With concerns surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19), it is our desire to respond in the best possible way at First Baptist Plano. Our leadership team is carefully and continually monitoring this situation. We are committed to doing everything we can to provide a safe environment for our church family and
surrounding community. The following is a list that includes practical ways that you can help with health safety, additional measures we are taking as a church, and a suggested response in addition to health safety measures taken during this time.
1. First Baptist Plano is taking precaution with additional health safety measures at this time.
• Wiping down the most common touchpoints (doors, light switches, countertops, etc.).
• Greeters will open doors so that everyone does not touch the door handle.
• Placing hand sanitizers in common areas throughout the facility.
• Additional in-depth cleaning of our facility.
• Additional procedural changes will be made, as the needs arise, to limit exposure (i.e. offering baskets will be made available at the worship service entrances on Sunday morning, instead of passing the offering plates.)
2. First Baptist Plano encourages personal health safety.
• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
• Use hand sanitizer;
• Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands;
• Give a friendly wave instead of shaking hands with people;
• Avoid contact with people who you know are sick;
• Stay home and avoid contact with others if you are sick;
• Cover your cough or sneeze in a tissue or with your elbow;
• Disinfect objects and surfaces regularly.
3. First Baptist Plano response to God, one another, and others during this pandemic.
• Trust in God.
"Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge." Psalm 62:8
• Pray for healing for the sick, strength for doctors, insight for researchers, and wisdom for community and world leaders.
“‘Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security." Jeremiah 33:6
• As a church we will stay informed about the needs of individuals and the needs of our community. Church leadership will get the word out when there are tangible needs that you may be able to help with. Also, be sensitive to the urging of God's Spirit and look for opportunities to love and care for others throughout this pandemic.
"Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Philippians 2:1-4
• If we are unable to gather at certain times in the coming days, stay closely connected to the church family. We will need to continue to be a family and a support for one another at this time. "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10a
• Continue to faithfully support the church financially when we gather, through online giving, or by mail so that the ministry of the church can continue to be strong during this difficult season of time.
“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand." 1 Chronicles 29:14
If necessary, we will communicate any closures and rescheduled church activities via Facebook and email. If you do not have Facebook or email, please let your Sunday School teacher or a staff member know so that you may be contacted directly.
Sincerely,
Dr. Craig Curry
Senior Pastor, First Baptist Plano