Local Churches To Reopen

With the announcement from Governor Mike Parson, as well as Johnson County Community Health Services (JCCHS), regarding the reopening of Missouri, local churches have announced their plans for reopening for public worship.

New Life Fellowship – We will have two services to limit the number of attendees being too close to one another per the six-ft recommendations. The schedules for each service are – May 9 at 6 p.m., and May 10 at 10:30 a.m. will be the set worship services.

Pastor Mike Wakeman will be reaching out to church members to determine who will be attending and when, so they do not go over capacity.

Church guidelines beginning May 9 – Doors will open 30 minutes prior to service; everyone is encouraged to wear a mask; hand sanitizer will be available at all entrances; leave six-feet between your family and others; nursery and Children’s Church will not be available; education building will be closed; restrooms and cry room in youth basement will be open; offering plates will be available at each exit; attendees will be dismissed in an orderly fashion; please promptly move to your vehicles and exit the parking lot.

Thank you for helping us to follow the health and safety guidelines by not grouping up or dawdling as you leave.

We will have crews to disinfect already in place.

Elm Spring Baptist Church – Beginning next Sunday, May 10, we will have two services – at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. in order to be able to maintain social distancing.

We will continue to stream our service on Facebook Live as well. Also, our regular Wednesday night meetings will restart beginning this week at 6:30 p.m. Sunday evening services will also begin again at 6 p.m., starting May 10.

Holden United Methodist Church – We will resume physical services on Sunday, May 10. We will also continue live-streamed worship on our Facebook page. All other activities remain suspended, including Sunday School and Bible Study.

New Hope Baptist Church – Due to the ongoing pandemic and concerns over the safety of our church family, the following update is provided with regard to the opening of our church doors on Wednesday, May 6 – we will only have two services per week – Wednesday evening prayer meeting and Bible study; and Sunday School and morning worship services.

The Mother’s Day breakfast, Easter Cantata, Lord’s Supper, Morgan concert, and all other Sunday evening services will be postponed until the Governor and state health officials relax their heightened standards for social gatherings.

Social distancing will be in effect for those who wish to attend.

Wesley Chapel UMC – Will be holding worship service on Sunday, May 10 at 9:30 a.m.; also, Wednesday night Bible study at 7 p.m. starts back up this week.

Chilhowee UMC – We will start holding 11 a.m. worship service on Sunday, May 10 – Mother’s day. We are asking everyone to spread out in pews for social distancing and wear a mask if possible while entering and exiting since that will be a time where we will be closer together.

We will not pass the peace and greet each other personally. We believe that our numbers will allow for us to worship together safely.

For now, we will not be holding Sunday School classes. We are planning on starting our Tuesday Spirit Chats on the May 12 at 4:30 p.m., again with social distancing.

On Sunday, May 17, the UMW officers will hold a meeting to talk about our outreach and see if we can start back up. Other activities will not start up until later.

First Christian Church and First Presbyterian Church – First Christian will resume sanctuary services Sunday, May 10 at 10:45 a.m.

First Presbyterian will be back in the sanctuary Sunday May 17 at 9 a.m.

Facebook Live services will continue as well. Both churches will be cleaned and disinfected. We will be following state and county recommendations for precautions.

Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrances. Social distancing of six-feet between individuals and family groups will be observed.

We request that if you do not feel well, or have a temperature of 100.4 or higher, that you stay home.

If you have traveled out of the state, please wait to attend until 14 days after your return.

It is exciting to be joining together in worship again, however, we want to do all we can to keep the vulnerable among us safe.

First Baptist Church – Pastor Josh Christy will give an update later this week. Most likely services will resume May 17.