who desire such. The CDC has provided guidelines to be observed for the safety and well-being of all.
Service Times: 8:00 PM High Holy Services (Friday before the first Sunday) and 11:00 AM Sunday morning We are aware that many are not ready yet to return to large gathering settings. This is a judgment-free zone. With that in mind,we livestream the services every Wednesday night and Sunday morning and High Holy. Join us from home!
Seating: In order to observe social distancing, seats are labeled. A minimum of six feet between separate households should be followed.
Masks: In accordance with the CDC Guidelines, wearing masks are expected while partaking in indoor activities, including worship services.
***We recognize that the wearing of masks is not a popular choice for many. Please join us in considering those around us before thinking of ourselves. (Philippians 2:3) Masks will be available for those without them.
Distancing: We ask that there be no physical touching, hand-shaking or hugging. Please acknowledge one another with a great big wave or elbow bump!
Nursery or Children areas: No nursery or children’s area are provided separate from the sanctuary at this time. Families are encouraged to worship together.
Music: Singing is limited to those leading us in worship.
Music Ministry: Due to the increased risk singing and group gatherings pose in spreading COVID 19, choir rehearsals are scheduled on Tuesday nights 7:00 pm. With social distancing guidelines in place.
Giving: The Offering/Tithe Chest is located near the end of the ramp in the sanctuary. You may choose to give your offering during the offertory time, before, or after service. You may also continue to give online. Offering plates will not be passed.
Capacity: Westcoast will follow the standards set by the state of Florida and the CDC in determining a functioning capacity of persons in our Sanctuary at any given time. Once that capacity is reached, we have set up the fellowship hall for overflow.
Restrooms: Please use the restrooms they are sanitized throughout the morning.
Sanctuary: In accordance with CDC Guidelines, the Sanctuary is also sanitized before and after every service.
Dismissal: At the conclusion of services, worshipers are asked to socially distance as you depart out of the designated exit doors in the lobby.
Bible Studies, Committee Meetings, Community Groups, Prayer warriors: Groups can arrange in-person meetings of less than ten persons through the office, and masks are required for all indoor activities.
What should we all do to keep us all safe and healthy:
- Practice frequent washing of hands.
- Wear a mask whenever you encounter others in public.
- Monitor your own symptoms related to health. If you don’t feel well, please stay home.
- Keep a six-foot distance from others.
- Maintain civil and open conversation with others.
- Additional Notes regarding COVID-19 from one of the infectious disease experts
SUPER SPREADERS. One of the infectious disease experts continues to emphasize that large gatherings in closed indoor spaces are very dangerous, especially if there are persons present who are early in the infection timeline. During this time, anyone has the potential of being a super spreader. Super spreaders can produce more infectious aerosol when speaking and breathing and even more so when singing.
HOME TEMPERATURE CHECK. One way to mitigate these concerns for those persons planning to attend an in-person event is to more closely monitor their symptoms by performing daily temperature checks at home. If someone’s temperature increases 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit or more above their normal temperature, the person should not attend the gathering. Persons with such temperature change should consider getting a COVID-19 RTPCR test or antigen test if available and as advised by their local health department or personal physician.
FLU VACCINE. Finally, the CDC (Flu FAQ), believes it is very important to get the flu vaccine this year in order to protect yourself and the people around you from the flu and to help reduce the strain on healthcare systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. A coinfection of COVID-19 and the flu could be devasting.
Special Considerations:
While we welcome all, and delight in seeing all, please consider joining us online if any of the following apply:
You have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 or are symptomatic.
You have traveled internationally or to a hotspot in the last 2 weeks.
You have underlying medical conditions.
You are experiencing a cough, shortness of breath or sore throat.
You have lost your sense of taste or smell.
Thank you for taking the time to review this information. In addition, We pray you will make the decision that best suits you and your family during these trying times. Rest assured that we will be excited to see you when you are prepared to come back to worship. Our prayer is that we will have to observe these changes for a short season. Finally, this plan has been put together with the health and well-being of all in mind. You and your family are very important to us at Westcoast. We ALWAYS move forward in serving our community.