TBC Update

Letter from Pastor:

There is no doubt the Corona Virus is a foe to respect. Back in March, when there was little known about this virus, we went into “lock-down” for a period of time. Understandably so. The fear of the unknown was real and we were doing all we could to protect ourselves and others.

Here we are eight months later and we are still doing what we can to protect ourselves and others. The difference now is that there is a much better understanding of the virus than in the early days. As scientists and medical professionals have been able to gain more knowledge of this virus, they have given specific protocols to follow, which help reduce the risk of Covid-19, namely the 3 W’s …Wear a mask; Wash your hands; Watch your distance. These are the protocols we follow at Temple.

On Monday, November 16, the Decatur City Council voted in a new city-wide ordinance that requires face masks to be worn outside the home. Everyone has an opinion and the right to voice their opinion, nevertheless, we deal with it and are not going to allow it to be a dividing issue with the church. We started out asking you to wear a mask when you enter the building and move around the facility. We continue to ask you to follow this protocol. As this virus continues to spread, we would ask you to consider wearing the mask during the service.

The Macon County Health Department is asking churches to go “virtual” through at least January 15, 2021. While we respect the work of the MCHD, we do not intend to follow the recommendation at this time. While there have been some individuals, from Temple, who have contracted Covid-19, at this point, all cases have been from work, shopping and family. None of the individuals have contracted this virus from contacts made at church, nor were they in contact with anyone while at church. Should this happen, we will address the matter at that time.

For now, Temple will continue with “live,” in-house services. Church is essential, both for the spiritual and physical well-being of everyone, and we intend to make it possible for anyone who desires to be in church.

If you do not feel comfortable in attending, we respect your decision. If you are sick, we ask you to stay home. We will continue to broadcast our services for those who are unable to attend for whatever reason. For those who choose to attend the services, we want to assure you we will continue to implement the same protocols as before.

I am proud of the way you have responded in helping to keep yourself and others safe!

Your diligence in following these 3 W’s is important for the safety of everyone. We continue to ask you to wear a mask while you are in the building. We continue to ask you to respect the seating markers for safe distancing. There are “X’s” on seats that are to be left vacant. Everyone has their favorite place to sit, but these markers have been strategically placed, so we ask you NOT TO MOVE the “X’s.” (For the time being, you may not be able to sit in your favorite seat). We continue to ask you to respect others.

I want to assure you we remain diligent in our efforts to protect our church from the spread of this virus. Your help is much appreciated so we can continue holding “live,” in-house services.

Thank you for your continued love and support of the Temple Baptist Church. We look forward to the time when we can all be back in the house of the Lord together!

Pastor