Dear Mariners Church Family,
Together we share the concern of many people regarding COVID-19 (‘Corona Virus’). No matter what your view of the dangers, we as a church family want to begin taking precautionary measures and consider how we can minimize the anxieties while giving hope and help to those around us.
Each weekend at Mariners over 400 people gather in this building for worship, connection, and growth. And throughout the week many people gather together in homes for Life-Groups. As this increases the risk of spreading the virus (should it be present), we want to let you know the measures we are taking to minimize the risk.
Facility Cleaning: Our custodial team disinfects the building door handles, serving surfaces, bathrooms and the children’s area toys, tables, chairs, etc. twice each week.
Nursery: We have a “toy bath” policy in which every toy that has been played with is put away in a special bin to be disinfected that week. That way you know that your child is playing with a toy that is clean from the get-go.
Our Pre-School program will have our “Love Juice Welcome” and each child coming into the class will get their hands spayed with a disinfectant (‘love juice’).
Clean Hands: We have increased our number of clean hands stations and encourage you to use them as you enter (and leave) the building.
Greeting: While I believe that greeting people with a hug or a handshake is an important part of connection and welcoming, some are a little uncomfortable with this. So, during our greeting moment in the service, please be very sensitive. If the other person just wants to fist bump, elbow bump, or do an “air high five,” just be cool with it and relax. Yeah, it’s kind of awkward at first, but you’ll get used to it.
Coffee and Food: This one is more of a challenge…. Just be aware and be responsible. We will still have donut holes and coffee. We have napkins available if you do not wish to touch the nozzle handles of the coffee and water urns. Be aware that the rims of the coffee cups may come in contact with someone’s hand. If you are concerned, you may want to bring your own coffee mug.
Parents: do your best to monitor your children at the donut hole counter. If they can learn to use napkins to take the donuts, so much the better. Make sure they clean their hands prior to handling the cups, lids and donut holes.
Be caring of your neighbors and their needs, especially those that are fearful, are alone, or at greater risk of the infection. We are called to be ‘salt and light’ and so we should be ready to do grocery and medicine runs for them or just talk with them if they are scared.
Of course, if you are not feeling well, please stay home. We’ll have the service online later in the week. And if you need any assistance, encouragement, or assurance, let us know. We will help where we can.
Pray. Trust. Be patient…Be fearless and radical in love.
Thanks and God bless! I love being your pastor.
Paul
