Dear Central Family:

            It has now been over two months since the COVID-19 pandemic began to disrupt our everyday lives.  All of us have made modifications to our daily lives and routines.  Uncertainty continues to prevail regarding how our lives and activities will be impacted for the foreseeable future.  There is no doubt things are very different versus two months ago and they will remain different in this new season. 

            Throughout all of this, the church’s staff has remained focused and committed to continuing to serve and minster to our congregation and community.  No doubt, we have had to adapt our methods, communications, discipleship, and worship, but please know we remain committed to being in ministry with you and being there for you as you have needs we can help meet. 

Survey Results

            A few weeks ago, we asked the church to participate in a survey.  We were astounded to receive 627 responses and we are grateful for each of you that took the time to provide us with valuable feedback.  A few interesting findings from the survey are as follows:

• 30% said it would be quite a while before you return for in-person worship or you were unsure how long it would be.
• 34% said you would return at the first opportunity and/or with concerns/precautions.
• 59% said you would return when the number of COVID-19 cases in this area is very small.
• 51% said you would return when most social distancing restrictions had been lifted. 
• 66% plus of you said that you would be willing to wear a mask; be spaced 6-feet apart except for family; and would avoid physical contact and handshaking. 
• 70% plus of you said the church should: find new methods of collecting the offering; providing holy communion; discouraging physical contact, prop doors open, require social distancing in seating; and provide hand sanitizer stations.
• In response to what level of comfort you would have with the worship area being filled: 43% - half-filled; 20% said one-quarter filled; and 23% said none right away. 

Task Force

            In our last update, we indicated that a task force had been created.  The task force has met regularly over the last month to develop plans for re-starting on-campus ministry.  Throughout their work, the task force has focused on the first of the church’s General Rules, which is “Do No Harm.”

After reviewing various advisories, receiving guidance from the governor and our bishop, reviewing plans with sister churches, and receiving input from national experts, our task force produced a document (attached) that served as their initial recommendations.  The recommendations have been reviewed and adopted by our Board of Trustees and Church Council.  In the weeks and months ahead, additional reports will be developed regarding church office procedures, Central Children’s Academy, Genesis Campus, UA Wesley College Ministries, various age level ministries, and nursery care.  In addition, corporate worship plans will be reviewed each month and updated accordingly.  We want to note that everything remains subject to change as situations warrant. 

            In the report, it notes that no in-person worship will be held through the end of June at the main campus and Genesis campus.  Currently, we anticipate commencing in-person worship on Sunday, July 5 at the 10:45 classic service with a limit of 50 persons.  A system for pre-registration to attend will be announced by mid-June.  We expect to add an in-person contemporary service by the end of July and gradually add more services and increase attend levels through August.  Please know that we will remain committed to providing quality online worship experiences as we understand that many of you will remain more comfortable with that option for the foreseeable future.  Genesis Church will announce July plans by mid-June. 

 New Worship Schedule

            As a reminder, on May 31, we will alter our current worship schedule as follows:

• 8:30 a.m.  – A pre-recorded contemporary worship service will be streamed on the church website and through the Central Facebook page.  The service may also be watched on demand afterwards.
• 9:30 a.m. – Most adult Sunday School classes will be meeting through Zoom and children’s classes will be meeting on the CCM Facebook page.
• 10:45 a.m. – A live stream classic worship service will be streamed on the church website and through the Central Facebook page from Central’s Sanctuary.  Only pastors and staff involved in the service will be in the Sanctuary.  The service may also be watched on demand afterwards.
• 10:45 a.m. – Pre-recorded Genesis Church worship will be streamed online at Genesis Church’s new website, www.genesisfayetteville.com and on the Genesis Church’s Facebook page    

In closing, as we enter this holiday weekend, we offer our prayers that you will have a safe and happy Memorial Day and join us in remembering those who have served and protected our country so ably and have given their lives in order that we may have the freedoms that we enjoy.  We also ask for your prayers as we seek God’s direction in navigating the season ahead. 

God’s Best!!

Dr. Jan Davis                             Dr. Steve Pulliam                       Brian Swain

Senior Pastor                            Executive Pastor                       Executive Director

Central United Methodist Church

Project Re-Start -Initial Report – May 15, 2020

 

Initiation: On April 23, a task force of Central members and staff began to meet to discuss a plan for re-opening on-campus operations and ministry.  Dr. Jan Davis, Senior Pastor, initiated the task force and asked Brian Swain, Executive Director, to lead the efforts. 

Task Force Composition: Rachel Boatz, Pam Cross, Jan Davis, Jody Farrell, Frode Gundersen, Janice Hanna, Hayden Lenderman, Steve Pulliam, Brian Swain, Julie Thibodaux, and TJ Williams.

Guiding scripture - Be sure that everything is done appropriately and in an orderly manner.  I Cor. 14:40

Guidance considerations: Bishop/Conference Office; Government Officials: Center for Disease Control; Medical Community; School Systems; Church Peers; and Survey Results. 

Bishop’s Arkansas Conference Guidance

• Maintain online worship and events.
• No in-person indoor activities prior to May 31.
• May 31 – groups of 10 or fewer can meet while maintaining approved guidelines
• Mid-June – groups of 50 or fewer can meet while maintaining approve guidelines.   

Central UMC Interim Plans through June 30

• Upgrade existing camera equipment (complete)
• Upgrade live stream capabilities in Sanctuary (complete)
• Purchase live stream equipment for Activities Center (exploring)
• Install new online viewing platform (complete)
• All staff and governance meetings conducted online (underway)
• Move CCM and CSM activities and events online (underway)
• Move adult classes and groups online (underway)
• May 31 – Stream/Facebook Pre-recorded Contemporary Worship at 8:30
• May 31 – Live Stream/Facebook Classic Worship at 10:45
• May 31 – Stream/Facebook Pre-recorded Genesis Worship at 10:45
• June 1 – Commence Phased Re-entry of Central staff back to on-campus work
• June – Vacation Bible School – Virtual Attendance Only
• No on-campus (Dickson Street, Genesis, or UA) worship, weddings, or funerals minimally through June 30

Intermediate Plans (July/August)

• July 5 – Tentative commence allowing up to 50 people to attend 10:45 Classic Worship
• July 26 – Tentative commence allowing up to 50 people to attend 9:30 Contemporary Worship
• August 9 – Tentative commence allowing 75-100 people to attend 8:30 Classic Service and increase attendance capabilities for 9:30 Contemporary Worship/10:45 Classic Worship
• August 30 – Tentative continue three services with attendance increasing to 100-125 at each service
• Throughout this period, we will continue streaming classic, contemporary, and Genesis worship

Worship Area Provisions

• All doors will be propped open
• No food or beverages will be provided
• Hand sanitizing stations provided at entry points
• All materials in pews (hymnals, bibles, etc.) will be removed and stored
• Attendance pads/offering plates will not be utilized
• Holy Communion provided through pre-packaged elements
• No choir or congregational singing
• Bulletins only provided in sanctuary/remove upon departure
• Worship spaces will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each use

Worship/Gathering Guidance

• If you have a fever or are symptomatic, please stay home
• At risk and vulnerable populations encourage to worship online
• Water fountains will be inaccessible
• Restrooms will have limited access
• Follow directional signage and prompts from greeters/ushers

Worship Area Initial Requirements for Attendees

• Masks required/worn at all times (provided by church if needed)
• Speakers/pastors/musicians may remove masks when speaking/singing
• No handshakes/hugs/physical contact
• No nursery care provided
• Offerings left in boxes upon departure from church
• Enter the worship areas while maintaining physical spacing as directed by ushers
• Seating will be done back to front/Departure will be in reverse order
• Families may sit together/all others must remain at least 6-feet apart

Central Children’s Academy - Determination on opening options being evaluated with recommendation on opening plan expected by the end of May. 

Fall Classes/CCM/CSM – Guidance determinations expected by mid-July.  Until on-campus meetings allowed, all will continue to meet virtually. 

Genesis Campus – No in-person worship minimally through June 30.  Additional guidance expected by mid-June. 

Nursery – Additional guidance expected by mid-July. 

UA Wesley College Ministry – Guidance determinations expected after the fall UA schedule is announced.

General Notation – All schedules and plans are subject to change based on updated guidance received, resurgence of the virus, additional data, and experience.  Lifting of requirements will be continually reviewed and monitored with modifications announced as warranted.

Updates – Future schedules will be updated and communicated by the last day of each month minimally and more frequently if circumstances warrant. 

[email protected]
(479) 442-4237