Hey River Church Family!
We are so grateful for the opportunity to resume in-person gathering in our building this Sunday, June 7, 2020. Throughout this season, we have been reminded that we are the church, and we know that we will continue to value and encourage being the church wherever we are and however we are able to gather. We are also excited to continue our livestream and build our online community and extend the opportunities it provides for smaller group gatherings and new connections.
We have prayerfully sought the direction of the Holy Spirit and we have considered the recommendations provided by our local government officials and community leaders regarding the health and safety of our family and community, in alignment with our conviction to honor the ones in those roles. (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17)
In an effort to do all we can to honor our leaders and to provide intentional care for all members of our church family, these are the guidelines that those charged with the leadership of River Church Family have decided to implement at this time. (Romans 12:10, 1 Peter 2:17, 1 Cor. 13:4-7, Phil. 2:3-4)
– We will limit in-person gathering to 50% of our sanctuary capacity, to allow room for social distancing of six feet between people not in the same families. This will allow us to safely accommodate up to 150 individuals. We will provide overflow space to watch online in the Sequoia Room (Kids Church) if we reach our in-person capacity limit.
– We will not resume River Kids Ministries at this time, due to concerns about the safety and efficacy of maintaining social distancing guidelines for young children.
– We ask that everyone please maintain social distance (6ft of space) with those not in their immediate family/household while inside the church building.
– We will not provide coffee or donuts in the lobby prior to service, and will discourage congregating in groups in the sanctuary or the lobby. If you wish to visit and hang out after service, consider heading outdoors first.
– Please plan to enter and exit through the front doors, where our First Impressions Team will be ready to greet you and to hold the door open for a touchless entry.
– We have set the auditorium with wider rows. We ask you to allow three empty chairs between your family/household and others if seated in the same row.
– We will not pass the offering baskets during service. Giving envelopes may be collected and dropped off at the kiosks on the back wall of the sanctuary or by the front door, or you can continue to give online at rivercentral.org/giving.
– We will not be handing out bulletins or having baskets with I Am Here cards, prayer cards, pens, etc. in order to ensure a paperless service. Details about events, updates, etc. can be found at rivercentral.org, through our e-news, and on Facebook. Prayer requests and requests to speak with a pastor can also be completed online or by sending an email to connect@rivercentral.org.
– We will encourage greeting those watching online, but will not have an in-person greeting time to lessen hand-to-hand contact. If you DO want to hug someone (we know how you huggers are!) please ask them first, and respect their response if they are not comfortable.
– Wearing masks is not required, although it is encouraged by the CDC. We will encourage you to make the decision according to your own conscience and judgment and will honor the decision you make. We will have a limited number of masks available.
– Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, nose and face. Avoid touching surfaces. Please note, all surfaces and bathrooms will be cleaned/sanitized before, during and after each service. Additional hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the building.
– If you must cough, please cough into your elbow or sleeve. If you continue coughing or sneezing, please immediately leave the service and consider not reentering the sanctuary.
– If you have experienced any symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 14 days, or if you have recently and knowingly been exposed to COVID-19, we ask that you please remain home and watch the livestream.
– If you have risk factors such as age or pre-existing conditions, or are not yet comfortable with in-person gathering, we encourage you to continue to join us online.
– If you cannot follow the guidelines that we as the leadership believe the Lord has led us to, then we ask you to continue to worship with us online.
– If you develop COVID-19 symptoms within a couple of days after attending in-person service, please contact the church office at 816-356-7400 or by email to info@rivercentral.org.
Thank you for your cooperation and grace in helping us to resume in person gathering safely. We do also encourage you to consider watching the livestream and meeting in small groups as you are comfortable, taking advantage of this unique opportunity to maximize relational connection, even as we take steps toward gathering in person in our building as well.
River Church Family, thank you for your continued commitment to be the church, and to see our mission continue to be accomplished for God’s kingdom and his glory!
Restoring our broken lives, reviving our communities, and releasing hope to our world through the love of Jesus.
Loves!
Pastors Timmy + ‘Tisha
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Some Reminders!
– Greet each other with a smile and a wave
– Keep 6 feet of space with those not in your immediate family/household
– Bring your own coffee or water
– Wear a mask if you prefer
– River Kids Ministries are not available
Here are some ways to stay connected if you can’t meet in person.
1. Download the River Church Family App for your Apple or Android device. This will allow you to receive notifications, watch online and participate in connecting and giving to River Church Family all from one digital location. This provides the highest quality experience, but may sometimes run more slowly than other options. The website to watch online is http://river.sermon.net/Streaming_Video/
2. Join from the River Church Family Facebook page to watch on Facebook Live. Comment during the message or host your own watch party with others in this online community. https://www.facebook.com/RiverCentral/
3. Watch on our YouTube Channel as an alternate way to access our live streamed service. You can find us by going to YouTube and searching for River Church Family. Subscribe to our channel to follow and find services more easily. Please note that this option does not provide as many opportunities for connecting with our online community.
If you need immediate assistance, please call us at 816-356-7400 or email info@rivercentral.org so that we can support you!
We are believing that God will use this as a time of intentional growth in every area of our lives. Watch for devotions from our team of pastors to encourage you in your email in-box and social media news feeds. Use this season as one of intentional connection with your immediate family at home. Continue in fervent prayer. Let your heart be moved with compassion, like Jesus. Remain watchful and ready as the harvest will be great. Hold on to the gift of peace.
John 14:27 (NIV)
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
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About The River
River Church Family | 6400 Woodson Road | Raytown, MO 64133 | info@RiverCentral.org | (816) 356-7400
A Kansas City Area Church Worshipping Jesus