6/7/2020 CHURCH RE-OPENING CONGREGATIONAL LETTER

The New Bethel Presbyterian Church Reopening Task Force has been meeting over the last few weeks to determine how best to move forward to resume church activities after the lengthy closure of the church due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  After prayerful consideration and thoughtful discussion of the needs and concerns of the congregation, we have decided to move forward to begin live worship services again on Sunday, June 14, 2020 at 11:00 AM.  We understand that the decision to return to worship in the church building is one that each individual must make for him/herself.  For that reason, we want you to know the steps that are being taken to protect the health and safety of those who decide to attend worship at New Bethel.  For those who feel it is in their best interest to remain at home for worship during this time, we want you to know that we support and respect that decision.  We want you to be able to participate in the life of this church as much as possible from wherever you are; therefore, we will also make our Sunday worship services available online at newbethelpres.org beginning on Sunday, June 14, 2020 at 11:00 AM so that you can continue to worship with us during this season.

• Based on current recommendations, we urge those who are over age 65 and those with underlying medical conditions to consider viewing the worship service online.
• Please stay home if you are feeling ill, have a fever, or have recently experienced symptoms of an infectious disease.

• All worshippers who are over the age of 2 are strongly encouraged to wear a face mask to worship and to keep it on during the service.  If you have a mask, please bring it with you.  If you don’t have a mask, a disposable mask will be provided.  
• Please apply hand sanitizer when you enter the church.  You may use your own hand sanitizer or the hand sanitizer that is available on the table in the Narthex. 

• The service will still be held in the sanctuary.  Alternate pews will be blocked off to ensure appropriate social distancing.  Those who live in the same household may sit together.  
• Please note that the pew cushions have been removed to reduce risk and facilitate cleaning.  Feel free to bring your own cushion as needed to be comfortable during the service.
• Bibles and hymnals have been removed from the pews, but the scripture reading(s) and words to the hymns will be projected on the wall and printed in the bulletin.
• Bulletins will be distributed directly from the printer by a gloved volunteer in advance of the service.  They will be placed on the open pews.  If you choose to use a bulletin, just get one from your pew.  If not, just leave them there and a volunteer will remove them after the service.   Bulletins will not be available in the Narthex.
• Weather permitting, a greeter will be stationed outside the church to welcome worshippers and provide instructions. Given the limited space in the Narthex, we ask that you not linger there so that we can maintain the recommended social distance.
• Please enter the church at the front doors that open into the Narthex.  The side doors will remain locked.  The congregation is requested to stay within the sanctuary during worship, but the bathrooms will be available, if needed.
• Those leading worship will remove their masks during the service to ensure they can be heard.
• There will be no Passing of the Peace.  Worshippers are encouraged to remain in their pews during the service.
• There will be a Children’s Moment, but the children will be asked to remain in their pews rather than coming to the front.
• There will be no collection of the offering during the service.  Instead you are asked to drop your gifts and offerings in the “Little White Church” that is on the table in the Narthex or to continue mailing them to the church at 592 New Bethel Road, Piney Flats, TN  37686.  
• We will suspend the use of the choir during this time.  During hymns and songs, we would encourage you to either sing softly with a mask on or refrain from singing.  
• At the conclusion of the service, the pastor will remain at the front of the church and the congregation will be dismissed by volunteers to ensure social distancing as we leave the church.
• We do not expect to have Communion until at least July.  Safe procedures for Communion are being discussed and will be communicated prior to celebrating Communion again. 
• The sanctuary and all high-touch surfaces will be sanitized after every service.
• There will be no Sunday School, Children’s Church, Nursery or other activities for a time.  We will continue to evaluate when we can safely resume these important activities.

In Christ,
The New Bethel Reopening Task Force

6/4/2020 CHURCH RE-OPENING

The New Bethel Presbyterian Church Reopening Task Force has been meeting over the last few weeks to determine how best to move forward to resume church activities after the lengthy closure of the church due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  After prayerful consideration and thoughtful discussion of the needs and concerns of the congregation, we have decided to move forward to begin live worship services again on Sunday, June 14, 2020 at 11:00 AM.  We will also make our Sunday worship services available online at newbethelpres.org beginning on Sunday, June 14, 2020.

5/17/2020 COVID-19 UPDATE

All church activities are currently cancelled. The Session is now targeting a return to worship in some form on Sunday, June 14. Updates will be provided as that date approaches, and social distancing guidelines for church activities will also be shared.

5/3/2020 COVID-19 UPDATE

All church activities are currently cancelled.  Based on state recommendations, the Session has decided to wait a few more weeks before considering a return to services at the church.  The Session will continue to monitor the situation, but hopes to have services again on Decoration Day, Sunday, May 24, 2020.  Updates will be provided as that date approaches, and social distancing guidelines for church activities will also be shared.

4/5/2020 COVID-19 CANCELLATIONS

All church activities are currently cancelled until further notice.  The Session will provide further information when it is available.

3/19/2020 COVID-19 CANCELLATIONS

Dear Congregation and Friends of New Bethel,

• The Small Group Book Study will not meet until we are able to resume church activities.  Once we are able to meet again, we will pick up with Chapters 4 & 5 and we'll determine a new schedule for the rest of the study.
• The Sock and Underwear drive will continue once we are able to worship together again.  At that point, we'll make an announcement about a new date for "Undie Sunday" and the dedication.
• The choir's Easter Cantata will be cancelled as well, since rehearsals will not be possible.  While we still plan to have worship on Easter Sunday, there will be no Cantata this year.

As this COVID-19 situation evolves, we will continue to evaluate the church schedule and provide further updates.  

3/13/2020 CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE