COVID-19 Reopening Plan:

May 13, 2020

Dear church family,

Attached to this letter, you will find the proposed guidelines moving forward at Russellville First Baptist Church. Please know that these guidelines come after a lot of prayer and discussion with our staff and the deacon board. We have also been part of a number of meetings with the Alabama State Board of Missions and pastors across the state that have helped to shape and mold our plan.

With that said, and with the continued rise of COVID-19 cases in our county, we feel it is best to begin meeting again on June 7, 2020. Please know that we are continuing to monitor this situation and we have your best interest at heart. Also, if I can be of any help to you during this season please do not hesitate to reach out. God will bring us through this and receive all the glory from it.

God Bless,

Bro. Chase
Phil 1:6

Proposed Guidelines for initial reopening at RFBC

  1. Sunday morning services, only, will be held during the initial reopening and services will be abbreviated (beginning Sunday, June 7, 2020). No Sunday school, Sunday evening, or Wednesday night activities will occur during this period (Wednesday evenings will continue online). During this time, we will have two services (9 am, 11 am). The maximum capacity per service will be 150 people and will be monitored as individuals enter into the building.
  2. Deep cleaning will occur after both services. Those wishing to attend the 11 am service may arrive no earlier than 10:30 am.

       3.No children’s church or nursery will be provided during the initial reopening period.

  1. There will be no choir practice and the choir will not perform during this time.
  2. During this time our online platforms will continue to operate. Those in the high-risk category are strongly encouraged to stay home during the initial reopening and view our services on Facebook or YouTube. Our 9 am service will be live-streamed and then available throughout the rest of the day. The radio broadcast will be available as well at our normal 10:30 am slot (100.7 FM, 920 AM).
  3. Each individual will enter either through the front doors of the sanctuary (Jackson Avenue side) or the doors by the church office (post office side). Parking on the post office side will be reserved for those who are unable to climb the stairs leading into the sanctuary. These doors will remain propped open during this time so as to ensure touchless contact. Our fellowship hall doors will be locked during this time, as will the double doors inside that lead to the fellowship hall. When service begins our security team will secure each door.
  4. Aliento de Vida will enter through the chapel door for their service and will honor the rules of social distancing. They will also adhere to the schedule put in place at RFBC regarding services.
  5. Printed bulletins will be temporarily suspended during the initial reopening.
  6. Hand sanitizer stations will be positioned throughout the facility.
  7. Bathroom doors will remain open and lights will remain on during the worship services. Only two people are allowed in the restroom at a time during the initial reopening stage.
  8. Seating within the sanctuary will be spaced six feet apart (within each pew and in between pews). Seating in the first service will be limited to odd number pews. Seating in the second service will be limited to even number pews. Families are encouraged to sit together during this time.
  9. Those in the high-risk category (or above 65), will be seated toward the back of the sanctuary during both services.  
  10. Masks are encouraged (especially for those 65 and above that choose to attend), but not required.
  11. Offering plates will be positioned at each exit and we encourage you to drop off your tithe as you leave the sanctuary.
  12. Upon the conclusion of our service, we will dismiss in an orderly fashion. Instructions to dismissal will be given at the end of each service.
  13. Use sound judgment! Avoid physical contact upon entering the building (no handshaking or hugging). Please check your temperature before arriving, and if you are feeling the least bit,not like yourself, please stay at home.

Lastly, know that we will make it through this! God is seated on the throne and is working this all for his glory.