Updates & Details on
HEALTH UPDATES
March 27, 2020 // Temple City Church Update
The intention of these guidelines is to deter and contain the spread of COVID-19 among our members and in our communities. The health and wellness of our members, employees and their loved ones is our top priority. The guidelines outlined in this document are set forth with the protection of our constituency in mind.
Yet, we also consider the important ministry that is done in our churches, both for our members and the communities they serve. At this time, we have sought to evaluate how to maintain crucial health and safety precautions while also facilitating the valuable ministry we exist to provide.
One of the most important ways we can protect one another’s health is to avoid unnecessary close contact. Please review the infection control precautions below as they relate to the guidelines that follow. You may also find more helpful pointers at https://cdc.gov/coronavirus.
Infection Control Precautions
As infection control precautions are referenced throughout this document, these precautions will refer to the following four points:
1: How long will these guidelines be in effect?
These guidelines will be in effect until April 19, 2020, or until further notice.
2: How are local churches to collect and sort their mail, etc.?
Limited employees, such as the secretary or pastor, can go to the church to complete essential tasks that absolutely cannot be completed offsite, as long as infection control practices are followed strictly. It would also be recommended that, wherever possible, if two or more individuals are at the church they are in different physical areas of the church. Please coordinate such visits with other church employees to minimize overlap as much as possible.
3: Can church staff go into the church to pick up materials to take home for remote work?
Yes, as long as infection control practices as listed above are strictly adhered to.
4: Can a custodian work at the local church during the week?
Yes, please coordinate visits with other church employees to ensure as limited overlap as possible. Custodial/janitorial worker(s) should follow infection control precautions.
5: How are local church payroll checks to be processed?
Local churches are to follow SCC’s existing approval and timecard submission process. Approvals should be processed via email.
6: How are local church employee’s timecards to be signed off on?
Local churches are to follow SCC’s existing approval and timecard submission process. We are accepting email consent from the supervisor.
7: What about opening and closing the church and monitoring tenant use?
The church property manager may open and close the church for a tenant as long as they avoid unnecessary close contact with the tenant and practice infection control precautions. The individual opening and closing the church should not support sound systems for tenant events.
8: Is distribution of food allowed? How many people are permitted to participate, including recipients?
This is permitted, again as long as proper social distancing and hygiene is practiced at all times. Fresh foods should be bagged by volunteers, and no direct handoff of items should occur. An adequate number of volunteers needed to perform this service will be permitted to participate at one time, while still observing social distancing practices. Volunteers should ensure that recipients follow proper social distancing practices.
9: Will members have any opportunity to visit the church facility to pick up new Sabbath School lesson quarterlies?
Yes. The church should designate specific times that quarterlies would be available for pick-up and ensure that social distancing and proper hygiene are practiced in all aspects. No personal hand-off should occur.
10: Will members have any opportunity to visit the church facility to submit tithe?
Yes. Members to check with the local church leadership for instructions.
11: Can a group of 4 to 5 people meet at an individual’s house to livestream?
No. This would constitute a private gathering.
12: Can a church rent a drive-in theater to conduct worship services?
No. Drive-in theaters are considered non-essential businesses that should be closed.
13: Can livestreaming of services be done from churches?
Yes, as long as there are 5 or fewer individuals present and proper infection control precautions are practiced at all times. There should be no in-person audience for livestreaming.
-Copied from https://scc.adventist.org/coronavirus/faq
Yet, we also consider the important ministry that is done in our churches, both for our members and the communities they serve. At this time, we have sought to evaluate how to maintain crucial health and safety precautions while also facilitating the valuable ministry we exist to provide.
One of the most important ways we can protect one another’s health is to avoid unnecessary close contact. Please review the infection control precautions below as they relate to the guidelines that follow. You may also find more helpful pointers at https://cdc.gov/coronavirus.
Infection Control Precautions
As infection control precautions are referenced throughout this document, these precautions will refer to the following four points:
- Strictly follow social distancing measures by requiring individuals present to be separated by at least 6 feet (excluding individuals or groups of family members that reside together)
- Have washing facilities available with hand soap or hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
- Place a conspicuous sign at the entrance asking that those who are experiencing coughing or sneezing do not visit
- Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such a doorknobs and hard surfaces
1: How long will these guidelines be in effect?
These guidelines will be in effect until April 19, 2020, or until further notice.
2: How are local churches to collect and sort their mail, etc.?
Limited employees, such as the secretary or pastor, can go to the church to complete essential tasks that absolutely cannot be completed offsite, as long as infection control practices are followed strictly. It would also be recommended that, wherever possible, if two or more individuals are at the church they are in different physical areas of the church. Please coordinate such visits with other church employees to minimize overlap as much as possible.
3: Can church staff go into the church to pick up materials to take home for remote work?
Yes, as long as infection control practices as listed above are strictly adhered to.
4: Can a custodian work at the local church during the week?
Yes, please coordinate visits with other church employees to ensure as limited overlap as possible. Custodial/janitorial worker(s) should follow infection control precautions.
5: How are local church payroll checks to be processed?
Local churches are to follow SCC’s existing approval and timecard submission process. Approvals should be processed via email.
6: How are local church employee’s timecards to be signed off on?
Local churches are to follow SCC’s existing approval and timecard submission process. We are accepting email consent from the supervisor.
7: What about opening and closing the church and monitoring tenant use?
The church property manager may open and close the church for a tenant as long as they avoid unnecessary close contact with the tenant and practice infection control precautions. The individual opening and closing the church should not support sound systems for tenant events.
8: Is distribution of food allowed? How many people are permitted to participate, including recipients?
This is permitted, again as long as proper social distancing and hygiene is practiced at all times. Fresh foods should be bagged by volunteers, and no direct handoff of items should occur. An adequate number of volunteers needed to perform this service will be permitted to participate at one time, while still observing social distancing practices. Volunteers should ensure that recipients follow proper social distancing practices.
9: Will members have any opportunity to visit the church facility to pick up new Sabbath School lesson quarterlies?
Yes. The church should designate specific times that quarterlies would be available for pick-up and ensure that social distancing and proper hygiene are practiced in all aspects. No personal hand-off should occur.
10: Will members have any opportunity to visit the church facility to submit tithe?
Yes. Members to check with the local church leadership for instructions.
11: Can a group of 4 to 5 people meet at an individual’s house to livestream?
No. This would constitute a private gathering.
12: Can a church rent a drive-in theater to conduct worship services?
No. Drive-in theaters are considered non-essential businesses that should be closed.
13: Can livestreaming of services be done from churches?
Yes, as long as there are 5 or fewer individuals present and proper infection control precautions are practiced at all times. There should be no in-person audience for livestreaming.
-Copied from https://scc.adventist.org/coronavirus/faq
Previous Updates
March 17, 2020 // Southern California Conference: Update & Details on SCC COVID-19 Direction
"There have been questions and new developments over the weekend regarding the guidelines and precautions in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The country, the state and the city have continued to offer increasingly more strict mandates. The U.S. president just yesterday issued guidelines encouraging the public to stay home whenever possible and avoid gatherings of 10 or more individuals. Accordingly, below is direction that has been given on specific issues and questions that have come up. We are giving this direction in order to both comply with government mandates and to assist our communities to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Firstly, please note that in addition to what is listed below, the State of California has called for all individuals 65 and older to stay home and self-isolate at this time. Our pastoral staff, if they are 65 or older, will be complying with this.
As noted previously, this situation is extremely fluid and these guidelines may change at any time due to the rapidly changing mandates from governmental entities.
Small Groups & Meetings
We have instructed our pastors that there be no small groups or meetings will be allowed within our churches or be sponsored or encouraged to occur in the community at member homes or elsewhere. Church committees should take place by telephone only.
Worship Service Livestreaming Crew
We have instructed our pastors that there be no more than 10 individuals may be physically present at the church facility on Sabbath for the purpose of facilitating or livestreaming the service; these individuals must keep all social distancing and hygiene practices at all times.
Church Staff
Each church has been permitted to make the decision to allow their on-site employees to work if they wish. If the church permits employees to work on the premises, proper social distancing must be practiced (hand hygiene, wiping down of commonly touched surfaces, i.e., doorknobs, etc.). Still, if federal, state or local authorities require complete closure and no on-site work, the church will need to comply. Pastors may see individual parishioners and their immediate family group at the church as long as appropriate social distancing and hygiene is maintained. Individual church members should work with their local pastor to determine times to assure that the pastor is available and that there are not more than one family on campus at a time to see the pastor.
Personal Ministry
Some churches have asked about personal ministry to the elderly and those who cannot leave their home. This is a wonderful idea and is encouraged, once again, as long as social distancing and hygiene is practiced. For example, if members bring groceries to an older individual, the groceries must be left on the doorstep, or if the resident is unable to pick up groceries at the door can deliver in the home to a location determined by the resident, but members are to avoid touching surfaces and maintain 6-foot distancing.
Food Banks
These ministries may continue; a proper procedure for implementing social distancing must be in place and individuals may not be permitted to congregate while waiting. The individuals distributing food must practice proper hand hygiene, and the food items must be bagged by our volunteers to help prevent surface spread via handling of fresh items by the public. If the facility or area being used has only one entry or exit, the church must set up a process to prevent two-way traffic through a single doorway or any narrow space.
Due to new governmental communication recognizing the essential nature of food service, personal ministry and food bank ministry have been permitted to continue.
These guidelines, while they may seem harsh, are practical steps we can take to protect the lives and well-being of our loved ones and those we serve. Our employees and members are our top priority; these restrictions are set in place for your health and safety. We thank you for working with us to look out for those who are most vulnerable and do our part to protect them.
Please join us in continued prayer for our country and our communities. May we seek the Lord for renewed faith day by day, as we trust that He will continue to sustain and protect us during these challenging times. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)."
Quoted from https://scc.adventist.org/update--details-on-scc-covid-19-direction?fbclid=IwAR0EjPiLUC6MV36-0DH148nMsuhsKv7FILYWvJaBZVQz5M1krIIVOvcrdDQ
As noted previously, this situation is extremely fluid and these guidelines may change at any time due to the rapidly changing mandates from governmental entities.
Small Groups & Meetings
We have instructed our pastors that there be no small groups or meetings will be allowed within our churches or be sponsored or encouraged to occur in the community at member homes or elsewhere. Church committees should take place by telephone only.
Worship Service Livestreaming Crew
We have instructed our pastors that there be no more than 10 individuals may be physically present at the church facility on Sabbath for the purpose of facilitating or livestreaming the service; these individuals must keep all social distancing and hygiene practices at all times.
Church Staff
Each church has been permitted to make the decision to allow their on-site employees to work if they wish. If the church permits employees to work on the premises, proper social distancing must be practiced (hand hygiene, wiping down of commonly touched surfaces, i.e., doorknobs, etc.). Still, if federal, state or local authorities require complete closure and no on-site work, the church will need to comply. Pastors may see individual parishioners and their immediate family group at the church as long as appropriate social distancing and hygiene is maintained. Individual church members should work with their local pastor to determine times to assure that the pastor is available and that there are not more than one family on campus at a time to see the pastor.
Personal Ministry
Some churches have asked about personal ministry to the elderly and those who cannot leave their home. This is a wonderful idea and is encouraged, once again, as long as social distancing and hygiene is practiced. For example, if members bring groceries to an older individual, the groceries must be left on the doorstep, or if the resident is unable to pick up groceries at the door can deliver in the home to a location determined by the resident, but members are to avoid touching surfaces and maintain 6-foot distancing.
Food Banks
These ministries may continue; a proper procedure for implementing social distancing must be in place and individuals may not be permitted to congregate while waiting. The individuals distributing food must practice proper hand hygiene, and the food items must be bagged by our volunteers to help prevent surface spread via handling of fresh items by the public. If the facility or area being used has only one entry or exit, the church must set up a process to prevent two-way traffic through a single doorway or any narrow space.
Due to new governmental communication recognizing the essential nature of food service, personal ministry and food bank ministry have been permitted to continue.
These guidelines, while they may seem harsh, are practical steps we can take to protect the lives and well-being of our loved ones and those we serve. Our employees and members are our top priority; these restrictions are set in place for your health and safety. We thank you for working with us to look out for those who are most vulnerable and do our part to protect them.
Please join us in continued prayer for our country and our communities. May we seek the Lord for renewed faith day by day, as we trust that He will continue to sustain and protect us during these challenging times. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)."
Quoted from https://scc.adventist.org/update--details-on-scc-covid-19-direction?fbclid=IwAR0EjPiLUC6MV36-0DH148nMsuhsKv7FILYWvJaBZVQz5M1krIIVOvcrdDQ
March 13, 2020 // A statement for our church community about the coronavirus
In response to new COVID-19 guidelines from the CDC, State, and local entities, the Southern California Conference has made the tough decision to close down all church campuses from conducting worship services and other ministries until April.
A formal statement from the conference president can be found at this link.
Please pray we find a closer walk with Jesus during these unprecedented times as we utilize other avenues to keep the Sabbath and worship God. He desires to dwell in each of us, and we do not need to be in any particular building or location to worship God in Spirit and Truth.
A formal statement from the conference president can be found at this link.
Please pray we find a closer walk with Jesus during these unprecedented times as we utilize other avenues to keep the Sabbath and worship God. He desires to dwell in each of us, and we do not need to be in any particular building or location to worship God in Spirit and Truth.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How can I continue giving if I am unable to attend worship gatherings?
Online giving is available for your convenience. Visit here.
Or mail your earmarked checks to:
Temple City SDA Church
9664 Broadway
Temple City CA 91780
***The church has bills to pay even if services are temporarily suspended. Your regular offering contributions are very much needed. Thank you for your support!!****
Online giving is available for your convenience. Visit here.
Or mail your earmarked checks to:
Temple City SDA Church
9664 Broadway
Temple City CA 91780
***The church has bills to pay even if services are temporarily suspended. Your regular offering contributions are very much needed. Thank you for your support!!****
TAKE PRECAUTIONS
The well-being of our church family, visitors, staff and community is a priority. We can all contribute to safe environments, whether we’re at home, school, work or church. Here are reminders we’ve gathered for paying attention to good respiratory etiquette and hygiene:
- When possible, avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid shaking hands and other unnecessary contact.
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow or cover it with a tissue—then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean/disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and often or use hand sanitizer.