While we may not be together in person, we're still the church—in our homes, in our communities, in the world. And we're determined to find creative ways to worship, grow, connect, love our neighbors, and serve others in Jesus's name.
We'll keep you updated as things change and new information becomes available!
Church Council met Monday night (May 18, 2020) and adopted the following:
"The Council has received a draft phased plan from the church staff and endorsed it. The staff will continue to evaluate options and prepare the plan. The Council will take action to endorse a re-opening at a later date, once more is known. Until that time, we will continue the current operating approach with the buildings closed and services online."
Staff is already evaluating and implementing the specific items and requirements that we'll need to have in place so that we're prepared when we're ready to reopen (appropriate signage, social distancing marking, taping off no entry areas, shutting down water fountains, deep cleaning of sanctuary and commons, etc…).
Re-gathering Date
At this time, there is no set date when Phase Two (on-campus worship) will begin. It is a wait-and-see situation as we continue to evaluate options. In the meantime, we're thanking God for all of the creative ways we're able to stay connected for worship, discipleship, and loving the RVA.
COVID-19 Survey
As we navigate our way back to when we will be able to meet in person as a church family once again, we'd also like to hear from you. You're invited to complete an anonymous COVID-19 Survey through next Monday, May 25. If you haven't received the survey and would like to receive it, email connect@bonairbaptist.org.
An update from Bon Air Baptist Church Lead Pastor, Tom Stocks:
Governor's Statement
The Governor's latest phasing for religious gatherings states that as of May 15, 2020, churches may begin to hold services in person.
Church Council Decision
Church Council will be meeting on Monday, May 18, to determine the pathway forward for a Bon Air Baptist Church (BABC) re-gathering strategy.
We hope to be open as soon as possible, yet we also desire to be good stewards of your health and the health of those around us. We understand that every church is different in size and functioning and therefore BABC will choose its pathway forward respecting our unique culture and context.
Re-Opening Strategy & Restrictions
The strategy for re-gathering is not as simple as one may think. It will come as no surprise that there are restrictions that apply to a re-gathering strategy. To name a few:
Occupancy shall be limited to no more than 50% of the lowest occupancy load on the certificate of occupancy of the room or facility in which the religious services are conducted.
Individuals attending religious services must be seated at least six feet apart at all times and must practice physical distancing at all times. Family members, may be seated together. Mark seating in six-foot increments.
It is recommended that persons attending religious services be encouraged to wear face coverings over their nose and mouth at all times.
These are just three of nine restrictions and that are followed by a long list of “best-practices” suggestions.
All of this to say, Church Council will be patient and practice due diligence in preparing a re-gathering strategy that has several phases.
Current Operating Strategy
Until the announcement is made, we are still operating under the former strategy adopted (see below).
We are under an executive order form the Governor to "Stay At Home” to protect the health and safety of Virginians and mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus or COVID-19. The executive order currently remains in place until June 10, 2020.
The order directs all Virginians to stay home except in extremely limited circumstances. Individuals may leave their residence for allowable travel, including to seek medical attention, work, care for family or household members, obtain goods and services like groceries, prescriptions, and others as outlined in Executive Order Fifty-Three, and engage in outdoor activity with strict social distancing requirements.
Virginians are strongly encouraged to seek alternative means of attending religious services. Places of worship that do conduct in-person services must limit gatherings to 10 people to comply with the statewide 10-person ban.
We are thankful that the state continues to recognize faith practice as an essential service.
Our personnel team continues to support the following:
Church buildings will remain closed to all who are not on staff
Someone will be in the office Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to receive calls, communications, mail, UPS, Fed Ex, etc.
Staff is encouraged to work from home as much as possible
We will limit staff in the building to 10 people
We will continue to expand our online and virtual discipleship as we continue to worship together online each week. We will continue to be the church!
