In this highly anxious time, and uncertainty about what is good and safe practices for gathering with those who give our lives meaning and purpose, Timothy is working closely with our city government, mayor and health department to keep high standards in our worship gathering practices in order to be able to stay safe as we come together in worship that gives our lives meaning and purpose in Jesus Christ.
On Friday, November 13, we contacted Mayor Krewson in order to get guidance on what we are allowed to do with regards to updated city health ordinances.
She has informed us of the following:
1. Churches are still allowed to gather, limited to 50% occupancy.
2. Keep social distancing of six feet
3. Require face masks for all persons over the age of 9
4. Limited singing
5. Encourage virtual streaming of worship services
6. Staying home with you are in a vulnerable group
7. Staying home if you treat COVID patients or other vulnerable populations
8. Staying home if you have any illness or symptoms of illness
9. Self-quarantining for 14 days after any exposure to someone with COVID19
At Timothy we:
1. Limit our seating, blocked off every other pew.
2. Maintain six feet of distance in seating between family groups
3. Require face masks (over mouth and nose) of all persons over age of 9.
4. Limit our singing even more
5. Encourage use of our streaming worship
6. Encourage attendance at our every Monday evening service at 6:30 pm and the Fourth Monday service at 2pm service as these are very lightly attended
7. Continue to call and make contact with you in all the ways we can, because we care about how you are doing and take great joy in the uniqueness of you, especially when we are unable to be together in person.
Because of Timothy's practices in this time, by God's grace, TOGETHER:
1. We have had NO reported cases of COVID transmission at anything related to a Timothy event
2. Staff, and their families have not yet contracted COVID19
3. We have been able to continue in person worship
4. We have been able to provide good pastoral care for all persons (in person and via phone or at home care)
5. We have risen to the challenge to equip you with other ways to lead the spiritual life of your household
6. We have baptized 12 people, welcomed an additional 15 persons by affirmation of faith.
7. We have served countless people giving out over $20,000 in direct aid
8. We have a virtual bible class every Sunday via zoom www.timothystl.org/bibleclass
9. We continue to make plans for the future ministry at Timothy and the leadership transition
10. We celebrate that God is still working and using all things, even these wise government policies, to unite all things together in Jesus Christ to the glory of His name.
God bless and preserve you in this time and as always please let us know any way that we can pray for and serve you. timothystl.org/prayer