Dear Ashburn Family:
This past week has revealed the sharpest increase of new cases since March. Governor JB Pritzker announced new Tier 3 mitigation COVID-19 restrictions to take effect Friday at 12:01 a.m., as the state reported more than 12,000 new cases Tuesday. The new Tier 3 restrictions aim to limit gatherings and encourage residents to stay home to stop the spread of coronavirus.
We have decided to temporarily modify Phase 2 of our reopening plan with specific mitigation beginning this Sunday, Nov 22nd. It is our goal to continue to meet together, yet at the same time, we have committed ourselves to do what is necessary to protect our own members from needless risk. It is our sincere desire to be the church that the Lord has called us to be and to create a safe environment where we can continue to gather.
Ministry Guidelines
We have made adjustments to our weekly schedule. Please see details below: These guidelines are based on the most recent information from the state of Illinois and CDC. These guidelines are subject to change.
Orland Park Campus
- Worship Services- Services will continue with masks and social distancing.
- Small Groups- Small Groups will meet online only until Dec 6th.
- Midweek- We will still hold our Night of Praise on Nov 24th. Midweek online until Dec 9th.
- Elevate Students- Elevate Students online until Dec 9th.
- Nurseries- Nurseries will not be available until Dec 6th. Children will remain with their parents at all times.
- ABC Kids– ABC Kids is suspended until Dec 6th. Children will remain with their parents at all times.
- AWANA– AWANA is suspended until Dec 9th.
Chicago Campus
- Worship Services- Services will continue with masks and social distancing.
- Small Groups- Small Groups will meet online only until Dec 6th.
- Elevate Students- Elevate Students will meet online until Dec 9th.
- Nurseries- Nurseries will not be available until Dec 6th. Children will remain with their parents at all times.
- ABC Kids– ABC Kids is suspended until Dec 6th. Children will remain with their parents at all times.
Phase 2 COVID Mitigations- Effective Nov 22nd
These mitigations enhance our guidelines temporarily. These guidelines are subject to change.
COVID Guidelines
- Safety First- Volunteers will take your temperature, using a no-contact thermometer, upon entering the building. If you have a temperature, you will not be admitted for the safety of others. No one should plan to attend services who is known to have had any contact with known COVID-19 confirmed cases or is exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19, or is at risk. You are encouraged to watch our worship services online on Facebook Live or ashburn.live.
- Masks- Masks are mandatory for ages 3+ and must be worn to enter the facility. Please bring your own mask. If you do not have one, they will be supplied at the entrance. MASKS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES INDOORS. If you prefer not to wear a mask, you are encouraged to stay home and watch our worship services online on Facebook Live or ashburn.live for the safety of others.
- Seating- Ushers will seat families and attendees six feet apart. Children must remain with their parents at all times. After the service concludes ushers will dismiss by row.
- Hand sanitizer- Stations will be easily accessible. You are encouraged to use frequently.
- Social distancing- No handshakes, high-fives, or hugs. Wave and greet each other from a distance. Please do not congregate in the hallways or lobby. Move conversations outdoors and maintain social distancing for your safety.
- Buildings will be closed 15 minutes after services for cleaning and sanitizing.
As I already stated, it is our goal to continue to meet together, to encourage one another, and otherwise help each other to live the Christian life, safely, and we want you to know that these measures are taken now with the understanding that they will not continue indefinitely. Please join us in prayer for wisdom, and for an end to this pandemic.
For our future,
Tommy Thompson, Lead Pastor
Ashburn Baptist Church
Helpful links:
Ashburn Website
Ashburn Livestream
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