First Baptist Church of Arnold works hard to protect its flock
First Baptist Church of Arnold holds to a motto inspired by COVID-19: “We are one church, on-site and online.”
After eight weeks of live-streaming-only in the virus’ early days, the church reopened its sanctuary May 17 – with stringent precautions.
About half of its members currently attend services in-person, the rest remotely.
So far, so good.
Next Generation Pastor Jason Ervin, who supervises programs for “babies through college,” said no one is known to have contracted the virus through church services and no member has died from catching the virus elsewhere.
“Some members have tested positive – we have a membership of 10,000 – but if they have it, they stay home,” Ervin said.
The church, 2012 Missouri State Road, limits attendance at each of its four identical services (two of which are live-streamed).
“If you came with a family, you can sit with a family,” Ervin said.
Blue tape marks the back of pews that are safely distant, and masks are available. Their use is “welcomed and encouraged” but not required, Ervin said, in accordance with county rules.
The auditorium is deep-cleaned after each service.
Ervin said church leaders plan to keep current measures until the end of the year and then reevaluate.
“We are realistic that this is a difficult time,” he said. “Our congregation has been united and generous throughout.”
Members made masks to donate to hospitals, he said.
“We’ve been able to do food drives, a blood drive, and we partnered with the Fox school district to deliver meals to students who would not have them otherwise.”
The church will provide another gift to the community Dec. 11-13 and Dec. 18-20 with “Lights of Christmas,” a 15-minute light show that will be presented four times each night on the church parking lot. Visitors can watch from their vehicles and tune in to an FM radio setting for sound.
