Starling Avenue Baptist Church Updated Protocols for Moving Forward with Sunday Services Due to the recent changes in restrictions regarding social distancing, mask mandate and occupancy capacity by the CDC and the Governor of Virginia combined with vaccination numbers of the members of Starling Avenue Baptist Church, the COVID Task Force will institute new protocols for Sunday morning worship services beginning with the first Sunday in July. We will continue to have two open access doors to the sanctuary, with greeters: the 2 nd floor side entrance from the parking lot for use of the elevator, and the front entrance. Worship attendees have the option to remove their masks once seated. Further, we will follow the guidelines listed below to enhance the worship experience for both members and visitors. 1. Continue to maintain social distancing in the sanctuary and balcony within family units. (Please note the pew cushions are in every other pew to allow for social distancing.) 2. Continue to provide hand sanitizer (and masks for those who want them) at entrances. 3. Continue with the in-gathering of offering at the entrances. 4. Continue with individual communion servings. On the matter of worship music, we will see the return of live music, in particular vocal music. We feel with social distancing and the overwhelming number of our attendees that have been vaccinated it is safe to include congregational singing. Suggestions for the summer months include using church members and/or inviting musical guests for special music. These updated protocols are made in the hope of enhancing the worship experience while still being mindful of the safety and comfort of all those who desire to worship in-person. We fully understand that at any time in the future that safety concerns and restrictions change, these recommendations will have to be reviewed. Thank you for your patience in the last few months. We look forward to seeing your smiles and hearing your voices as we meet to worship on Sunday mornings.
SABC Covid Task Force June 30, 2021