SALLISAW CHURCH OF CHRIST

GETTING BACK TOGETHER MAY 17, 2020

              The Sallisaw Church of Christ Family will begin gathering again on Sunday, May 17.  This will be a "soft" reopening as the Elders of the church have decided to begin meeting again with some stipulations. These stipulations will be in effect May 17, May 24, and May 31.  It is hoped that the church may be able to gather again at full schedule beginning June 6, but the Elders will be monitoring and assessing the ongoing advice of the medical community as well as the results of the region's relaxing of social distancing restrictions before a final decision is made.

              Several in our fellowship are still concerned about the continued need to socially distance and to protect themselves during this time. Even so, many of our number desire to get back together if the circumstances can be managed.  As a result, the following ground rules are laid out by the church leadership as we come back together.

1. WE WILL MEET ON SUNDAY MORNINGS ONLY FOR WORSHIP ASSEMBLIES AT 10:30 AM FOR A TIME.  There will be NO BIBLE CLASSES, NO SUNDAY OR WEDNESDAY EVENING GATHERINGS, and NO FELLOWSHIP GATHERINGS AT OUR FACILITY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. The reason for this is our classrooms do not lend themselves to effective social distancing and several parents have already expressed they do not want to yet expose their children to a small room environment.  Also, the first three meetings will be used to assess how our general gatherings will work prior to taking the next steps in this process.

2. WE WILL MEET IN THE FAMILY CENTER FOR WORSHIP ASSEMBLIES UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.  While this may not be ideal, the Family Center has many advantages as an interim meeting place.  Seating can be controlled and distanced easily.  There are fewer places to keep cleaned and disinfected.  Also, there is a larger entrance and using only one entrance will help us to ensure a healthier traffic patterns as we gather. 

3. ONLINE SERVICES WILL REMAIN AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO CONTINUE DISTANCING.  The Zoom Bible Class on Sunday evening and the YouTube Bible Study offered Mid-Week by Wyane will continue until in-person classes resume.  The Sunday Morning Online Worship will be simplified after our in-person assemblies begin, but worship elements will continue to be offered on our Sallisaw CofC YouTube Channel (prayer, communion, message, etc.). 

4. SOCIAL DISTANCING AND PERSONAL PROTECTION PRACTICES NEED TO BE PURSUED AND RESPECTED.  There are some who do not believe we need to continue aggressive measures to protect ourselves from COVID-19.  However, as we gather, we want to continue to encourage those who want to practice protective approaches.  We discourage close contact and hugging, and we encourage the wearing of masks and the use of hand sanitizers.  Members are encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer, but some will be available in the Family Center. Thanks to a generous donation, masks will also be made available to those who want one. NOTE: Family groups are encouraged to sit together, but social distancing will still be practiced in the placing of seating. Please respect those who want to keep the six-foot distancing in place and do not invade this space unless invited. Thank you!

5. THE FACILITY WILL BE SANTIZED BEFORE AND AFTER EACH USE. This includes all song books and any other surfaces that may be touched. 

6. Communion will be a "non-contact" experience. Those who prepare and serve Communion on Sundays will be asked to wear gloves and a mask.  Communion Bread will be placed in individual cups. Servers will be able to pass in front of those taking Communion so they can take the elements without touching trays.

              Your input on these items is welcomed.  If you want to let the Elders know how you feel, please call any of them.  You can also write your comments to the church email address (sallisawokchurchofchrist@gmail.com). You can also call and visit with Wyane Atkinson, Minister, at his Cell, 623-213-4611.  The Elders will continue to review these practices and will inform the church when further changes are made.

              Please look at the CHECKLIST below before attending this Sunday...

CHECKLIST TO DETERMINE ATTENDANCE... Please consider NOT attending if you...

1. Are OVER 65 and have a weakened immune system or are in any way physically vulnerable to illness.

2. Have experienced a RESPIRATORY CONDITION due to illness within the past few weeks. This applies ESPECIALLY if you are PRESENTLY experiencing SNEEZING, COUGHING, or OTHER RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS.

3. Have recently been EXPOSED to COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who has been directly exposed to COVID-19.

4. Have had a FEVER in the past two weeks.

5. Work in a population that exposes you to COVID-19.

              Remember, our first priority is to serve and honor God!  We also have a responsibility given to us by God to love and take care of one another.  Let's respect the health and needs of our church family and any Guests as we prepare to attend each week.  Coming together is important and restoring our fellowship gatherings needs to happen again.  We are still, however, in times that demand respect and vigilance.  Pray for God's wisdom to follow as we pull back together. 

God's blessings to you all!

Wyane Atkinson
Preaching Minister

We're glad you found us! 

We hope you will bless us with your presence at one of our gatherings. 
We know will be blessed by meeting you and our prayer
is that we will be a blessing to you as well.

We are a group of Christ-followers...
trying to live out our lives like Jesus...
knowing we're not perfect in our attempt. 

We try our best to simply be "family" to and for one another. 
It's a place you can truly feel at home!  

SALLISAW CHURCH OF CHRIST
is presently presenting the VIDEOS of our Sermons
on our Sallisaw CofC YouTube page. To view
Online Sermons, go to...
https://www.youtube.com, then SEARCH for "Sallisaw CofC".

We hope to soon STREAM our worship services each Sunday
on YouTube Live!