As we continue to navigate the impact of the Coronavirus, we will post our most recent updates here in regards to our Sunday worship gatherings, Family Groups, and other ministry activities.
fAce covering update (8.18.20)
Last month we made a decision to adjust our policy based on the mandate given by our city leaders. There are many points of view regarding that approach, but it was and continues to be our conviction that we should honor the policies and procedures put in place by our community leaders (within reason of course). With that said, last night our city council voted not to renew the mask requirement and to simply “strongly encourage the use of masks.”
So, as of this Sunday we will no longer require masks during the Gathering, but we do encourage them and will continue to have them available for any who would like one. Additionally, we will continue to be COVID conscious in the following ways:
I appreciate your patience during this season. We know that with every decision made it seems there are those who land on both sides of the matter. This is surely a season in which the enemy desires to divide the church of God, would this not be so of Rooted. We can disagree on masks...because we agree on the Gospel.
So, as of this Sunday we will no longer require masks during the Gathering, but we do encourage them and will continue to have them available for any who would like one. Additionally, we will continue to be COVID conscious in the following ways:
- Pre-Packaged Communion
- Encouraging Social Distancing
- Regular sanitation of heavily used surfaces
- Keeping our seating spread apart
I appreciate your patience during this season. We know that with every decision made it seems there are those who land on both sides of the matter. This is surely a season in which the enemy desires to divide the church of God, would this not be so of Rooted. We can disagree on masks...because we agree on the Gospel.
face Covering Update (7.10.20):
In accordance with our recent city ordinance we will be requiring masks at our weekend gatherings over the next 30 days. We recognize that this is a controversial topic, but we also feel it is an opportunity to love our neighbor (1 Corinthians 10:24), and to honor the leadership of those God has tasked with leading our city (1 Peter 2:13-14, Romans 13:1-2). We will have masks available at the door and we cannot wait to see you this Sunday at 10:00am.
Note: This is a 30 day ordinance so we will post an update before Sun Aug 9th as that date will not require a mask in accordance with the current ordinance. Also, please note that the ordinance does allow exceptions for kids and those with medical reasons for not being able to wear a mask.
Note: This is a 30 day ordinance so we will post an update before Sun Aug 9th as that date will not require a mask in accordance with the current ordinance. Also, please note that the ordinance does allow exceptions for kids and those with medical reasons for not being able to wear a mask.
Rooted joplin COVID response as of 7.8.20:
Sunday Gathering – At this time, we do intend to continue with our indoor gatherings. As we enter July and August, the high outdoor temperatures make outdoor gatherings incredibly difficult, and like COVID, the high temps will also prevent some people from being able to attend. We will continue meeting indoors, but we also want to be gracious to those who decide to quarantine during this time. To that end, this past week we invested in some quality video equipment so that we can improve our online streaming experience for those who choose to stay home.
Policy regarding Positive Test and Social Distancing – One question we have been asked is what our plan is for when someone inevitably tests positive in our church body. Firstly, I will say that this possibility is the reason that social distancing is so important. We are a people with diverse cultural perspectives and thus many have different perspectives on COVID -19. However, out of an abundance of love for one another I am asking you to please try your best to maintain 6ft of distance and to avoid shaking hands or giving hugs at this time. If I were to test positive tomorrow, I would be asked by the health department to list people who I came in close proximity to (less than 6ft). Only those people would be contacted and asked to quarantine for 14 days, but the rest of the church would not. In the event that someone tested positive, we would immediately hire a local company to come clean and sanitize the building professionally, and we would then move on with our next scheduled gathering as planned. So with that said, we ask two things of you.
* Please prioritize social distancing even if you don't think it's a big deal. Not only are you being respectful to the possibility that someone else might be uncomfortable (I assure you, there are more people who feel this way in our body than you might know), but you are also protecting them in the event that you were to test positive.
* If you do test positive at some point, please notify the church. This is firstly because we want to come around and love and serve you and your family as you recover and quarantine (front porch meal train!). Secondly, this allows us to take the steps we need to in order to protect everyone else before we gather again.
Bottom line: PLEASE MAKE SOCIAL DISTANCING A PRIORITY, THIS IS THE KEY TO US MAINTAINING INDOOR GATHERINGS.
Lil’ Sprouts – After much consideration, we are planning to continue our Lil’ Sprouts time. We believe that requiring the kids to stay in the sanctuary only makes social distancing harder. Therefore, you are totally welcome to keep your kiddo upstairs, but Lil’ Sprouts will continue to be an option with extended precautions being taken by our volunteers (sanitation, social distancing).
Family Groups (Other Ministries) – At this time, we have decided to stop all formal rhythms (family groups, men's study) with the exception of the gathering until the end of August. We recognize that these kinds of get togethers are difficult to navigate in the midst of a pandemic and so we are simply going to take them off the table until September.
We are hopeful that these precautions will enable us to continue moving forward as a church plant, while also seeking to do so responsibly. We know there are many opinions regarding best practices and we trust that God will continue to unify us as we practice sacrifice for the good of one another and the glory of God.
Policy regarding Positive Test and Social Distancing – One question we have been asked is what our plan is for when someone inevitably tests positive in our church body. Firstly, I will say that this possibility is the reason that social distancing is so important. We are a people with diverse cultural perspectives and thus many have different perspectives on COVID -19. However, out of an abundance of love for one another I am asking you to please try your best to maintain 6ft of distance and to avoid shaking hands or giving hugs at this time. If I were to test positive tomorrow, I would be asked by the health department to list people who I came in close proximity to (less than 6ft). Only those people would be contacted and asked to quarantine for 14 days, but the rest of the church would not. In the event that someone tested positive, we would immediately hire a local company to come clean and sanitize the building professionally, and we would then move on with our next scheduled gathering as planned. So with that said, we ask two things of you.
* Please prioritize social distancing even if you don't think it's a big deal. Not only are you being respectful to the possibility that someone else might be uncomfortable (I assure you, there are more people who feel this way in our body than you might know), but you are also protecting them in the event that you were to test positive.
* If you do test positive at some point, please notify the church. This is firstly because we want to come around and love and serve you and your family as you recover and quarantine (front porch meal train!). Secondly, this allows us to take the steps we need to in order to protect everyone else before we gather again.
Bottom line: PLEASE MAKE SOCIAL DISTANCING A PRIORITY, THIS IS THE KEY TO US MAINTAINING INDOOR GATHERINGS.
Lil’ Sprouts – After much consideration, we are planning to continue our Lil’ Sprouts time. We believe that requiring the kids to stay in the sanctuary only makes social distancing harder. Therefore, you are totally welcome to keep your kiddo upstairs, but Lil’ Sprouts will continue to be an option with extended precautions being taken by our volunteers (sanitation, social distancing).
Family Groups (Other Ministries) – At this time, we have decided to stop all formal rhythms (family groups, men's study) with the exception of the gathering until the end of August. We recognize that these kinds of get togethers are difficult to navigate in the midst of a pandemic and so we are simply going to take them off the table until September.
We are hopeful that these precautions will enable us to continue moving forward as a church plant, while also seeking to do so responsibly. We know there are many opinions regarding best practices and we trust that God will continue to unify us as we practice sacrifice for the good of one another and the glory of God.