Covid-19 Update #7

Dear Bethel Family,

The Elders met Thursday night and agreed on what we hope will be a workable plan to see us through the next few weeks. Thanks to all who were praying for us – we certainly appreciated it.

While we considered going totally online (as we did during the first lockdown last Spring), we did not want to exclude those who don’t have access to the necessary technology. After counting the maximum number who fall into that category, along with the minimum number of people that it takes to run a Sunday gathering at the Chapel, we estimate that we would be able to just meet the new maximum number of 15 people. With that in mind, here is the plan:

• We will continue with both the Lord’s Supper and Family Bible Hour as usual;
• Those who do not have easy or convenient access to Zoom are invited to attend the Chapel in person; everyone else is invited to attend over Zoom. If in doubt, please contact the chairman of the day, or one of the Elders;
• Those required to be in attendance will be restricted to: the chairman, the speaker, a single musician, audio-visual person, and a ‘duty Deacon’ (set-up, offering, door security, close-up);
• Both meetings (including the break) will be on Zoom (see link below);
  • The children’s story, Scripture reading, prayer etc. (unless done by one of those mentioned above) will be done via Zoom; the chairman will be responsible for coordinating the various responsibilities;
• Should you require hymnals, you can either pick them up at the Chapel in the next few days, or ask one of the Elders or Deacons to bring you a set;
• There will obviously be no Sunday School for the children, but we are looking into what can be done to meet that need;
• Regarding the Lord’s Supper, the opener and ‘announcing Elder’, unless already there for the FBH, will participate via Zoom; since most of us will be joining via Zoom, it is important that the brothers share audibly, by indicating to the audio-visual person to unmute them in the chapel, usually sending a message works best–this is not the time to hold back!
• Those wishing to contribute financially to the Lord’s work, can either drop off their envelopes at the Chapel, or ask one of the Deacons or Elders to pick it up;
• The Tuesday morning and Wednesday evening Bible studies will continue as before;
• The Monday afternoon Bethel Pantry will continue with reduced numbers in the building at one time;
• Finally, here is our Zoom link:
  • https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89998743389?pwd=dzlibmpBeE1vdE1vempidVl2SWhlQT09

The Elders will be reviewing the plan each week to see if any changes are needed. Should you have any concerns or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact any of us. As always, we value your prayers for wisdom and unity – and that we would all have hearts to seek the glory of the Lord, regardless of circumstances.

​
In His glad service,
​Frank
On behalf of the Elders