CHURCH BUILDING STATUS: Worship Service/Church Meetings will be ONLINE until further notice.
Updated: January 5, 2021
Greetings in Christ!
As all of you know, the past few months have been an extremely trying time for businesses, schools, families, and individuals as COVID19 continues to be a reality.
As a member or attendee of Bethany Grace Community Church, you are receiving this email to inform you that we will go to Online/Virtual Only Church Broadcast of our services until further notice.
As you know, COVID19 cases and hospitalizations are increasing nationally and in New Jersey. Out of an abundance of concern for our people's health and the well-being of our community, we are going to take this action. We, as the Church Council, are doing our best to navigate these "uncharted waters." I want to express our sincerest thanks to all of you for your prayers and words of support.
Please know that even if we may respond differently than other churches from time to time, our heart desire is that we protect you and maintain our ability to witness in this community.
One of the most challenging things we deal with in this whole thing is that there is no "cookie-cutter" approach to handling the situation. What may work for churches in one State, County, or City may not work in another area.
I want to remind you of what I stated in my letter on July 1, 2020:
"While we may want to gather indoors, the health community has warned us that indoor gatherings can become spreader events that could harm not only those who attend, but also the community-at-large. In Matthew 26:36-40, Jesus tells us that the greatest commandments are to love God with our whole being and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. In John 13:34-35, Jesus goes even farther: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Jesus tells us that this type of love is grounded in laying down our lives for one another (John 15:13). The Apostle Paul reminds us that "Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law" (Romans 10:13). So, while we may want to do something (like gathering together for in-person worship,), we must ask ourselves, are we acting in love with ourselves, our church family, and our neighbor?
"Jesus is clear—if we are to act in His love, then we must be willing to lay down our lives for one another, and this involves laying down our desires and rights. Keeping our building closed during this time is an act of love for our church family AND our community. Likewise, wearing our masks in public is an act of love. Practicing social distancing is an act of love. Washing our hands is an act of love. If we disregard these practices, how can we say that we are acting in love? Love is sacrificial, and love does not harm its neighbor. Every action must be guided in faith and love. If we err, let us err on the side of sacrificial love."
As mentioned, this is temporary, and we will do our best to get back in as soon as we can. We have heard it shared numerous times, and truly this is the case that the building is not the church…we are!
So for now, be sure to visit our website at www.bgcclive.com and/or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bethanyinbridgeton or www.youtube.com/bethanyinbridgeton for details on how to access the service. 11 AM Sunday Worship Service will continue on ZOOM. Here is the link to ZOOM: https://bit.ly/BgccZoom. If you are using an older link for ZOOM and asked for a passcode, please use: 08302. You can Download ZOOM at: https://zoom.us/download?zcid=1231. If you prefer to join us by phone: Dial- 856-497-9535.
We are asking that you consider that the church still has bills to pay during this time of uncertainty. If you are able, please start giving electronically at www.bethanyinbridgeton.com/donate or mail your offering to the church at 31 N. Pearl St., Bridgeton, NJ 08302.
Thank you again for your prayers, and rest assured, we are praying for you too!
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Rob
Weekly Statistics Data Page for COVID-19 Cases in Cumberland County- CLICK HERE
Latest COVID-19 Case Numbers and Details on the Map for Cumberland County- CLICK HERE
REOPENING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:
THINGS BGCC WILL DO
Cleaning the Church:
The church will be cleaned and fogged/disinfected weekly.
Procedure for Entering the Church:
1. On the day of services, please arrive between 10-20 minutes early to allow for the staggered seating. Please be advised that no entry
will be permitted into the sanctuary building after 11:05 AM.
2. Two volunteers (one person inside and one outside) will give directions for how to enter into church.
They will remind people to wear a mask and social distance.
3. Stagger entry into church:
A. One person or family on the entry steps.
B .You will be asked if you took your temperature at home, if not, we will take it for you.
C. Hand sanitizer will be provided at the church entry, and everyone is to sanitize as they enter.
D. One person or family on the stairway up to the sanctuary.
E. As one person is walking up the stairs to the sanctuary, another person can enter the church.
Procedure for Seating:
1. Doors into the sanctuary will remain open until service begins.
2. Parishioners sit 6 feet apart, unless they are family.
3. Pews will be filled from front to back, and someone will be there to help direct you to your seat.
4. No lingering in the aisles – please enter and sit down.
Procedure for Exiting the Church:
1. Upstairs doors reopened.
2. Someone will dismiss you by row, starting at the back.
3. Hand sanitizer provided at both exits, please re-sanitize when leaving.
4. Use the stairwell on the side you were seated.
5. Do not congregate at the bottom of the stairs.
6. Maintain safe distancing at all times.
Procedure for Communion:
1. Individual packets provided - Take one while entering the sanctuary.
2. Anyone uncomfortable with the packets can bring their own communion supplies.
3. Everyone will take their trash and discard it on the way out.
Procedure for Offering:
1. We encourage the continuation of online and giving by mail.
2. Offering boxes are placed by the upstairs doors.
3. We ask that no cash be given at this time, only checks or online donations.
Procedures for Music:
Singing softly will be allowed with masks remaining on.
Children’s Ministries:
1. There will be no children’s church or nursery care until further notice.
2. Children stay with parents.
Other:
1 . Bibles and Hymnals removed from pews.
2. No Bulletins.
3. Greeter will check the names off as people come in.
4. Masks are available at the entry if someone needs one.
5. Greeter will sanitize chair lift between users.
THINGS FOR YOU TO DO/THINK ABOUT
Should You Come to Church?
1. Things to be aware of:
A. Are you in the vulnerable age group (65 and above)?
B. Do you have pre-existing conditions?
2. Cautions for day of services:
A. Do you feel ill? (cough, fever, sore throat, or other covid-19 symptoms) If so, please stay home until symptoms subside.
B. Please take your temperature before heading to church. Are you running a fever? If so, please stay home until symptoms subside.
C. Have you been in recent contact with a Covid positive person? If so, we are asking that you wait the recommended 14 days to
return to church.
D. Have you recently been to/through one of the states that are considered to be a hot spot or at risk state? If so, we are asking that
you wait the recommended 14 days to return to church.
What Should You Bring With You to Church?
•Your bible
•Your mask
•Tissues
•Hand Sanitizer
Things to Remember:
1. Wear your mask.
2. Social distancing at all times.
3. Seating protocol.
4. No hugging, kissing, or hand shaking.
5. Use hand sanitizer.
6. Remember good hand washing.
7. No lingering in the aisles or hallways.
8. Think twice--- do you really need to use the bathroom right now, or can you wait till you’re home?
These guidelines have been developed by our Health/Reopening Steering Committee: Fran Diachenko, RN (Chair), Judy Wastell, RN, Carmen Oldknow, Don Martindale, and Carla Plummer. You may contact the Committee at health@bethanyinbridgeton.com. If you’d like to share your thoughts, concerns, questions, and ideas with us as we navigate our response to this situation, we’d love to hear from you. Your input and feedback are truly important to us.
You can watch the Church Meeting on Reopening Guidelines- CLICK HERE.
The Church Council has also decided the following:
You are encouraged you to use our Right Now Media Library. You can sign-up at http://bit.ly/2TMrWrs. RightNow Media has a tremendous resource of children’s programming as well.
We are asking that you consider that the church still has bills to pay during this time of uncertainty. If you are able, please start giving electronically at www.bethanyinbridgeton.com/donate or mail your offering to the church at 31 N. Pearl St., Bridgeton, NJ 08302.
Let us remain committed to prayer and acts of love during this time of uncertainty as we keep our eyes focused on Jesus!
In Christ,
Pastor Rob and the BGCC Church Council
Greetings in Christ!
As all of you know, the past few months have been an extremely trying time for businesses, schools, families, and individuals as COVID19 continues to be a reality.
As a member or attendee of Bethany Grace Community Church, you are receiving this email to inform you that we will go to Online/Virtual Only Church Broadcast of our services until further notice.
As you know, COVID19 cases and hospitalizations are increasing nationally and in New Jersey. Out of an abundance of concern for our people's health and the well-being of our community, we are going to take this action. We, as the Church Council, are doing our best to navigate these "uncharted waters." I want to express our sincerest thanks to all of you for your prayers and words of support.
Please know that even if we may respond differently than other churches from time to time, our heart desire is that we protect you and maintain our ability to witness in this community.
One of the most challenging things we deal with in this whole thing is that there is no "cookie-cutter" approach to handling the situation. What may work for churches in one State, County, or City may not work in another area.
I want to remind you of what I stated in my letter on July 1, 2020:
"While we may want to gather indoors, the health community has warned us that indoor gatherings can become spreader events that could harm not only those who attend, but also the community-at-large. In Matthew 26:36-40, Jesus tells us that the greatest commandments are to love God with our whole being and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. In John 13:34-35, Jesus goes even farther: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Jesus tells us that this type of love is grounded in laying down our lives for one another (John 15:13). The Apostle Paul reminds us that "Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law" (Romans 10:13). So, while we may want to do something (like gathering together for in-person worship,), we must ask ourselves, are we acting in love with ourselves, our church family, and our neighbor?
"Jesus is clear—if we are to act in His love, then we must be willing to lay down our lives for one another, and this involves laying down our desires and rights. Keeping our building closed during this time is an act of love for our church family AND our community. Likewise, wearing our masks in public is an act of love. Practicing social distancing is an act of love. Washing our hands is an act of love. If we disregard these practices, how can we say that we are acting in love? Love is sacrificial, and love does not harm its neighbor. Every action must be guided in faith and love. If we err, let us err on the side of sacrificial love."
As mentioned, this is temporary, and we will do our best to get back in as soon as we can. We have heard it shared numerous times, and truly this is the case that the building is not the church…we are!
So for now, be sure to visit our website at www.bgcclive.com and/or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bethanyinbridgeton or www.youtube.com/bethanyinbridgeton for details on how to access the service. 11 AM Sunday Worship Service will continue on ZOOM. Here is the link to ZOOM: https://bit.ly/BgccZoom. If you are using an older link for ZOOM and asked for a passcode, please use: 08302. You can Download ZOOM at: https://zoom.us/download?zcid=1231. If you prefer to join us by phone: Dial- 856-497-9535.
We are asking that you consider that the church still has bills to pay during this time of uncertainty. If you are able, please start giving electronically at www.bethanyinbridgeton.com/donate or mail your offering to the church at 31 N. Pearl St., Bridgeton, NJ 08302.
Thank you again for your prayers, and rest assured, we are praying for you too!
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Rob
Weekly Statistics Data Page for COVID-19 Cases in Cumberland County- CLICK HERE
Latest COVID-19 Case Numbers and Details on the Map for Cumberland County- CLICK HERE
REOPENING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:
THINGS BGCC WILL DO
Cleaning the Church:
The church will be cleaned and fogged/disinfected weekly.
Procedure for Entering the Church:
1. On the day of services, please arrive between 10-20 minutes early to allow for the staggered seating. Please be advised that no entry
will be permitted into the sanctuary building after 11:05 AM.
2. Two volunteers (one person inside and one outside) will give directions for how to enter into church.
They will remind people to wear a mask and social distance.
3. Stagger entry into church:
A. One person or family on the entry steps.
B .You will be asked if you took your temperature at home, if not, we will take it for you.
C. Hand sanitizer will be provided at the church entry, and everyone is to sanitize as they enter.
D. One person or family on the stairway up to the sanctuary.
E. As one person is walking up the stairs to the sanctuary, another person can enter the church.
Procedure for Seating:
1. Doors into the sanctuary will remain open until service begins.
2. Parishioners sit 6 feet apart, unless they are family.
3. Pews will be filled from front to back, and someone will be there to help direct you to your seat.
4. No lingering in the aisles – please enter and sit down.
Procedure for Exiting the Church:
1. Upstairs doors reopened.
2. Someone will dismiss you by row, starting at the back.
3. Hand sanitizer provided at both exits, please re-sanitize when leaving.
4. Use the stairwell on the side you were seated.
5. Do not congregate at the bottom of the stairs.
6. Maintain safe distancing at all times.
Procedure for Communion:
1. Individual packets provided - Take one while entering the sanctuary.
2. Anyone uncomfortable with the packets can bring their own communion supplies.
3. Everyone will take their trash and discard it on the way out.
Procedure for Offering:
1. We encourage the continuation of online and giving by mail.
2. Offering boxes are placed by the upstairs doors.
3. We ask that no cash be given at this time, only checks or online donations.
Procedures for Music:
Singing softly will be allowed with masks remaining on.
Children’s Ministries:
1. There will be no children’s church or nursery care until further notice.
2. Children stay with parents.
Other:
1 . Bibles and Hymnals removed from pews.
2. No Bulletins.
3. Greeter will check the names off as people come in.
4. Masks are available at the entry if someone needs one.
5. Greeter will sanitize chair lift between users.
THINGS FOR YOU TO DO/THINK ABOUT
Should You Come to Church?
1. Things to be aware of:
A. Are you in the vulnerable age group (65 and above)?
B. Do you have pre-existing conditions?
2. Cautions for day of services:
A. Do you feel ill? (cough, fever, sore throat, or other covid-19 symptoms) If so, please stay home until symptoms subside.
B. Please take your temperature before heading to church. Are you running a fever? If so, please stay home until symptoms subside.
C. Have you been in recent contact with a Covid positive person? If so, we are asking that you wait the recommended 14 days to
return to church.
D. Have you recently been to/through one of the states that are considered to be a hot spot or at risk state? If so, we are asking that
you wait the recommended 14 days to return to church.
What Should You Bring With You to Church?
•Your bible
•Your mask
•Tissues
•Hand Sanitizer
Things to Remember:
1. Wear your mask.
2. Social distancing at all times.
3. Seating protocol.
4. No hugging, kissing, or hand shaking.
5. Use hand sanitizer.
6. Remember good hand washing.
7. No lingering in the aisles or hallways.
8. Think twice--- do you really need to use the bathroom right now, or can you wait till you’re home?
These guidelines have been developed by our Health/Reopening Steering Committee: Fran Diachenko, RN (Chair), Judy Wastell, RN, Carmen Oldknow, Don Martindale, and Carla Plummer. You may contact the Committee at health@bethanyinbridgeton.com. If you’d like to share your thoughts, concerns, questions, and ideas with us as we navigate our response to this situation, we’d love to hear from you. Your input and feedback are truly important to us.
You can watch the Church Meeting on Reopening Guidelines- CLICK HERE.
The Church Council has also decided the following:
- The Agape Cafe will continue to be a grab n' go lunch at 1:00 PM on Sunday (change in time effective in August). First come, first serve. Participants must observe 6 feet of social distancing. For more information, CLICK HERE
- The Food Pantry will resume outdoors on the Fourth Saturday (moved from the Third Saturday) of the month effective in August. For more information on volunteering and donating, please CLICK HERE.
- The Weekly Shower Program on Monday evenings is suspended until further notice.
- Adult Bible Study will not be meeting during the months of July and August. Adult Sunday School will not be meeting during the month of August.
- The Church Office will be closed on Fridays during the month of July and August. The Office will be open from 9 AM- 3 PM on Monday through Thursday. All in-person visits to the office must be made by appointment only. All donations are by appointment only. Please call 1-855-818-3810 or email info@bethanyinbridgeton.com.
You are encouraged you to use our Right Now Media Library. You can sign-up at http://bit.ly/2TMrWrs. RightNow Media has a tremendous resource of children’s programming as well.
We are asking that you consider that the church still has bills to pay during this time of uncertainty. If you are able, please start giving electronically at www.bethanyinbridgeton.com/donate or mail your offering to the church at 31 N. Pearl St., Bridgeton, NJ 08302.
Let us remain committed to prayer and acts of love during this time of uncertainty as we keep our eyes focused on Jesus!
In Christ,
Pastor Rob and the BGCC Church Council
