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You've likely heard by now that Phase 2 of Governor Northam's Forward Virginia plan begins on June 5, 2020. This is certainly good news for which we ought to give thanks. It's good news because it means we're continuing to see progress in the commonwealth as we respond to a global pandemic. It's good news because it means the restrictions that have hampered many businesses are slowly being lifted.

But what does Phase 2 mean for churches? More specifically, what will change at Poquoson Baptist Church when we enter Phase 2?

What Will Change?

First, we hope to see more of our membership gather with us on Sunday mornings. Let's be clear. There are many reasons why some may choose to remain home: vulnerable populations are still at risk, people are still getting infected and hospitalized, their is still no vaccine. However, if you plan to take advantage of the easing of restrictions in Phase 2 we encourage you to join us for corporate worship. If you're a PBC member and you're willing to eat at restaraunts, go to movie theaters, visit museums, go to the gym, participate in recreational sports, visit a farmers market, go to a campground, or swim in public pools we encourage you to join us on Sunday mornings as well. On the other hand, if you're still avoiding those types of activities out of an abundance of caution, we support you and we pray you'll be able to join us soon.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Second, we will begin planning for the eventual reopening of other PBC ministries and activies. Phase 2 expands the limits on gatherings from 10 or less to 50 or less. This means that we could begin resuming other PBC ministries and activities like children's ministry, Sunday School classes, Fellowship Groups, and more. However, the elders want to proceed with caution. The most important item on the PBC calendar is the main worship gathering every Sunday. We will focus our energies on the main thing until we rebuild momentum before we add other things to the PBC calendar. We believe it is unwise to relaunch ministries that will require many volunteers until at least two-thirds of our membership is regularly attending the main corporate worship gathering. That said, we do believe Phase 2 is the right time to begin working on those plans. This work is already underway.

Third, we will slowly loosen some of the rules for our worship gatherings. Perhaps you weren't aware, but we've been operating under an abundance of caution in our meetings over the past few weeks. We've adopted rules above and beyond what the government has required. We've not opened our doors until 10:15 to minimize the time in the building. We've kept doors open to increase air flow in our space. We've ushered people directly to and out of their seats to minimize mingling. We required facemasks for our ushers before the executive order on face coverings was issued. These and other measures were adopted for your safety and wellbeing.

And here's the best part: those who have joined us have done an amazing job abiding by these restrictions. We've heard few if any complaints from anyone who has joined us. It seems most of us are so happy to be together we're not bothered by the restrictions. Because of your amazing compliance, we plan to slowly ease some of these additional precautions moving forward. Yes, we'll still need to wear facemasks and socially distance. Yes, we'll still abide by our government's requirements as we gather. But but we will slowly ease some of our additional restrictions as things continue to improve in the state. 

What Will Stay the Same?

That said, many things will remain the same as we enter Phase 2. Here are just a few:

  • Worship gatherings will be held in the gym
  • PBC Kids ministry will not be open
  • Family Rooms will remain open for those with young children
  • Masks will be required (except for those with exceptions)
  • No paper bulletins will be distributed
  • No offering plates will be passed
  • The service will be limited to about an hour
  • Sunday night Zoom Prayer Meetings will continue
  • Care Groups will continue
  • Online services will be available for vulnerable populations but discouraged for everyone else
  • The Gospel will still be preached and Christ will still be praised