Relaunch
*Registration information is at the bottom of this page*
Dear Riverites,
The leadership at The River Church has been thinking a great deal about how to best reopen our church to in-person worship services. Of course, the safety of all of you is our number one concern. We have been using technology to reach out to people week by week, but we know there are some for which this is not an option. However, we also know that for others, an in-person service is not an option.
Now that we have been open for a couple weeks we are hearing lots of positives from attendees! People have been very respectful in following directions, they've found the process is well organized and appreciated the great deal of work has gone into getting the building ready for their arrival! People feel safe and comfortable being here, the welcoming atmosphere was wonderful, it is great to be back together at The River, and the email sign up and RSVP process is working well. We are very happy to hear that it has been running smoothly and hope to see you on Sunday.
“We go into the world as servants of Christ, caretakers of our world, and guardians of one another. We will exalt the name of Jesus, lift up those who have been brought low, and desire to grow in the love and grace of Jesus our Lord”
We would like to thank you for keeping in touch with others. Thank you for phoning your neighbours, your friends, and thinking about those who are most alone. Thank you for writing cards, emailing notes, and showing up for virtual meetings to encourage and build up others. Thank you for the creative ways you are ministering to those most in need around us, and for allowing the Holy Spirit to move you towards others in service. In all these things and more, you are exalting the name of Jesus, you are lifting those who are struggling, and you are growing in the love and grace of Jesus our Lord!
Registration Information
If you want to attend the in-person service, you need to expect that things will look different for a long time, while other things will be changed forever. But we are still the body of Christ. We are still the church. No matter how different things feel.
Sign in and registration will be mandatory for each individual service to aid in contact tracing.
You will need to complete a health assessment prior to attending each service. (Your confirmation mail will have a copy to print and bring with you)
There will be no coffee social time prior to or at the conclusion of the service
We are restricting the attendance to 100 people (includes all volunteers)
We are not running children’s programs during the church service
Congregational singing is not permitted
You are expected to wear a non-medical face covering
Seating will be dictated by ushers at the door
Registration:
For this week’s registration link, please visit our Facebook page or email Mia Chin at avtrcc@gmail.com
To sign up to receive the new registration link weekly via email, click here.
Protocol video:
https://youtu.be/5m1ackREooU
Health and Safety Questionnaire (to be filled out Sunday morning and brought with you)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mkpsQHw6t0ns9SaCpYYfkkP86GJ8-MS9/view?usp=sharing
The River Community Church has a relaunch plan in place. If you have any questions or concerns regarding our plan, please contact Melissa at mel@rivercommunity.ca
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all this day and always!
Your launch team members:
Kathy, Diane, Joanne, Lia and Byron
FAQ
COvid-19 protocol
Q - Is it rude to ask people to wear masks to church?
A - No. Doing so is a way to demonstrate our “love of neighbor as ourselves” (Mark 12:31) – both our neighbors in our church as well as in our community. It can be fair and good to ask people in a church to love each other by wearing a mask. For those uncomfortable with wearing a mask, hopefully you can choose another option, such as online worship, until it is safe and recommended to gather without masks.
Q – The AHS guidelines allow for children’s programs for children > 2years of age but we are not holding River Kids at The River. Why?
A – Hosting in person services is exceedingly complex and involves a great deal of planning to keep Riverites safe and healthy. Adding Children’s church is seen as an added complexity that we cannot bear at this time. Once we have streamlined this new process, children’s services may be considered.
Q – The AHS guidelines allow for ‘no cap on capacity for places of worship’ but The River has limited the attendance. Why?
A – The River has put a cap on attendance as we have been cautious in opening our service to too many people at once. We want to ensure that we provide a warm and welcoming worship atmosphere however we must keep in mind all necessary safety precautions.
Q - Why is singing in a congregation still discouraged?
A - A number of outbreaks internationally and in Alberta have been linked to congregational singing. Singing increases the risk to vulnerable populations which make up a significant demographic of many faith communities. Limiting singing in these settings ensures that all members of the community can participate fully in worship services without being at risk for transmission. There is concern that with more people singing together, lapses in precautions like masks being worn incorrectly or distancing not being observed, there would be a significant impact on transmission in a group if an infectious person is present. This is of particular concern as the capacity cap on worship gatherings has been lifted.
Q – What happens if I feel sick this week?
A – As soon as you feel ill, self isolate and then please get tested for COVID-19. Your results will be given to you and then we ask that you contact Kathy Dempsey at The River to let us know your results. Kathy will then work with Public Health officials to ensure contact tracing efforts are completed. Any impacted Riverites will be contacted by AHS Public Health directly. Your identity will not be disclosed unless you choose to release it.