In March, your pastoral staff made a decision we never dreamt we would ever have to make. For the sake of the health of our congregation and out of respect for our elected officials, we chose to suspend church activities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since that decision was made we have been praying over and thinking through the process of how, when given the opportunity, to reopen.

When Governor DeSantis announced his plan to slowly reopen businesses in Florida, we knew it was time to put our plan on paper and seriously pursue reopening the church. We have sought counsel from the Florida Baptist State Convention, our insurance company, CDC guidelines, and numerous leaders inside and outside the church. The three phase approach is summarized in an image below and a detailed plan is available here.

We share your frustration in this crazy season, and we desperately look forward to worshiping together again. However, we also know the wisest thing to do is pursue that goal in a gradual and phased process. I have confidence in the other pastors, and the wisdom they bring to this plan. With that said, this is new territory for us. Thank you for your patience as we prayerfully and wisely attempt to slowly reopen our church for public worship.

Sincerely, Pastor Phillip

Phase 1 (May 24) will include a live worship service to be streamed to the congregation. Volunteers from different departments will be on campus to “practice” serving in their regular capacities. Volunteers on campus during this phase include selected individuals from the AVL team, the bands, soloists, and greeters. No choir or orchestra, childcare, or Bible studies/small groups will meet on campus during this phase.

Phase 2 (Begins May 31) will include five smaller, shorter, live worship services on campus. Each service will be limited to 50% seating capacity.

The rest of the building will be closed and inaccessible during this phase. No childcare, Bible studies, small groups, etc. will meet on campus on Sunday mornings during this phase.

Online worship will continue to be offered for those who are more comfortable worshiping from home. For more specific details please click here to read the entire reopening plan.

     8:30 – 9:15 Celebration
     9:15 – 10:00 Encounter
    10:00 – 10:45 Celebration
    10:45 – 11:30 Encounter
    11:30 –12:15 Celebration

Phase 3 (TBD) We will return to a normal schedule of events. Dates for this phase have not been set.