WORSHIP SERVICE |
FOR CHILDREN |
Q&A |
AtTEND THE LIVE SERVICE OR
WATCH THE LIVESTREAM FROM HOME
Faith Family Church holds live worship services at 10 a.m. ET on Sundays. You have the option of attending in person or watching via livestream on our YouTube channel. Nursery and children’s church is available, but no Sunday School classes are offered at this time.
We also recognize the importance of managing the spread of the coronavirus and minimizing the risk of infection. As such, we sanitize contact surfaces before the service, during the service and we remain vigilant about the strict protocols outlined below to ensure that we are being safe and smart during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The governor’s latest executive order (dated September 1, 2020) permits churches to allow public gatherings at 75% capacity and requires individuals over the age of five to wear facemasks in public indoor places, including churches. While the order does not require churches to enforce the facemask requirement on individuals, we ask and advise all individuals who enter the church building(s) for any function to comply with the order’s facemask requirement.
We also recognize the importance of managing the spread of the coronavirus and minimizing the risk of infection. As such, we sanitize contact surfaces before the service, during the service and we remain vigilant about the strict protocols outlined below to ensure that we are being safe and smart during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The governor’s latest executive order (dated September 1, 2020) permits churches to allow public gatherings at 75% capacity and requires individuals over the age of five to wear facemasks in public indoor places, including churches. While the order does not require churches to enforce the facemask requirement on individuals, we ask and advise all individuals who enter the church building(s) for any function to comply with the order’s facemask requirement.
Before you arrive:
- To enter the facility, everyone (including children) must have a ticket, which can be reserved on our Eventbrite page. One-hundred-and-fifty (150) tickets will be available (which is 75% of the main sanctuary's maximum capacity), and Eventbrite will process requests on a first-come, first-served basis.
- If you or a household member is feeling unwell or running a fever, please stay home and rest, seek medical attention, and do not attend any church services or gatherings.
- Bring a facemask, as all Marylanders over the age of five are required to wear face coverings in public spaces, including churches. If you forget, FFC does have some available to use.
When you arrive:
- Your Eventbrite ticket(s) will be scanned before you enter the building. NOTE: IF YOU SHOW UP WITHOUT A TICKET, YOU WILL NOT BE ADMITTED INTO THE BUILDING.
- Your tickets will be general admission; however, placeholders will be put on your household's seats in the main sanctuary. Please enter the facility and go straight to your assigned seat(s) to minimize unnecessary movement and potential contact.
While you're here:
- In accordance with CDC guidance, please maintain 6’ of space at all times between you and others not in your household.
- Minimize physical contact with other people (e.g., shaking hands, hugging, kissing, and so on).
- Cover your cough or sneeze, or use a tissue.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer (FFC will make these available).
- Tithes and offerings will not be collected by ushers, and we encourage you to give online.
- When the service is over, please exit the building promptly, continuing to maintain social distancing with those not in your household.
Finally, we ask you to continue praying for those infected by the virus, for the families of those who have lost loved ones, for those who have been impacted financially, and discernment for our leaders as they seek to make decisions that must balance a wide range of factors. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Faith Family Church remains dedicated to the spiritual and physical well-being of our members and our community
CHILDREN's SERVICES
Faith Family Church offers limited children’s services for nursery, toddlers, 3’s and 4’s, and K-2nd grade during the 10 a.m. worship service. We hope this allows more families with younger children to attend in person on Sunday morning, while staying under the 75% maximum capacity limit in our main sanctuary.
On Wednesday evenings, Area 51 youth will continue meeting from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Stone Chapel. Elementary students will begin meeting on September 16 from 6:30-7:45 p.m. in the sanctuary for “Songs and Scriptures.” Social distancing practices will be used with both groups.
In order to maintain a safe atmosphere at FFC for our children, we will begin implementing the following protocols (in addition the protocols listed above) on September 13:
Finally, would you please pray about serving as a volunteer once a month to help us provide these children’s ministries? On Sunday mornings, we need:
On Wednesday evenings, we need of two to three volunteers for the elementary Songs and Scriptures program.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Pastor Tony Trussoni or Judy Andrews at the church office (410) 552-9522.
On Wednesday evenings, Area 51 youth will continue meeting from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Stone Chapel. Elementary students will begin meeting on September 16 from 6:30-7:45 p.m. in the sanctuary for “Songs and Scriptures.” Social distancing practices will be used with both groups.
In order to maintain a safe atmosphere at FFC for our children, we will begin implementing the following protocols (in addition the protocols listed above) on September 13:
- Staggered check-in
- Masks to be worn by all children five years and older
- 6-feet distance between each child
- Most toys removed from classrooms
- Deep clean of each room and remaining toys after each use (Sundays and Wednesdays)
- Rooms will be cleaned by our professional cleaning service on Tuesday evenings and Saturday evenings.
- Parents will be paged to change their child’s diaper (volunteers will no longer change diapers).
Finally, would you please pray about serving as a volunteer once a month to help us provide these children’s ministries? On Sunday mornings, we need:
- Nursery/Toddlers – Meet in the nursery and 2’s class. Two adult volunteers needed.
- 3’s and 4’s – Meet in the 4th/5th grade classroom. Two adults and one teen needed.
- K/1st/2nd – Meet in the Stone Chapel. Two adults and one teen needed.
On Wednesday evenings, we need of two to three volunteers for the elementary Songs and Scriptures program.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Pastor Tony Trussoni or Judy Andrews at the church office (410) 552-9522.
q&A
Do I have to wear a face covering at all times in the church building?
Under Governor Hogan’s latest executive order, all Marylanders over the age of five are required to wear face coverings in the public spaces of all businesses across the state, including churches. Therefore, we ask and advise all individuals who enter the church buildings to comply with the order’s facemask requirement.
Does the worship service constitute a “large gathering” or “crowded place” that should be avoided?
Governor Hogan’s order strongly recommends that all Marylanders continue following the most current guidance from CDC and Maryland Department of Health regarding social distancing, including avoidance of large gatherings and crowded places. However, the order also permits churches to remain open to the general public, provided they do not exceed 75% of maximum capacity at any one time. According to its web site, the CDC does not have a limit or recommend a specific number of attendees for “large gatherings” and instead encourages event organizers to focus on ways to limit people’s contact with each other. Therefore, our COVID-19 policies and protocols follow legal requirements and seek to adhere to CDC guidance to create a safe environment for those who attend the worship service in person.
Would FFC consider holding worship services outdoors?
We think indoor services, following our safety protocol, is the best option for those who want to attend in person and those who prefer to watch the livestream online. The dimensions of our parking lot would make it a logistical challenge to hold an effective outdoor service, and we would not be able to livestream an outdoor service.
Some churches have established social distancing at 7’ apart. Why is FFC only 6’?
Maintaining a 6’ distance is in keeping with CDC guidance and is what retail establishments currently follow, where there is more movement among people than there is during our worship service.
Will you be taking temperatures at the door?
The CDC does not currently recommend universal symptom screenings on site. However, if you or a household member is feeling unwell or running a fever, please stay home and rest, seek medical attention, and watch the livestream online.
I’ve heard congregational singing has been “banned.” Is this true?
No. The faith-based workgroup recommends that churches refrain from congregational singing, but it is not banned. Our seating arrangement will provide 6’ distance between seats and/or households, and facemasks should be worn.
What happens if I forget my Eventbrite ticket?
When you order your tickets, you will receive a confirmation email from Eventbrite with an e-ticket. You also have the option of printing out your ticket(s), which will be in the PDF file attached to the confirmation email. If you have a mobile device, you should be able to easily retrieve your ticket(s). The fastest way to get your tickets is to find your order confirmation email (from orders@eventbrite.com). You can also check your Eventbrite account on Eventbrite.com, or install the Eventbrite app on your mobile device. To learn more, click here.
If you run out of tickets, will there be a second service?
For now, we only hold one service on Sunday mornings. If there is a pattern of more demand than available seating, the Leadership Team will consider adding a second service on Sunday morning.
What steps are being taken to sanitize the church?
In addition to regular cleaning by a professional cleaning crew on Tuesdays and Saturdays, we will wipe down contact surfaces once the service starts on Sunday morning, and then again after the service. We will also deep clean each children's room and remaining toys after each use on Sundays and Wednesdays.
How long will FFC be livestreaming the worship service?
Faith Family Church is committed to livestreaming our worship service permanently. The church recently made an investment to upgrade its equipment and production capabilities to offer a much-improved livestream experience.
Under Governor Hogan’s latest executive order, all Marylanders over the age of five are required to wear face coverings in the public spaces of all businesses across the state, including churches. Therefore, we ask and advise all individuals who enter the church buildings to comply with the order’s facemask requirement.
Does the worship service constitute a “large gathering” or “crowded place” that should be avoided?
Governor Hogan’s order strongly recommends that all Marylanders continue following the most current guidance from CDC and Maryland Department of Health regarding social distancing, including avoidance of large gatherings and crowded places. However, the order also permits churches to remain open to the general public, provided they do not exceed 75% of maximum capacity at any one time. According to its web site, the CDC does not have a limit or recommend a specific number of attendees for “large gatherings” and instead encourages event organizers to focus on ways to limit people’s contact with each other. Therefore, our COVID-19 policies and protocols follow legal requirements and seek to adhere to CDC guidance to create a safe environment for those who attend the worship service in person.
Would FFC consider holding worship services outdoors?
We think indoor services, following our safety protocol, is the best option for those who want to attend in person and those who prefer to watch the livestream online. The dimensions of our parking lot would make it a logistical challenge to hold an effective outdoor service, and we would not be able to livestream an outdoor service.
Some churches have established social distancing at 7’ apart. Why is FFC only 6’?
Maintaining a 6’ distance is in keeping with CDC guidance and is what retail establishments currently follow, where there is more movement among people than there is during our worship service.
Will you be taking temperatures at the door?
The CDC does not currently recommend universal symptom screenings on site. However, if you or a household member is feeling unwell or running a fever, please stay home and rest, seek medical attention, and watch the livestream online.
I’ve heard congregational singing has been “banned.” Is this true?
No. The faith-based workgroup recommends that churches refrain from congregational singing, but it is not banned. Our seating arrangement will provide 6’ distance between seats and/or households, and facemasks should be worn.
What happens if I forget my Eventbrite ticket?
When you order your tickets, you will receive a confirmation email from Eventbrite with an e-ticket. You also have the option of printing out your ticket(s), which will be in the PDF file attached to the confirmation email. If you have a mobile device, you should be able to easily retrieve your ticket(s). The fastest way to get your tickets is to find your order confirmation email (from orders@eventbrite.com). You can also check your Eventbrite account on Eventbrite.com, or install the Eventbrite app on your mobile device. To learn more, click here.
If you run out of tickets, will there be a second service?
For now, we only hold one service on Sunday mornings. If there is a pattern of more demand than available seating, the Leadership Team will consider adding a second service on Sunday morning.
What steps are being taken to sanitize the church?
In addition to regular cleaning by a professional cleaning crew on Tuesdays and Saturdays, we will wipe down contact surfaces once the service starts on Sunday morning, and then again after the service. We will also deep clean each children's room and remaining toys after each use on Sundays and Wednesdays.
How long will FFC be livestreaming the worship service?
Faith Family Church is committed to livestreaming our worship service permanently. The church recently made an investment to upgrade its equipment and production capabilities to offer a much-improved livestream experience.
