COVID-19 Policies


As of 7/15/2020

In preparation for the reopening of our church for in-person worship, a committee was formed, guidelines were reviewed, supplies were ordered, volunteers for special responsibilities were coordinated, and the church is being cleaned and sanitized regularly following strict CDC guidelines.

The following policies will apply to our church Sunday morning worship service.

First Baptist Church of Mansfield, CT

  • Please enter at the handicap ramp at the the rear of the church. When the service is over, please exit through the main sanctuary double doors.
     
  • All people entering the church will have their temperature taken by a volunteer. They will also be asked if they have any COVID-19 symptoms. If they have symptoms or an elevated temperature they will not be permitted in the building. Hand sanitizer will be available. A log will be kept of all Sunday morning attendees to facilitate contact tracing if necessary.
     
  • Everyone must wear a face covering that covers the mouth and nose while in any part of the church. We encourage the congregation to bring their own masks, but should someone not bring a mask a volunteer will have one available for them. If a person can not or will not wear a face covering they will not be permitted in the building.
     
  • FBCM will follow strict social distancing guidelines. A distance of six feet will be required while walking in the church and while seated in pews. Pews are marked off at the appropriate distance. People from the same household may sit together in the same pew. There should be no hugging or hand shaking by anyone attending the worship service.
     
  • Our weekly bulletin will be available online only. If you would like a copy during the service, please access from your phone or print ahead and bring with you. The bulletin will be posted on our website under the “Online Services” tab.
     
  • There will not be singing by the congregation or choir during the service. Worship leaders and musicians will be spaced at least 18 feet from the congregation and do not have to wear a mask while they are speaking, singing, or playing.
     
  • Hymnals and Bibles have been removed from the sanctuary. Please bring your own Bible if you would like to use one.
     
  • Sanctuary windows will be open during the service to allow for fresh air exchange.
     
  • Nursery care will not be provided and there will be no Sunday School or Second Hour. Children will remain with their parents during the worship service.
     
  • The offering plate will not be passed in our traditional way. Offering plates will be placed at the exit of the sanctuary and the congregation will be invited to drop their offering in the plate at the end of the service. Donations can also be made online at https://fbcmansfieldct.com/giving/
     
  • Communion will be offered on the first Sunday of each month using prepackaged, single-use bread and cup.
     
  • At the end of the worship service the Pastor will ask the congregation to exit through the main sanctuary double doors.
     
  • There will not be coffee hour, snacks, or social visiting within the church building.
     
  • We will be broadcasting our 10 am Sunday morning services on Facebook Live and posting them on our website each week on the Online Services page.
     

We look forward to seeing you and count on our congregation to follow the guidelines that are in place for everyone’s safety!