COVID-19 Update – May 20, 2020
On-Site Services Starting Soon!
Sunday, May 31st @ 10am
Hello Everyone,
We’re excited to be gathering together face to face soon and hope you are as well! We’re planning to re-open our on-site services at 10am on Sunday, May 31st. Please note- there will be no prayer service prior, no coffee station and we will be starting a bit earlier, at 10am not our usual time of 10:15am.
We want to ensure as safe an environment as possible as we gather back together in our facility, so we’re taking extra steps to clean and sanitize before and after every service. We’re asking for your help with the following:
Please maintain safe distancing.
To limit potential exposure, we’ll use only the main entrance under the portico in the front of the building. We’ll maintain proper social distancing (at least 6ft apart at all times) and ask everyone to refrain from shaking hands or hugging one another (I know, it drives me crazy too!). We will also limit access to non-essential areas of the building (ie., the cafe´, hallways & side foyer).
To maintain safe distancing, we will remove every other row of chairs in the auditorium and ask you to be seated as family units at least 6 ft apart (3 empty chairs between families).
Do I have to wear a mask?
That’s up to you. It’s not required by state or local authorities but may help protect against the spread of the virus.
What about Kids?
We will not be holding Children’s Services, so to ensure children’s safety and the safety of others, children should be accompanied by parents at all times (especially to the restrooms). We realize how challenging these limitations can be for younger children so we trust parents to decide whether attending in person is best for their family during this season. We completely understand if attending online with your family in your home is a better choice for the time being. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or would like to offer feedback.
What if I have underlying health issues or I’m at higher risk?
Some may be at higher risk for attending in person due to underlying medical conditions and may not be comfortable attending on-site services just yet. We encourage everyone to use wisdom in deciding when gathering back together is right for you. The Alabama “Guidelines for Places of Worship” strongly encourages people 65 or older and others especially at risk to watch or participate in the service remotely. We’ll continue to offer services online for those who may not be able to attend in person.
What’s the plan moving forward?
We plan to re-open in phases. The 1st phase is to re-open in a limited fashion while maintaining proper social distancing on May 31st. Keep in mind that this date is subject to change in the event of a spike in COVID 19 cases in our local community.We will remove limitations in subsequent phases when it’s safe to do so. We’re paying close attention to state and local authorities and are meeting on a regular basis as leaders as we pray and trust the Lord for wisdom.
King David attracted many “mighty men” during his days on the throne. Most were warriors but there was an interesting group called the sons of Issachar. 1 Chronicles 12:32 says, “Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command.” That’s our prayer, that we would “understand the times” and “know what we should do”. Pray for us as leaders to make decisions based in God’s wisdom not just the wisdom of the world.
We don’t need a building to be the church, but we do need each other. We love you guys and can’t wait to be back together, face-to-face… both with one another and in the presence of the God of all grace.
Blessings,
David Hale
Proverbs 22:3 says “A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.”
We put our faith in a faithful God and we don’t entertain fear or allow worry to control our lives. At the same time, God has called us to be prudent so let’s make wise choices and follow the guidelines of our federal, state and local leaders as we join together to combat this virus.
You may feel apprehensive about what the next few weeks/months hold. But let me assure you that we’re going to rediscover God’s goodness and His great faithfulness to us as a congregation, city and nation. God is on His throne and has been for every crisis that has come before. He is faithful and His people will prevail.
Don’t hesitate to be the church in this season. Pray for the sick, offer help in time of need, present a spirit of calmness and kindness when given the opportunity, especially when things are tense. Don’t offer platitudes, but really listen to people’s hearts.
When sickness presented itself, Jesus reached out and healed those who were ill and had no hope. He’s the same today as He was back then. He also met practical needs. Let’s do the same. Let’s be the church to the world when the world needs it the most.
Christian author and speaker, Jon Acuff has said, “fear is an emotion, afraid is a choice”. We can’t help when the emotion arises, but we can choose to not be afraid. If you’re struggling with fear, reach out to someone who can encourage, pray for you, and even help to meet practical needs. Scripture says that “… love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.” 1 John 4:18 NLT
Please remain faithful-
… in loving one another
- praying for one another
- encouraging one another
- calling, texting, messaging, etc.
… in supporting the body
- keep doing what you’re responsible for
- keep serving where needed (if healthy)
- communicate often with your Small Group leaders, Grace Team leaders, etc.
… in giving
- our ministry/operating expenses will continue so thank you in advance for your faithfulness
- you can mail checks to 2054 John D. Odom Rd, Dothan, AL 36303
- you can set up online auto bill pay from your own bank (contact your individual bank for details)
- Online giving is also available
Community Resources
Reliable Information
Links to COVID-19 Updates
Practical Considerations
We’re asking everyone to practice preventative actions during this season and to follow the guidelines from the CDC regarding precautions and recommendations for those involved in faith communities, especially-
- Frequently wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow.
- Clean frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Stay home when sick.
- Limit close contact with others as much as possible (about 6 feet).
Living Waters (Christian Counseling)
2130 Co Rd 125, Headland, AL 36345
Phone: 334-693-3380
Good News Ministries – Diaper Closet
The Diaper Closet is designed to meet the basic needs and supply diapers once a month to families.
208 W. Newton Street, Dothan AL 36303
Phone: 334-405-9844
Wiregrass Hope Group and Pregnancy Center
Free marriage counseling | Free pregnancy test and ultrasounds |New born support and classes
171 Westgate Parkway, Dothan, AL 36303
Phone: 334-793-0002
Find Meals for Kids When Schools are Closed | USDA-FNS
https://www.fns.usda.gov/meals4kids
Dothan First Assembly of God
FOOD PANTRY: Provides food to persons in need through their food pantry
Tuesday and Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm
3615 West Main Street, Dothan AL 36301
Phone: 334-793-4194
Dothan SEACAP Emergency Housing Programs
601 North Saint Andrews Street, Dothan AL 36301
Phone: 334-794-8754
Evergreen Presbyterian Church Food Pantry
This agency may be able to help with non-perishable, baby items and paper goods when available WEDNESDAY 8:30am-10:30am
1103 N Pontiac Avenue Dothan AL 36303
Phone: 334-792-7898
First Church of the Nazarene Food Pantry
Provides food to persons in need through their food pantry on the 1ST and 3rd Wednesday 3-5pm Walk-Ins ONLY
1081 Honeysuckle Road, Dothan AL 36305
Phone: 334-792-6974
First United Methodist Church in Christ’s Hand Program
This program may be able to help with Food, Rent, Utilities, Prescriptions and Bus tickets
Monday 9-11:30am ONLY
1380 West Main Street, Dothan AL 36301
Phone: 334-793-3555
Full Gospel Ministry Church Food Pantries
Provides food to persons in need through the food pantry
211 South Ussery Street, Dothan AL 36301
Phone: 334-671-9313
Good News Shop – Direct Aid Services
This agency may be able to help with Utilities, Medicine, Food Voucher and other needs on a Case-to-Case Basis- NO RENT HELP
http://www.nativitydothan.org
148 North Foster Street, Dothan AL 36303
Phone: 334-792-8742
Helping Hands of Dothan
This program helps those in need with their clothing & food
435 J. Steele Road, Dothan AL 36303
Phone: 601-934-0554
Living Hope Community Outreach Food Pantry
Living Hope provides food to those in need who income qualify below Federal Poverty
309 North Lena Street, Dothan AL 36301
Phone: 334-671-2376
Love In Action Homeless Services
279 West Main Street, Dothan AL 36301
Phone: 334-494-4995
Mercury Outreach Food Pantry
Provides food to persons in need through their food pantry
501 Broadway, Ashford AL 36312
Phone: 334-655-7099
Salvation Army Dothan Food Pantry
This agency provides food pantry services to those in need. Call for panty info.
1007 South Bell Street, Dothan AL 36301
Phone: 334-792-1911
Southeast Alabama Baptist Associate Direct Aid Services – Food Pantry
Tues/Thursday 8:30am
www.southeastalabamacap.org
1306 Ross Clark Circle, Dothan AL 36301
Phone: 334-699-2855
The Harbor – Food Assistance Program
This agency provides breakfast on Saturdays and dinner on Saturdays and Wednesdays. Food Pantry and Clothing Pantry is open on Saturday mornings. Free laundry services on Saturday mornings.
www.theharbordothan.org
320 North Foster Stree, Dothan AL 36303
Phone: 334-790-4031
Westgate Church of Christ Food Pantry & Clothing Closet
This agency provides a Food and Clothing on the 2nd Tuesday of ever month.
617 Westgate Parkway, Dothan AL 36301
Phone: 334-793-2280
Filing for Unemployment by State
Alabama
Workers can file for benefits online at www.labor.alabama.gov or by calling 1-866-234-5382.
***Online filing is encouraged.***
Steps to file:
- Go the Alabama Department of Labor <-CLICK HERE!!!
- Choose File a Claim
- Choose Establish a new or reopen a UC Claim
- Choose Continue
- After reading the following information on the next screen, choose proceed.
- After reading the following on the next screen, choose proceed. (This information provides specific details regarding your unemployment claim.)
- Continue to next screen and enter social security number and create a PIN.
- Be sure to answer this question yes if this is the reason for your layoff. This will prevent you from searching for work.
“Are you filing this unemployment claim due to reasons related to the Covid-19 (coronavirus) pandemic?”
- Continue on answering the following questions.