MINISTRY

Is there anyone who should not attend outdoor services? People over the age of 65 and those with compromised immune systems are encouraged to stay home and watch online. Please join us online if you currently have these symptoms or have had them in the last week: fever over 100 degrees, cough or sore throat, shortness of breath or contact with anyone confirmed to have COVID-19 (in the last 14 days).

Persons returning from travel from states with a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents or a state with a 10% or higher positivity rate over a 7-day rolling average are advised to self-quarantine for 14 days; or self-monitor for symptoms.

Can I sit with someone not in my family unit? We strongly recommend sitting with your family unit, but if both you and the individual/family are comfortable, you can join someone outside your family unit if there is space in their pod of seats.

Will we receive a physical bulletin? For now, our weekly bulletin will be digital only (included with Saturday’s Enews Bulletin). Lyrics to the worship songs for Sunday will also be included with the Saturday Enews Bulletin email. You may choose to print lyrics from home or follow along on your digital device.

Will there be congregational singing? We will offer live worship music but insist that the congregation will wear masks during the music portion. Some may be comfortable singing while wearing a mask, others may not and can simply enjoy listening during this time.

Do we have to wear masks? Yes. Masks will be required when gathering under the tent, especially during the portion involving worship music as congregational singing can spread the virus more rapidly. Masks are also required in situations on campus when 6 feet is not maintained. There will be times during the service (such as during the sermon), when we allow you to take a break from wearing the mask, however, you are always welcome to wear one at all times. 

Will masks be available if I do not have one?  We encourage you to bring your own mask, but masks will be available inside the main entrance of the Y&FMB and at the rear lawn if someone forgets one.

Are people allowed to stick around after the service and fellowship? We are encouraging everyone to make their way to their vehicles fairly quickly after the conclusion of each service to minimize excessive contact and to prepare for people arriving for the next service. You are welcome to continue conversations off-campus or at another convenient location. If gathering is to occur, it is recommended that safe social distance guidelines be followed per the current CDC recommendations.

Are we capping the attendees per service? Yes. We will only accommodate as many people in each venue as allows for 6 feet of space between family units. Under Executive Order No. 152, outdoor services are allowed for 100 people, but this number is set to increase by the end of June 2020 to 250 then 500, Lord willing. There is also a religious exemption in place for worship gatherings.

FACILITIES

Will there be areas of the church cordoned off to limit use? Only the Youth & Family Ministry Building will be available for ministry activities until further notice. Access will be limited to comply with the most recent Executive Order issued by the Governor. All other buildings will remain locked and unavailable (except for staff and authorized persons) until further notice. 2nd floor classrooms and the teen youth room in the Y&FMB may be made available upon request. Otherwise, these spaces are not to be used.

Is there handicap accessibility? Yes, outdoor worship is on the lawn at ground level and there is a ramp into the Y&FMB for ease of access to handicap restrooms if needed in the Y&FMB.

Will the drinking fountains be open? No.

Will the Library be open? No.

EMERGENCIES

What is MBC’s plan if someone presents signs of illness? We will have volunteers with EMS or medical backgrounds to assist those feeling ill as well as contact professional paramedics and/or first responders. If a person diagnosed with COVID-19 has been in the facility, we will communicate with staff and congregants about potential exposure while maintaining confidentiality. If a child presents signs of illness, we will notify their parents to come pick them up.  

Will you be able to safely take a temperature reading if necessary? We will have a touchless forehead thermometer available. If you have a temperature over 100, we will ask you to watch our services online out of respect for others in attendance.

MBC KIDS

Will there be MBC Kids ministry? We’ll be providing an outdoor, in-person program for elementary kids at the 9am service starting August 2! Click here for more details about policies we’re implementing to keep the kids and leaders safe. We will continue to offer online kids ministry from home.

Is it ok for me to bring a snack for my child during service? Yes, but please help our Hospitality Team by cleaning up any wrappers or crumbs before departing.

MBC MINISTRIES

Will there be Youth Ministry this summer? Our youth ministry will be offering outdoor gatherings this summer. Please visit our MBC Teens page for the summer schedule. Read more about precautions we are taking to gather safely here. 

Will there be Small Groups this summer? Each group will make their own decisions. We are encouraging Small Groups to have outdoor gatherings this summer for the purpose of community. Contact individual group leaders for specific information.

LOOKING FORWARD

When will we return to indoor services? Indoor gatherings are high risk. We are taking this regathering plan one step at a time. If the Covid-19 crisis subsides further and larger numbers are allowed indoors, we will consider the safety of that decision to have modified indoor services at that time. We are loving our church body and our community by taking this slowly.

Is there a chance we will return to online services only? Yes. We are thinking of this plan in terms of a “dimmer switch” not a “light switch.” If the number of cases and hospitalizations begin to increase again, we may need to revert back to our previous model of online services and will let you know.

When will things go back to “normal”? We are likely waiting until a vaccine or other licensed treatment is readily available in order to go back to what we will call the “new normal.” Some aspects of our church ministry may look different going forward.  

MBC SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

How can I help? We will need all hands on deck to make this successful. There are several opportunities to serve with campus prep, service prep, and hospitality teams. Contact the  Ministry Leadership Team (MLT) about your desire to serve using the email below.

Will we have a space for families with kids under 3? 
        Families with young ones are welcome to sit wherever they prefer; these are family-friendly services. 
 

Is there anyone who should not attend outdoor services? 

People over the age of 65  and those with compromised immune systems are encouraged to stay home and watch online. Please join us online if you currently have these symptoms or have had them in the last week: fever over 100 degrees, cough or sore throat, shortness of breath or contact with anyone confirmed to have COVID-19 (in the last 14 days). 

Will there be MBC Kids ministry? 

Children’s Ministry we are now providing an outdoor, in-person program for elementary kids at the 9am service! Click here for more details about policies we’re implementing to keep the kids and leaders safe. You’ll have the opportunity to register your kids for this program when you register to attend the 9am service. (Please note we will be taking a break on 9/6 and 9/13, but start up again on September 20.)

Will there be Small Groups? 

We’re encouraging Small Groups to have outdoor gatherings this summer for the purpose of the community.  

Will we receive a physical bulletin? 

For now, our weekly bulletin will be digital only (included with Saturday’s Enews Bulletin). Lyrics to the worship songs for Sunday will also be included with the Saturday Enews Bulletin email. You may choose to print lyrics from home or follow along on your digital device. To subscribe to Enews, send us an email at communications@millingtonbaptist.org.

Will there be areas of the church cordoned off to limit use? 

Only the Youth & Family Ministry Building will be available for ministry activities until further notice. Access will be limited to comply with the most recent Executive Order issued by the Governor. All other buildings will remain locked and unavailable (except for staff and authorized persons) until further notice. 

2nd floor classrooms and the teen youth room in the Y&FMB may be made available upon request. Otherwise, these spaces are not to be used.
  

Will the drinking fountains be open? 

No
  

Are people allowed to stick around after the service and fellowship? 

We are encouraging everyone to make their way to their vehicles fairly quickly after the conclusion of each service to minimize excessive contact and to prepare for people arriving for the next service. You’re welcome to continue conversations off-campus or at another convenient location. If gathering is to occur, it is recommended that safe social distance guidelines be followed per the current CDC recommendations.

What is MBC’s plan if someone presents signs of illness? Will you be able to safely take a temperature reading if necessary? 

We will have a touchless forehead thermometer available. If you have a temperature over 100, we may ask you to watch our services online out of respect for others in attendance. Anyone showing signs of critical care needs will be addressed by professional paramedics and/or first responders. If a child presents signs of illness, we will notify their parents to come pick them up.   

Do we have to wear masks? Will masks be available if I do not have one? 

       Masks must be worn when less than 6 feet away from others and while under the tent during singing. You may

       take a break from wearing masks during non-congregational singing times.

Can I sit with someone not in my family unit? 

We strongly recommend sitting with your family unit, but if both you and the individual/family are comfortable, you can join someone outside your family unit if there is space in their pod of seats. 

Are we capping the attendees per service? 

Yes. We will only accommodate as many people in each venue as allows for 6 feet of space between family units. 

What if I miss my scheduled time, can I come to another service? 

Yes, but please plan to attend the service you registered for (if nec.). This will help us keep the proper numbers and leave space for new people. 

Is it ok for me to bring a snack for my child during service? 

Yes, but please help our Hospitality Team by cleaning up any wrappers or crumbs left before departing.  

Will the Library be open? 

Not at this time. 

Don’t see your question? 

Email the Ministry Leadership Team at mlt@millingtonbaptist.org