To Our Brothers and Sisters
of Calvary International Church

From the very inception of the church in Acts chapter 2, the body of Christ has been characterized by regular gatherings for worship and fellowship.  In these past unprecedented months of the coronavirus pandemic we have been limited in our ability to gather together, but now the leadership of our church has concluded that the time is right for us to begin meeting again face to face – or at least mask to mask.

The purpose of this letter is to inform you about the protocols and procedures we are instituting in order to ensure -- to the best of our ability – the safety of our people as well as submission to our civil leaders.  Once again, we want to ask you all for charitable attitudes that show grace to one another.  We will have differing opinions and perspectives about what is needed and what is appropriate – some will think we are being too restrictive while others would prefer that we go further in our provisions – but let us agree to show grace to each other and not judge the choices of our brothers and sisters.   Our desire is to continue to provide an opportunity for worship for those who choose to attend virtually as well as for those who are able to come in person.

To this end we have put together the following questions with answers. Please take the time to read them thoroughly as we prepare for this joyful reunion!

How will we make sure that we do not pass the legal limit of attendees?

• Since we are limited by governmental guidelines as to how many people we may accommodate for a service, each person who wishes to attend must register ahead of time, on a weekly basis, by accessing the link posted on our website and in all our social media.  The link will also be available by email upon request.  Registration will only open the Monday morning before each Sunday.
• Follow the instructions at the link site, which will include creating a free Sympla account to access your tickets.
• One person is able to register for themselves and all family members who will accompany them.
• On Sunday morning each person must have their ticket available – either a printed copy or on their cell phone.

Will there be changes to the service itself?

• For the first few weeks of meeting together in person we will not celebrate communion. After we have settled into a routine and understand our new look we will add communion back in to our regular worship.
• We will not be passing the offering baskets. Instead, there will be a receptacle in the foyer where people may place offerings. As always we continue to accept deposits directly to the church bank account.
• Prayer ministers will be available IN THE PATIO during the closing worship in each service.
• We will continue to have zoom prayer rooms available for those who will attend virtually.

What safety protocols will be in place?

1. Everyone will be required to wear a mask while at the church building – this includes during the services.
2. The pastor and worship team will lead without masks, but as soon as they leave the stage they will put their masks back on.
3. Hand sanitizer will be available and easily accessible all around the church building – including two foot-operated dispensers.
4. Before the early service and between the services the public areas of the church will be thoroughly cleaned.Each chair will be sanitized along with all door handles and places that are often touched.
5. The main doors to the building will be propped open in order to minimize the number of people touching the door handles. During the services the glass doors will be propped open, the windows will be slightly ajar, and the air conditioning will be running in an attempt to keep the space well ventilated.
6. Worshippers will be asked to space themselves out around the sanctuary. Families of course may sit together.
7. We ask that everyone show love and concern for others by refraining from physical greetings – handshakes, hugs, “beijinho,” etc. Please do not even ask if others are open to such greetings, as it could create awkwardness and uncomfortable situations.
8. We ask each worshipper to bring their own Bible. The church Bibles will be removed from the sanctuary until further notice.
9. No water fountains will be in use, though sealed cups of water will be available as needed. At the same time we encourage each person to bring their own water bottle from home and remove them following the service.
10. After the service worshippers are asked to remain seated until dismissed by the pastor.  Conversation in small groups (no more than 3 or 4) will be welcomed for 15 minutes after the close of the service in the open areas of the church.  Please take care to not block entrances or exits.