CoVID19 UPDATES

 OR JOIN US SUNDAY MORNING @ 10:30 FOR OUR VIRTUAL SERVICE

First Presbyterian Church Branson Family,
 

We are excited to announce that our sanctuary will reopen for worship Sunday, June 14th.  (Barring any new local outbreak!)
 

With the reopening, we are implementing several guidelines to ensure the safety of all our worshipers!
 

Please note that we have established a task force to develop these guidelines. The task force is using CDC guidance for communities of faith, Taney County Health Department suggestions, information gathered from ECO webinar, the input of medical professionals, and guidelines from at least three other churches in addition to staff research, common sense and a lot of prayer.
 

We recognize that many in our congregation can be classified high-risk.  Â We strive to re-open for worship in a safe and friendly manner; while considering all options.
Speed in opening has not been our major concern.
 

Each person should feel comfortable and at ease before returning to worship. If for any reason you are uncomfortable with the guidelines, please wait before you join us! We will continue to broadcast a Sunday morning service via the internet  In case you haven’t  discovered it yet; abbreviated worship services including a Pastor’s message, prayers, and worshipful music are available through FPCBranson.com or our Facebook page.  Additionally, our Session has authorized the purchase of camera equipment allowing us to weekly live stream Sunday services. We hope to have this in place in 5-6 weeks.
 

Attendance Guidelines
 

If you are in an extreme high-risk category, have been exposed or are sick in any way, we ask that you please watch the service online.  (FPCBranson.com)
 

You will be met at the front of the church by greeters and offered  hand sanitizing and a mask (if you do not have a face covering.) Please be sure to have your face covered before entering the building and take your seat. Facial coverings must be worn when entering and  leaving the building AND anytime you are talking or singing.
 

Maintain social distancing.  We have social distance markers on the floor and pews; along with signage and props. (We ask you to please follow these rules even if you think the precautions are not necessary. We respectfully ask that you do these things out of respect and love for others is our congregation.)
 

Ushers will show you to your seat. (Sorry we can’t promise you your regular seat, but we do promise God will know wherever you sit!)

 

Please sit with members of your household.  If your family is large enough you may get your own pew!  All seating will be with social distancing, so please follow ushers’ directions.  The sanctuary will be filled utilizing alternating pews from the front to the back
 

Following the service, ushers will be dismissing worshipers by rows. We ask everyone to exit the church directly. There won’t be room to meet and greet in the building. You are encouraged to maintain social distancing while chatting in the parking lot.
 

Service Information
(This is a list of pesky do’s and don’ts.)
 

Only worship service will be held at this time.
We hope to resume on-site Sunday School Classes, coffee/cookie fellowship in Fireside Room, Nursery Care, and Kids Own Worship as soon as possible.
 

There will be no bulletins, hymn books, handouts, and no connect cards.  (We added this last one for all of you who don’t like or won’t fill out connect cards anyway!)
 

Offering may be dropped into a collection box before or after worship. Please have it ready before you arrive; there will be no pens and envelopes available.  We are so grateful that your giving during the time of closure has been phenomenal.  Please keep it up!
 

The remainder of our campus remains closed to other groups or meetings at this time.  The Fireside Room is closed and off limits.
 

The two restrooms on either side of the sanctuary will be open.  Please maintain social distancing traveling to and from the restroom by using the aisle and restroom closest to your seat. (Don’t step over non-household members.)
 

Additional seating will be in Fellowship Hall at tables placed adequately distanced from one another.  An usher must seat you.  The elevator will not be in service, so if you are unable to use the stairs then please try to arrive early so you may sit in sanctuary.
 

Hand sanitizers will be available for use on your way into and leaving the church.
 

The pastors may give additional instructions during the service.
 

All worship leaders will remain on the chancel area and will not step down to the pews.

All parishioners shall not ascend onto the chancel.
 

Last, but maybe the most important:  NO handshakes, hugs or PDA’s (public displays of affection.)  You may put your hands together and bow to one another other.

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Please contact the church office with questions or concerns.  

                                       417-334-3468

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