Gathering at the River – During COVID.
We have prayerfully sought the direction of the Holy Spirit and we have considered the recommendations provided by our local government officials and community leaders regarding the health and safety of our family and community, in alignment with our conviction to honor the ones in those roles. (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17)
– We ask that everyone please maintain social distance (6ft of space) with those not in their immediate family/household while inside the church building.
– We ask you to allow three empty chairs between your family/household and others if seated in the same row.
– We will not pass the offering baskets during service. Giving envelopes may be collected and dropped off at the kiosks on the back wall of the sanctuary or by the front door, or you can continue to give online at rivercentral.org/giving.
– We will not be handing out bulletins or having baskets with I Am Here cards, prayer cards, pens, etc. in order to ensure a paperless service. Details about events, updates, etc. can be found at rivercentral.org, through our e-news, and on Facebook. Prayer requests and requests to speak with a pastor can also be completed online or by sending an email to connect@rivercentral.org.
– We will encourage greeting those watching online, but will not have an in-person greeting time to lessen hand-to-hand contact. If you DO want to hug someone (we know how you huggers are!) please ask them first, and respect their response if they are not comfortable.
– We will have a limited number of masks available, if you would like one.
– Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, nose and face. Avoid touching surfaces. Please note, all surfaces and bathrooms will be cleaned/sanitized before, during and after each service. Additional hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the building.
– If you must cough, please cough into your elbow or sleeve. If you continue coughing or sneezing, please immediately leave the service and consider not reentering the sanctuary.
– If you have experienced any symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 14 days, or if you have recently and knowingly been exposed to COVID-19, we ask that you please remain home and watch the livestream.
– If you have risk factors such as age or pre-existing conditions, or are not yet comfortable with in-person gathering, we encourage you to continue to join us online.
– If you cannot follow the guidelines that we as the leadership believe the Lord has led us to, then we ask you to continue to worship with us online.
– If you develop COVID-19 symptoms within a couple of days after attending in-person service, please contact the church office at 816-356-7400 or by email to info@rivercentral.org.
Thank you for your cooperation and grace in helping us to resume in person gathering safely. We do also encourage you to consider watching the livestream and meeting in small groups as you are comfortable, taking advantage of this unique opportunity to maximize relational connection, even as we take steps toward gathering in person in our building as well.
There are several ways that you can engage this online experience. Please make sure you are checking no matter what avenue you watch with us on!