Coronavirus & Flu Prevention Guidelines at GSBC 11/2020

Our plan is to continue to operate under CDC Guidelines

with social distancing in place (at least through December).

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It appears a new strain of the virus is coming along so there are necessary guidelines we need to follow (in continuation with good safety protocols to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 & the Flu). Our facilities are cleaned & sanitized repeatedly and this

procedure will continue. We also installed LED sanitizing lights inside our sanctuary HVAC system this past summer.

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IMPORTANT: PLEASE STAY AT HOME ... if you have any cold or flu-like symptoms, a fever, or a cough. You may watch the livestream at GrandStrand.Live.

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• Hand sanitizing wipes and hands-free sanitizing station (as well as masks) are available upon entering our main front entrance. Please utilize these. Also, hand sanitizers are placed throughout our buildings.

• Please continue to refrain from shaking hands.

• Please wear a mask as much as possible when you are not seated in a pew, especially when entering or exiting the building in a crowd.

• When leaving the sanctuary, all 4 exits need to be utilized.

• During any prayer times for the sick, masks are to be worn & hands sanitized. (Those supplies are located upfront on communion tables).

• We will also continue to skip every other pew as the ushers seat everyone. PLEASE move to the middle of the pew when being seated, if possible, so folks won’t have to climb over you later. We are nearing capacity in the sanctuary, so let’s be very understanding & helpful during this time. We will plan to open alternate areas as necessary.

• Please do not socialize in groups, except outside, nor gather around entrances/exits. We need to maintain a good flow of foot traffic.

• All children & youth need to remain with their parent/guardian during the services, if not under the under the supervision of a church leader at the time, thus avoiding additional cleaning by them wandering around our facilities. This is also for their protection. So, parents & leaders please help us with this.

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UPDATE::::Tuesday, July 28, 2020 RE: CHURCH SANCTUARY SANITIZATION UPDATE:

In furthering the sanitization efforts at our church facility, we had 2 Halo LED air purifiers installed on the two main air handlers in our sanctuary this past week (July).  A member donated the cost of these, for which we are very thankful!

We also have several plug-in UV light sanitizers placed about in the main foyer. 

But we will still NEED to continue with all things that we have been doing in order to stay safer from the coronavirus. This is just an extra layer of protection that our Lord has provided. Thank you for maintaining social distancing, and so forth, in the days that lie ahead. Please remember to register online when you plan to attend (or call the office) since that helps us with our seating plans. 

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UPDATE:::: Friday, May 15, 2020 RE: Re-Opening Sunday, May 17

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GREAT NEWS…Our Church Is Re-Opening Sunday, May 17th  

      10:45 AM, 6:30 PM, and Wednesday 7 PM (normal worship hours)

 

We will operate under CDC guidelines with social distancing in place 

 

Our facilities have been cleaned and sanitized, and this procedure will be repeated after each service.

 

If you will feel more comfortable wearing a mask, please bring it with you. We have a very limited supply (more are on backorder).  We do have some gloves, if needed, and hand sanitizing wipes are available as you enter. 

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There are some guidelines that we must follow, in continuation with following safety protocols, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  Let’s spread the Gospel, not the germs!!

 

PLEASE STAY AT HOME if you have any cold or flu-like symptoms, fever, or a cough.

 

First and foremost, we MUST practice social distancing and we ask everyone (except families/couples) to remain six feet apart. We will skip a pew as ushers seat everyone.  

 

Arrival and Dismissal Procedures: 

•    If you prefer to sit on the left, or left middle side of the sanctuary, please enter through the left front double doors, and wait to be seated.

•    If you prefer to sit on the right or right middle side, please enter through the right front double doors, and wait to be seated. 

•    We will try our best to seat you as close to your normal place as we can, but please have patience and understanding if we cannot. (Honestly, we will just be happy to be back worshipping in our sanctuary).  

•    We will then be dismissed, row by row, to exit with social distancing maintained. 

•    If you feel you must fellowship, please do so outside with social distancing! 

 

Second, we will NOT be having Children's Church or Sunday School classes here at this time. We will only have the baby nursery for mothers and the restrooms available.  

•    All other areas will be closed off, to prevent folks from going into areas that have already been cleaned and sanitized.

•    We will not have coffee or refreshments available.  We will have to drink our cup(s) of Joe before we arrive. (Please remember no drinks or food in the Sanctuary…only bottled water, and please bring that with you, if needed). 

 

THANK YOU for helping us with these guidelines as we re-open. We're looking forward to seeing you very soon! Call us with any questions you may still have. God bless you and keep you safe is our prayer for you.

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UPDATE:::: WEDNESDAY, April 8, 2020 RE: Flu and Coronavirus Responses

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Our EASTER Services will be ONLINE ONLY at 10:45 AM & 6:30 PM Sunday, April 12 on GrandStrand.Live

Special ONLINE Communion Service: Friday at Noon

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We will advise everyone as to when we can meet again at our church facility, just as soon as we know. Have a safe and blessed Easter! And may our Lord keep you well. 

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Contact our office if we can help you in any way. 

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And remember… 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” May our Lord’s face shine upon you daily, and give you peace, strength, and hope in the days ahead!  

 

 

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UPDATE:::: Friday, March 20th…    RE: Flu and Coronavirus Response

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Our church is closed temporarily for public worship services (per authorities & our insurance company), in order to practice the social distancing that should help this situation come to a quicker ending. Regularly scheduled church services will be live online at: grandstrandbaptist.com, also on our YouTube channel, and on Facebook Live. More information about live-streaming can be found at GrandStrand.Live.

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We are much in prayer daily for wisdom & direction, from our Lord, as navigate through these uncertain times, but will keep you updated periodically.  We trust that the worst of this will be over within 15 days, if not sooner! 

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This scripture verse could very well be used during such a time as this… Isaiah 26:20 KJV…”Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast”. 

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Our offices will remain open, if at all possible. Feel free to contact us with any needs or special prayer requests, especially relative to the coronavirus. There is a PRAYER ZONE area for requests on our website, as well. Click here to submit a prayer request online. (Those requests come to our church office email account, and will be kept private, unless you tell us to share them publicly).  

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Also, we have volunteers willing to assist, in any way that they can, during this time. Call us for further information or help, at (843) 236-2233, or Email: grandstrandbapt@yahoo.com.

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Also for those asking about your Tithes, Offerings, First Fruits, etc…offerings can be given online, as well, just click here to give online. That has been simplified to make it much easier, or you can mail in your offering, if you choose. (350 Hospitality Lane, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579). Most of our expenses will remain the same, so we appreciate your participation. Our annual First Fruits Offerings begin this Sunday!  

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We are all trying to be creative as to how to best stay in touch with each other during such a time as this, in order to help our families & neighbors. Social media is a great way to share the Gospel or to find Biblical helps and resources, in addition to things we offer. We have some additional plans in the making. 

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In the meantime, until we see you face to face, be encouraged, look up, and keep trusting our Lord, as you pray. May God bless you, and protect you each day! 

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And remember… 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind”.  God always has a plan, and may we always be found faithful and obedient to Him, no matter where we are.  May the Lord’s face shine upon you in mighty ways in the days ahead. – In Christ’s Love, Pastor Young and Staff   

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Wednesday, March 11, 2020 RE: Flu and Coronavirus Response

 

Church Family,

Here are our current plans and preventative measures at Grand Strand Baptist, in light of the flu season, and especially, the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the United States. Like some of you, we have been following the evolving story of the coronavirus with great concern. If it becomes necessary, we will reach out to local officials & others, to gain perspective on how to best move forward, should the coronavirus come to our state/community. We had a very special time of prayer here on Wednesday evening, asking our Lord for wisdom, guidance, and protection.

 

Please take time to read through this entire letter as it contains detailed plans for keeping our church family safe, how you might can help, and things you may need to know.

We plan to remain open, if at all possible, and we will continue to have services on Sundays and Wednesday’s, and normally scheduled activities. But in the event that local and state health officials do recommend closure, or we determine it is in the best interest of our church family to close, we will inform everyone to the best of our abilities through our website, emails and social media. We are subject to the laws of the land, but plan to remain open. We will pray to that end, and for things to quickly get back to some normalcy.

 

We must PRAY for the best, and prepare for the worst, about like we would for an approaching hurricane. But, we must remember that God has not called us to live in fear, but by faith. 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind”.

 

Our church will be even more committed to keeping our facilities very clean, and sanitized, in order to lessen the spread of germs:

• By keeping all highly touched surfaces sanitized.

• We will encourage staff and volunteer teams to practice extra cleanliness, and to stay at home if they are sick.

• We will provide hand sanitizers & wipes around the church for everyone to use.

• We will continue using hospital grade disinfectant sprays around our facilities.

• We will discourage hand shaking, therefore eliminating the “fellowship time”.

• Offering plates will be relocated to the front and back of the sanctuary, eliminating the need to pass them down the rows. And, remember, you can also give online at our website. Grandstrandbaptist.com, click on the GIVE button at top of home page.

• Those serving, or working with, food items will wear plastic gloves.

• Nursery areas and children areas toys & other items will be sanitized after use, etc.

• During this time, we are asking for YOU to please help us stop the spread of the viruses in the following ways:

• Stay at home when you, or a family member, are sick. Get someone to replace your area of service for the day or evening, if applicable.

• Wash your hands often with soap & water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating & after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Cover your sneeze with a tissue, and cough into your arm. (not into your hand). Get in the habit of NOT touching your face so often.

• Forgo shaking hands at church for a wave or a friendly smile.

 

If you or someone you know tests positive for COVID-19 (the coronavirus) or the flu, please let us know so we can find a way to help, pray for everyone involved, and take any necessary precautions if the person was here. (We will have standard PRIVACY practices, & keep this information confidential).

 

Our online church services - If you or a family member are sick or need to stay home during this time, you are invited to watch our services online. Grandstrandbaptist.com (click on Media and then click on “watch live stream”).

Three ways you can help:

 

Pray – Pray for those impacted by the viruses, as well as their families and loved ones. God always has a plan during any crisis!!

 

Give/Volunteer – In the coming weeks, IF the coronavirus comes to our area, we may need additional help in some areas, which we will make known as the need arises. A sign-up card will be available Sunday. We already need additional tithes funding at this time, with so many out sick, and many of them incurring lots of additional medical expenses. PRAY about how you can help us financially, and possibly our community, if needed later.

 

Serve – Begin praying & thinking about ways you can be of assistance to our members & neighbors in the midst of a possible outbreak of the coronavirus. It will be a great time to witness to the lost, even if we can only do so through the internet or via phone calls, etc. The elderly, widows/widowers, will be the most vulnerable during this time.

 

Questions or concerns? If you’d like to share your thoughts, concerns, or ideas with us, we’d like to hear from you. Email us grandstrandbapt@yahoo.com or leave your comments / suggestions at the Welcome Center in our SUGGESTIONS BOX located there. While we cannot control the viruses, the spread, or the impact they MAY have, we’re doing everything we can to lessen it. We appreciate your prayers, cooperation & commitment to help us. May God bless us & protect us all.