Lakeside’s Service & Ministry Coronavirus Guidelines
Lakeside’s Present “New Normal”
Many have asked, “When will Lakeside start having indoor worship services again and what preventative health measures will Lakeside implement?” Once we are able to enjoy indoor worship and ministry again, a “new normal” for Lakeside will begin. Given the fluidity of the Coronavirus situation, hopefully preventative health measures will lessen as we move towards a post-pandemic phase. Developed below are answers to your questions concerning indoor worship and ministry along with Lakeside Guidelines for Coronavirus Preventative Healthcare Measures to protect the health and safety of all our Lakeside Attenders.
When will Lakeside start having indoor Worship Services again?
If the present extension of our Governor’s “Stay at Home” order (extended to May 28, 2020) remains in place, we are planning to celebrate Lakeside’s first indoor worship service with Holy Communion, on Sunday, May 31, 2020. Beginning on the Sunday of May 31st, Lakeside will implement a “Slow Start-Up Strategy” for services and ministries by erring on the side of caution for your health and safety. Limited abbreviated services and ministries will gradually start-up, practicing social distancing and instituting preventative health measures.
When I arrive to a Lakeside indoor Worship Service where do I park and where do I go?
Parking for the indoor Main Worship Service will be in the east and west parking lots. The South parking lot is reserved for those attending the Drive-In Service. You will need to enter the east entrance or the main entrance (west entry) and you will be directed to your seat. Due to social distancing requirements, it is suggested you do not congregate in the parking lot, lobby, or hallways.
Will the seating be different to accommodate for social distancing?
Yes, designated seating will be created for the spacing needed and to limit the number of people who will be able to be seated in the worship center. Families should sit together including youth, children, and babies. This designated seating model will also be initiated in the future when the Youth Service and Kids Church Ministry begins.
What if we reach capacity and fill the worship center and balcony?
If needed, the Chapel and Youth Center will be utilized for overflow and the Main Worship Service will be live streamed to them. Families will be asked to sit together in these rooms as well.
Am I required to wear a mask to attend Lakeside Services and Ministries?
At this time, masks will not be required provided social distancing is being adhered to, but masks are welcomed. Vulnerable individuals at higher risk for illness are encouraged to wear a mask or attend our drive-in or online services. Lakeside will not be providing masks due to the limited supply in the marketplace.
How will we safely receive Communion?
During the pandemic we are relying on pre-packaged communion servings. Communion servings will be distributed by Ushers wearing gloves and masks. Additionally, during this pandemic, you are always welcome to bring your own communion servings for just your family. Companies producing communion supplies have been overwhelmed, if our order (ordered six weeks ago) is not ready for our May 31, service, we will communicate a new date for the receiving of Communion.
How will offering take place?
After praying over the offering, individuals will come forward and deposit offerings in the offering bag held by an usher at the altar. Only one individual representing the family will need to come forward and deposit their offering.
Will the Café be open?
No, not until restrictions are lifted allowing for the resumption of food and beverages and only then practicing proper social distancing.
What about greeting people with a handshake or hug?
Social distancing should be practiced. Please wave, smile, and acknowledge your friends but handshakes and hugs should be avoided.
When Services or Ministries end, how will I exit the church?
The ushers will dismiss you by rows, similar to what you see at weddings. Attenders will be encouraged to leave the church and go directly to their cars. Gatherings should be limited and follow proper social distancing until we reach a post-pandemic stage.
Will sanitizing measures be implemented to prevent the spread of the coronavirus?
Yes, the custodial staff will sanitize all touchable surfaces in all ministry areas both before and after services. Additionally, we are endeavoring to enlist volunteers to disinfect during services. However, it is important to note that personal hygiene including the proper washing of hands is the best measure to reduce exposure to infectious diseases.
Will the Choir be ministering in our services?
Not initially, because of the social distancing requirements, it makes it difficult to assemble a choir in close proximity of each other. As requirements and the spread of potential diseases ease, choir will resume.
What if I am not feeling well prior to a service, should I attend utilizing a mask and adhering to social distancing?
No, you should not attend any service when you are experiencing a temperature of 100 degrees or higher, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. These symptoms could be the onset of illness and you could expose others in the church despite your best effort to contain the illness with masks and social distancing. You should not attend services if you have been tested positive for COVID 19 or have been in direct contact with a family member or friend who has been tested positive for COVID 19 within the last 14 days. Situations like these should stay home and view services online.
Will there be limitations on how many may use the restrooms?
It is difficult due to the size of our restrooms to practice proper social distancing. However, we do have multiple restrooms throughout the church campus. We would suggest using your discretion with restroom use. Additionally, our services will be abbreviated and family-friendly (including children, and babies for a period of time).
Please contact us with any concerns or questions about these Lakeside Service & Ministry Coronavirus Guidelines.
We understand many of you may feel these restrictions limit your ability to worship and fellowship freely as you have done in the past. However, for now, these are not normal times and require precautionary measures to avoid someone getting ill resulting in a significant setback to all attenders at Lakeside. As leaders we are responsible for the care and safety of our congregation and the larger community as well.
Together, let’s pray for God’s Protection and Provision for our Lakeside Family and World. Let’s believe for our Lord’s Health and Healing to come so that we might return to the worship, ministry and fellowship we enjoyed together before this present crisis.
