INTRODUCTION
As a church that is dedicated to trusting Jesus as our Savior in all things, we have decided to prepare this response plan to care for the spiritual and physical well being of everyone that is a part of Hill Church. We are committed to making wise decisions regarding safety while maintaining our trust in God remembering that He is in control, perfect in all His ways, and promises to love us perfectly.
We understand that many may have fear at this time, so we encourage you to remember some very precious promises from God:
“The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it. For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.” Psalm 24:1-2
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phillipians 4:4-7
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:3-7
What We Are Doing
AWARENESS
We are keeping up to date on the spread of Coronavirus by utilizing local and state health departments, the CDC, and FEMA.
Parents will be encouraged to follow the “Well-Child Policy,” which has been emailed and posted in the Junior Church rooms.
Reminders to wash hands will be posted around the building.
MINISTRY CANCELLATIONS
At this point we are NOT cancelling church services or ministry gatherings. We will take wise steps to prevent the spread of germs/viruses, and will trust the Lord together. However, we have complete understanding towards those that decide to refrain from gathering during this time.
We do encourage the elderly and those with compromised immune systems to take extra precautions and consider staying home if there is any concern of coming into contact with a virus.
The leaders of Missional Communities, Men’s Group, etc., in conjunction with those in their groups, can decide together if they want to postpone gatherings.
INCREASED CLEANING
We’ve created a detailed cleaning list that focuses on disinfecting every area of the church building. This includes surfaces, railings, kids toys, and many others. We are utilizing the Cleaning Crew, Hill Helps, and Missional Communities to perform this cleaning. It will be done weekly. Hand sanitizer will also be accessible in every part of the church building.
SUNDAY MORNING
During services, doors will be propped open to limit the amount of touching of surfaces.
The Hospitality Team is encouraged to not shake hands nor give hugs during this time.
The nursery workers will be asked to adhere to the “Basic Hygiene Practices for Kids Ministry” guidelines. This will be posted in the Nursery.
LIMITING USE OF THE BUILDING
From time to time the building is used for social functions. We will limit the use of the building to regular ministries only.
What You Can Do
This is the time to wash your hands (literally and metaphorically) and then show the love of Christ by washing the feet of those in need by serving them.
PRAY
Pray for Kewanee, its surrounding communities, our country, and the world. Pray for people to come to salvation. Pray for healing. Pray for doctors and nurses.
JOIN US
Join us in greeting people without shaking hands. Join us in adhering to the “Well-Child Policy.” Join us in washing hands, etc.
HELP DISINFECT THE CHURCH BUILDING
Contact Pastor David to set a time to help disinfect the church.
HELP WATCH KIDS
If you can watch the children of a parent that works during the day on those days that school is cancelled, please email hillchurchhelps@gmail.com.
HELP WITH FOOD
There are families that depend on meals provided by the schools that will need food during this time. Email hillchurchhelps@gmail.com to offer food donations.
HELP YOUR NEIGHBOR
Find out the needs of those around you. Pick up groceries for the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. Watch children for working parents, etc.
Our hope is that through these measures the impact of Coronavirus will be lessened, those at risk will be safe, and the love of Christ will be shared. Please reach out with any questions.
