Covid-19 Update Winter 2022

Updated January 17, 2022

CURRENT POLICY FOR BCC

• Due to the Government Mandate: Masks are REQUIRED regardless of vaccination status.

• Sign-ups are no longer needed for Sunday morning worship.

• Please pre-screen for Covid symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, chills or fatigue) and stay home if you are sick.

• We no longer have capacity limits; however, because of the size of our sanctuary we continue to operate at around 80% capacity, leaving space to spread out if desired.

• We have upgraded our air filters in our HVAC System to a MERV rating of 13 to improve ventilation in our building.

Thank you for caring for our community and for our kids and vulnerable members by following these guidelines!

Covid-19 Update SUMMER 2021

Updated August 20, 2021

• Mask Update: Washington State has implemented a new mask mandate for indoor public spaces regardless of vaccination status. We will be re-implementing this guidance beginning Sunday August 22.

• Sign-ups are no longer needed for Sunday morning worship

• Please pre-screen for Covid symptoms ( fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, chills or fatigue) and stay home if you are sick

• We no longer have capacity limits; however, because of the size of our sanctuary we continue to operate at around 50% capacity, leaving ample space to spread out if desired.

INFO ABOUT OUR BUILDING

In response to the COVID Pandemic, we have taken steps to make sure our building is as safe as it can be.  Below you will see how our facilities here at BCC have kept up with best practices in order to keep you and your family safe.  

FILTRATION

• As air moves through our building’s HVAC system, air filters trap and collect large and small particles such as dust, allergens, microorganisms and viruses (like covid).

• In February 2021, we upgraded ALL air filters in our HVAC System to a MERV rating of 13.

• An air filter’s Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating measures how effectively the filter stops dust and other contaminants from passing through the filter and into the air stream.

• Filters down to 0.3–1.0 micron particle size (which includes the COVID molecule.)

• Example Particles a MERV 13 filter can filter out:

  • Pollen, Dust mites, Sanding dust, Textile/carpet fibers, Mold/spores, Dust lint, Cement dust, Legionella, Lead dust, Humidifier dust, Coal dust, Nebulizer dust, Bacteria, Tobacco smoke, Auto fumes, Sneeze nuclei, Insecticide dust, Copier toner, Pet dander, Face powder

AIR CIRCULATION

• Sanctuary:
  The air in our sanctuary is exchanged every 12 minutes.  

• Multipurpose Room:
  The air in our gym is exchanged every 12 minutes.  

• Kitchen/Dining Room:
  The air in our kitchen and dining room is exchanged every 12 minutes.

• Children’s Classrooms/Preschool/Nursery/Youth Room:
  Air is exchanged 5 times an hour.
  Each one of these classrooms has windows.  When in use, we will keep windows open to promote fresh air exchange.  

• Classrooms A, B, C & Library:
  Air is exchanged every 12 minutes.

For more information or questions about our building, please contact Grady Henderson.

Here are the main highlights of our updated reopening plan:

1. Starting this week you no longer have to sign up online to attend services. You are free to simply show up on Sunday. We have had ample space to accommodate those ready to attend worship while still practicing social distancing.

2. We are opening up the sanctuary and foyer for fellowship following the service.

3. We are able to have groups of up to 15 people sit together. You are welcome to sit with members from other households on Sunday, if you feel comfortable doing so. The two sections on the west side of the sanctuary (entering on the left) will allow for larger groups to sit together, and the two sections on the east side of the sanctuary (entering on the right), will seat each household by 6 feet for those who prefer to have more space.

4. We will be adopting the updated CDC recommendation that fully vaccinated people can worship indoors without masks starting on Sunday, June 13. We wanted to give our volunteers a few weeks notice about this change so they can complete their vaccination process if they desire, wait a few more weeks for cases to continue their decline and school to wrap up so that our kids and families feel less vulnerable, and allow those who are just returning to worship to have some time to ease back into in-person worship experiences. Fully vaccinated small groups are free to meet indoors or outdoors without masks right away.

5. Please do not feel any pressure to return until you feel safe to do so. To accommodate those who are still not ready to gather indoors with others, we will be hosting an outdoor worship service once a month this summer (May 30, July 4, Aug 1, Sept 5). We will also continue to livestream our services for the foreseeable future.

Thanks again for your continued faithfulness and support. We are hopeful that we are on the home stretch of this pandemic and we are excited to reestablish our cherished rhythms of worship, discipleship, fellowship and service together. When you feel safe and ready to return to in-person events at BCC there is a place for you here!

God Bless,
Pastor Phil, on behalf of the Reopening Team at BCC

Covid-19 Update Spring 2021
Updated April 11, 2021

We want to thank you as a church for your continue engagement and investment in ministry here at BCC as we navigate this pandemic. This spring we have resumed some in-person elements of our life together, while still adhering to safety protocols to keep people safe. Here is a quick overview of where BCC is at in regards to reopening:

1. We have resumed a weekly in-person worship service at 9:30 a.m. We are following all Washington State guidelines including social distancing, mask wearing, and having people pre-screen for symptoms and stay home if they are sick or have been exposed to Covid. Singing is allowed under phase 3 guidelines. Capacity is limited to allow for distancing so we are asking people to pre-register for our in-person services at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/bellingham-covenant-church-30685122740. Don’t hesitate to sign-up. Because we have a larger building, we have plenty of space to accommodate those ready to return to worship.

2. On April 11 we resumed a small kid’s church program for 5th grade and younger. Kids are dismissed for the second half of the worship service. We are having our kids wear mask and social distance. The gym has doors open for extra ventilation. Since it is sometimes harder for kids to distance we are doing temperature checks when you check in your child to add an extra level of safety.

3. Small groups of up to ten are allowed to meet at the church. If you want to register your group, please sign up in the church office. Groups are asked to review and commit to safety policies before meeting.

4. We are still committed to online worship and groups! We know that many of you are still worshipping at home as you wait for vaccines to roll-out more broadly. We continue to affirm that choice and are committed to live streaming our worship service every week and providing opportunities for Zoom small groups and classes. Please do not feel pressure to return until you feel safe to do so.

We will continue to keep track of the trajectory of the pandemic and make adjustments if the situation worsens or new restrictions are in place. We are hopeful that in the coming months we will be able to increase the size of our gatherings and continue to add more elements of our life together.

God Bless,
The Reopening Team at BCC

Covid-19 Update Fall 2020
Updated Wednesday, November 18

Hi Everyone,
Here is an update about how BCC is responding to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

We’ve enjoyed the opportunity to host some in-person worship gatherings over the past two months. As the holidays approach, we were planning to increase some in-person opportunities. Within the last couple of weeks, however, the trajectory of the pandemic has changed dramatically. Cases have doubled in Washington in the last 2 weeks and public health officials have urged people to avoid gathering with those outside their household.

 In response to these developments the reopening team gathered this week to pray and discern how to best respond. Drawing on Paul’s wisdom in 1 Corinthians 10, we didn’t just ask what is permissible but what is most beneficial for others. Through our discernment, a consensus emerged that we are going to pause our in-person worship gatherings for the next few weeks. We are, however, going to allow small group gatherings under ten people to continue. This is motivated by our love for the church and community. We want to be good neighbors and do our part to help keep schools open, help businesses reopen, and prevent a strain on the healthcare system. 

 We know that these limitations are discouraging. We can’t wait to gather again, and are hopeful that we will be able to do so in the near future. In the meantime, know that the church is not closed! We are grateful for all the ways you as a church are continuing to connect, grow, and serve others during this time.  
 

As we head into Advent, we have a number of opportunities for us to stay connected together. Here are a few highlights!

• Hannah is working with families to produce videos of our kids helping lead us in worship by doing readings and our traditional Advent walks

• We are going to host a Blue Christmas Service via Zoom on December 10 at 7pm

• Advent groups are starting up on Nov 29

• We are doing a drive thru fundraiser for Covenant World Relief / Santa Lucia celebration on Sunday December 13

• We are going to start hosting Zoom fellowship times again

• We are working to create a meaningful Christmas Eve service for the church

Thanks for your ongoing prayer, engagement, and support. These are challenging decisions to make and there are no perfect options right now. If you have questions or concerns please reach out to me (Pastor Phil) as I’d be glad to talk more. In the meantime, let us lean into this Advent season with the expectant hope that there is a light breaking into the darkness!

God Bless,
Pastor Phil on behalf of the Reopening Team

IN-PERSON WORSHIP SERVICES AT BELLINGHAM COVENANT CHURCH
October 8th, 2020

Hi Church Family,

We have started hosting a small in-person worship gathering on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. We are going above and beyond the Washington State guidelines and intentionally limiting this gathering to 50 people. We are committed to following the Washington State Guidelines for religious gatherings. Based on these guidelines, here are the main things you need to know when coming to an in-person gathering:

• If you are over 65 or have a pre-existing health condition that puts you at higher risk for serious effects from COVID-19 we strongly encourage you to avoid these gatherings. We are committed to continuing to provide online services every week at 9:30 and still encourage people to make that their primary source for Sunday morning worship.

• All participants are asked to pre-screen for COVID-19 symptoms (e.g. fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, chills or fatigue) and stay home if you are sick. Washington guidelines ask people to take their temperature before attending a service and stay home if it is 100.4 or higher.

• If someone in your household has COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19 you need to stay home. Also if have been in settings where you were at high risk for exposure to COVID-19 or travel requires you to quarantine, we ask that you say home.

• Everyone must wear a mask that covers mouth and nose for the duration of their time on site. This includes those leading in worship and preaching.

• Participants are asked to socially distance (6 feet) during the duration of their time on site. Please avoid shaking hands and giving hugs etc.

• When you enter the building, ushers will lead you directly to the sanctuary and find a seat. Only every third row is open to ensure social distancing. People from different households need to sit 6 feet apart.

• After the service participants will be asked to leave the building right away. Social distance visiting is permitted out in the parking lot but we are not able to congregate in the lobby.

• Bring a coat along as we will be opening up exterior doors to facilitate better ventilation. We also will have extra air purifiers running to help with ventilation.

• This service will intentionally be kept short (around 40 minutes) to prevent prolonged exposure. Music will be limited during the service as well.

  We are excited to give these gatherings a try and trust they will go smoothly and safe. Note that these plans are subject to change as we evaluate how the gatherings are going, monitor updates from the state, and pay attention to changes in the trajectory of the pandemic.

IN-PERSON WORSHIP SERVICES CANCELLED AT BELLINGHAM COVENANT
LIVE STREAMING AVAILABLE THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 15 AT 9:30 am

UPDATED: Friday, March 13 2020
This afternoon, March 13, 2020, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee directed that gatherings of 250 people or more for social, spiritual and recreational activities are prohibited throughout the entire state in order to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.  Therefore, Bellingham Covenant Church is cancelling its in-person worship services and will comply with that restriction until it is removed.

This week the staff has prepared resources to assist you in your personal worship at home.

• A worship service will be conducted by the ministry staff and “live streamed” at 9:30 AM.  You can access this worship service at http://bellinghamcov.org/live

• The Worship Folder for this week as well as a detailed Order of Worship with song lyrics, scripture readings and prayers will be available online as a PDF document and will be available alongside the livestream.

We recognize that these directives have a huge impact on our church families and are disruptive to not only our homes but our community of faith.  Our Staff and Lead Team will be meeting to explore options and develop plans for staying connected while we not able to meet as a congregation.

We intend to respond to this challenge as a missional opportunity for each one of us.  We will learn new ways of communicating and connecting with each other throughout these weeks.  Already we can anticipate the joy of coming together again for corporate worship once the restrictions have been lifted. For many in our congregation this could be a time of social isolation and it will be important for us to find ways to bring spiritual friendship and helpful resources to one another.

Please join us in prayer for this season.  It is said of Jesus, that when he turned his face to Jerusalem, he did so for the “joy that was set before him.”   May that be true for us during these remaining weeks of Lent.

In Christ,
Don Robinson,
Interim Lead Pastor

PS, here’s that livestream link again and you can tithe here.  Hope to see you online this Sunday!  

Bellingham Covenant Church’s Continued COVID-19 Response
March 12th, 2020

Yesterday, the Bellingham Covenant Leadership Team and Ministry Staff met together to review our church’s response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. While much has been done to provide a safe environment for the gathering of children, youth and adults, we are taking additional steps to further reduce the risk of both exposures to and spreading of the virus while at BCC. The public counsel we have been given by federal, state, and local health authorities is that this virus is beyond containment. Therefore, efforts must be made to mitigate and reduce the spread of the virus.

The following steps will be taken at Bellingham Covenant Church until further notice: 

• If you're sick or vulnerable, please stay at home.

  • As valued and beloved members of our community, we recognize that the risks of serious, life-threatening infections from this virus are exponentially higher for those who are 60+, those with chronic medical conditions, those with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women.  We HIGHLY recommend that those in the most vulnerable age groups stay away from the church in order to avoid putting themselves and others at risk. As a church, we are committed to seeking out ways to continue including you in the life of our congregation during this challenging time.

• Life Together hour is canceled. 

  • No groups will meet following the worship service (children or adults). Lenten groups will not meet on campus. Leaders are encouraged to find other ways to keep in contact as a group.  Childcare and Sunday School will also be discontinued for Life Together hour until further notice.

• We will not serve coffee on Sunday mornings. 

  • Feel free to bring a beverage in your own container if you want.

• If your group meets at BCC, consider canceling your on-site meetings.

  • Several groups have already canceled their meetings and events at the church. Please check with your ministry leaders to see if your event is still happening. 

• We are recommending that outside groups not use the facilities.

• Preschool and BCC|Youth will continue to monitor the local school district’s response and directives. 

  • We will do as the school suggests for those age groups on the BCC campus. 

• The Leadership Team and Ministry staff will meet after each worship service to review our ministry and determine possible next steps.

  • This week health care professionals from our church will be invited to meet with us and share their perspectives and recommendations.

Our church staff is closely monitoring the reports of the virus in our area and we will take additional actions as directed or necessary. (For example, the decision to hold public worship services will likely be a week-by-week decision.)

SOCIAL DISTANCING
The only way to reduce the spread of the virus now is through social distancing and the continued practice of personal hygiene. In the coming days and weeks, we will likely hear of additional school closures and cancellation of public events. Yesterday, Governor Inslee issued an order limiting the gathering of public groups for social, recreational, and spiritual purposes to 250 people in the three most affected counties in Washington. That directive will likely expand as the virus spreads in other counties.

Greg Yee, Superintendent for Pacific Northwest Conference of Evangelical Covenant Churches, reported that at least nine of our sister churches in King and Pierce counties (regardless of size) are suspending public worship services this week.

STAYING CONNECTED
As we continue to implement the mitigation strategies that are required for faith-based organizations, we are also working on ways to stay connected in this time of social distancing and isolation for many. 

• This week we are purchasing and installing equipment to live stream our worship services online. 

• We will be uploading our Worship Bulletin as well as our Order of Worship for you to download so you can stay on top of all things related to BCC. 

• We are also discussing how we can serve those persons in our congregation who don't have computer access. Let us know what will be helpful to you.

As a nation, this is an unprecedented event that requires an unprecedented response from our community of faith. When the staff and leaders met yesterday, I shared Proverbs 29:7 with them, 

“ . . . seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

During this time of “exile” and social distancing, we are called to seek God’s best for the community in which we live. This is time for us as a church to be wise stewards of the spiritual resources we have and to do what we can to join others in mitigating and restricting the spread of the virus in our community. This is a time for us to care for ourselves so that we can care for others. Continue to join us in prayer for those affected by the virus, health care workers, and the first responders, asking for both strength and stamina for them as they care for the community and us.

In Christ,
Don Robinson
Interim Lead Pastor
Bellingham Covenant Church