HOW DO WE GATHER?
Because this is a somewhat lengthier blog post, here is a list of headings so that you can jump to relevant sections.
Gather vs. Regather
While many churches around the country are asking the question, “How do we regather?” at The Franconia-Springfield Mission we are asking the question, “How do we gather?” If we were not sheltering in place, we could gather as a large group, people could exchange contact information to meet one another more frequently, and there would be natural ways to get together and connect. The external limitations brought about by COVID-19 keep us from having normal, organic, in-person meetings — most of you have only met one another on Zoom thus far. We are all hungering for real, in-person connection.
As we consider the question, “how do we gather?” we will invite people to connect through the Church Center App. There will still be larger group events, but the app will allow you to invite people to smaller, more informal gatherings! In the app you can create both online and in-person events, coordinate the number of people who can come, and keep peoples’ data secure. People may want to gather virtually for book, podcast, movie discussions, or just a chance to chat. That is great! We also would love for people to begin getting together in person in accordance with CDC regulations and with their own level of comfort. Maybe you want to host an outdoor movie, grill, play music, play soccer, go on a walk, or garden. We want to help people get together!!!
Why the Church Center App?
That’s right, we have an app! It is called the Church Center App and you can download it for iOS here or Android here. You will need this app at TFS Mission for two main reasons currently (we will do more with it in the future):
Update your info. In this app you may update your personal information (which is only visible to you and the database administrator(s).
Find Groups. All small groups (including smaller interest groups and meetup groups) are shown in this app. You can sign up for a group, communicate with fellow group members, subscribe to your group’s calendar, and download resources from your group.
A Helpful Communication Tool
If you want to learn all that the Church Center App can do (and some of the things we will use it for in the future), check out this feature page. Church Center has come out with a beta version of its communication feature within groups! When thinking about data security/privacy, accessibility, user interface, and affordability, the Church Center App, which is already connected to our database, is the best option for our growing community to create new relationships.
What if I don’t have a smart phone or tablet?
Great question. The developers are working on a way to use the communication portion on PC, but it does not yet exist; however, you can always log in to Planning Center Groups and ask to join a group from your desktop. From your group page you can view the calendar and communicate with the leader of the group. You will receive group emails and reminders once you are in the group.
Here’s How
Fill out this form to get your basic info correct in the database.
Download the app.
Sign in using your phone number.
Search for “The Franconia-Springfield Mission” and join.
Click on the circle in the top right corner to update your personal info.
Add your cell phone number in order to receive group communication like text notifications (also ensure that push notifications are on for this app). Your email and phone number will be visible only to the group leaders, but group members will not have access to this information. You can always share your cell or email if you choose, but the default is that this information is hidden. All standard text and data rates may apply.
The group leader will add you to the “Get-togethers” group, but if this does not happen for some reason, then click on “Groups” at the bottom of your phone screen from the main page.
Under “Find a group” click on “Meetup Groups” > “Get togethers” > “ask to join”
Once the leader gives you permission to join the group you can create or join a chat chain within the group for things like discussion groups or meetups.
If you have any trouble logging in or beginning to use the app, please contact us.
Child Safety
We follow the child safety policies set forth by our Diocese in the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic Policy for the Protection of Children. Parents are responsible for their children before, during, and after church-sponsored activities; the only exception to this is when two child-safety certified adults are supervising children during church-sponsored activities for minors. Bathroom policy: Diapers should be changed by parents of the child only; parents should accompany their children to the bathroom or send them with an older sibling.
COVID-19 Policies and Procedures
Symptoms
Please do not come to any in-person events if you have the following symptoms: Cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell.
Social Distancing Measures
Prioritize outdoor events to indoor events whenever possible.
Keep a distance of six feet between individuals.
Refrain from any physical contact (e.g., handshake, hug, etc.).
Think through the variables: Arrangement of chairs or furniture, reminding children about not having physical contact with others. How is food being served? What objects will people touch that others have touched (e.g., door handles, faucet handles, etc.). Are people planning on singing?
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
Communicate with others in your group about PPE and whether or not it will be employed (it is not required in Virginia as of right now). Will you wear masks? Gloves? Consider having extra available for people who forget them. Consider wearing gloves in food preparation or if you hand someone a beverage.
Sanitation Procedures
Please follow appropriate sanitation measures at all gatherings, including providing sanitizer if possible.
To ensure a healthy and safe time together, we recommend the following 10 items for non-sponsored TFS MIssion activities:
Attempt to hold your event outside whenever possible
Avoid all physical contact (try giving an air hug!).
Remain 6' apart from one another.
If you're indoors, wear masks.
If singing is part of your event, singing must take place outdoors.
Encourage people to bring their own food and beverage for now.
When possible, keep entry/exit doors open so that people do not touch handles.
For restrooms, have hand sanitizer available at the door of the restroom since there is no way to avoid touching the door knob.
Encourage children to do "alone-together" activities where they are not sharing objects (e.g., coloring) or games that do not require touch (e.g., red light green light, relay races, tug-of-war).
After the event, disinfect all surfaces that may have been touched.