Dear Southmoore,

I wanted to take this opportunity to not only say hello, but also give you some information as we go forward during this coronavirus.

Damon Swift, Hayden Young, Doug Snook, and I met Sunday afternoon to talk about what needs to be done as we prepare to open the doors of the church.

First of all, we were all in agreement that we should not start having church May 3, 2020. I know that’s not what any of us want to hear. But, with so many unknowns about the virus, we felt this was the best decision at this time.

We believe it is best to pray, wait, and observe to see what happens as other businesses and churches open. We also believe that people’s safety and health is our top priority.

So, when will the church be open again? I don’t know. Please pray with us as we go forward. You don’t know how my heart breaks writing these words. Hopefully, we will “gather together” soon.

When we do open the doors, it will not be “business as usual.” We will have to implement many changes in order to ensure meeting together will be safe as possible.

  1. Southmoore will have 2 worship services on Sundays:
    • 9:30 am and 10:45 am
    • Services will be limited to 100 people.
    • We are encouraging the older adults to come to the 9:30 am service. We will let you decide if you are in this category.
  2. Guidelines for when you arrive:
    • Everyone will come through the front doors.
    • You will enter the sanctuary immediately.
    • We will practice social distancing (even in the sanctuary).
    • Chairs will be marked for you to sit in.
    • Families can sit together.
  3. Guidelines for when you exit:
    • The 9:30 am worship service will exit out the north doors in the gym/fellowship hall. This will allow us to maintain social distance as people arrive for the 10:45 am service.
    • The 10:45 am worship services can exit out the front doors or the gym/fellowship doors.
  4. This that will not happen:
    • No Sunday School
    • No Childcare
    • No Children’s Church
    • No Coffee and Donuts
    • No Sunday pm Services
    • No Wednesday night meal and services
    • No Choir or Choir Practice
    • No Associational Children’s Camp at Falls Creek

(This reminds me when I was a little boy; my nickname was “No-No.”)

As you can see, things will be different. These guidelines are not implemented to take away from our traditional way of doing church, they are there to keep us as safe as possible.

Finally, I want to thank you for your continual prayers, support, and your tithes and offerings. Our contributions continue to be consistent over the last couple of months. Progress continues to be made on the Children’s Fellowship Hall, East Wing Project. PTL!

I miss you very, very much!

I love you very, very much!

To Live Is Christ,

Bro, Danny