REGATHERING UPDATE CENTER

Hey Crossway!

We are so eager to meet together in person again! We are committed to doing so in a way that honors the Lord, the governing authorities, and one another. This webpage will serve as a resource for Crossway Regathering, and any updates will be posted here. We are excited that, barring any outbreaks or necessary course-corrections, REGATHERING Level 1 is expected to begin on Sunday, June 7th!

Let’s move forward in these plans eager to extend grace to one another. Re-engaging in public gatherings will look different for different people. This is a wonderful opportunity to practice the attitude Christ calls us to: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4), and “Outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10).  Let’s go above and beyond in honoring one another during this time.

This guide is based off of Governor Abbott’s plan to reopen Texas and our local authorities guidance as well. We believe it is the wisest way for our church to move forward at this time.  Some things will look different than what we are used to in a worship service, but what won’t  look different is our commitment to lift high the name of Jesus through worship, boldly proclaim God’s word, earnestly seek God in prayer, and glorify God through the fulfillment of the Great Commission! 

You are loved!

Crossway Elders and Staff

Adapted from Governor Abbott’s executive order GA-23, the following are the minimum recommended health protocols for all public gatherings. These protocols are not a limit on the health protocols that individuals may adopt. Individuals are encouraged to adopt additional protocols consistent with their specific needs and circumstances to help protect the health and safety of all Texans. 

The virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to others by infected persons who have few or no symptoms.  Even if an infected person is only mildly ill, the people they spread it to may become seriously ill or even die, especially if that person is 65 or older with pre-existing health conditions that place them at higher risk. Because of the hidden nature of this threat, everyone should follow the practices specified in these protocols, all of which facilitate a safe and measured reopening of public gatherings. The virus that causes COVID-19 is still circulating in our communities. We should continue to observe practices that protect everyone, especially those who are most vulnerable. 

Health protocols:

• Self-screen before going to any Crossway gatherings (Worship Services, Small Group, etc) for any of the following, and do not go if you have any of the following symptoms: 

• • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Chills
  • Repeated shaking with chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Diarrhea
  • Feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Known close contact with a person who is lab confirmed to have COVID-19

• Maintain at least 6 feet separation from other individuals not within the same household unless otherwise mutually agreed on. 

• Face masks are optional, but please exercise sensitivity in general toward others regarding physical proximity and contact.

In addition to following Governor Abbott’s plan and recommendations, Crossway is referencing the CDC’s guidance for Child Care Programs That Remain Open, the CDC’s instructions for Cleaning and Disinfection for Community Facilities, and the American Academy of Pediatrics’ National Health & Safety Performance Standards.

REGATHERING – LEVEL 1

CROSSWAY REGATHERING – LEVEL 1: WORSHIP SERVICES 

We are taking precautions for our Worship Services in three main ways: Reduced Capacity, Social Distancing, and Sanitizing. 

Reduced Capacity

Instead of 3 service times, we will have two services at 8:45am and 11am. 

We will keep our worship services at a reduced capacity, which means we will be able to host fewer people each week. 

Invitations to attend will be offered on a rotating basis through Small Groups. When it is your Sunday to attend worship service, you will receive an invitation via email from Crossway. We hope to invite roughly half of our Small Groups each Sunday, and we will have some margin capacity left over for non-members. On the Sundays that you are not attending corporate worship, we will continue to equip you through a Live Stream of the entire worship service at home! We strongly encourage active engagement in worship and prayer in your homes to continue during this time!

Social Distancing

We ask that people arrive up to 15 minutes prior to the service time so that our ushers can escort and seat people/households with appropriate social distancing. 

Giving and Connection Cards will be done on phones to reduce social contact. If anyone would like to give a cash gift, there will be a box for giving at the back of the worship center. On communion Sundays, elements will be served in packs delivered by ushers to each household to avoid passing plates.

We will dismiss services by households to maintain social distancing inside the worship center. Those who wish to socialize in the breezeway before and after the services are free to do so.

Sanitizing

We will provide hand sanitizer as it is available, but also encourage you to bring your own. We will have a crew sanitizing between services. 

CROSSWAY REGATHERING – LEVEL 1: CROSSWAY KIDS

During Level 1, there will be no separate Crossway Kids Ministry at our facility – children will attend worship services with their parents. We believe this is a God-given opportunity for parents to train their children to engage in adult corporate worship. Children’s participation in adult worship service is not our main tool for making little disciples at Crossway, but it is an essential element that we get to cultivate during this time! 

Crossway Kids at Home videos will continue to be sent during Level 1. We are so thankful for our volunteers who are serving behind the scenes and “behind the screens!”

CROSSWAY REGATHERING – LEVEL 1: CROSSWAY STUDENTS

There will be no regular gatherings for Crossway Students at our facility during Level 1, but there may be a few selective gatherings for special purposes and our Student Ministry leaders are eager to continue to connect with students via Zoom! Please be on the lookout for emails from us and keep having discipleship conversations with your students.

CROSSWAY REGATHERING – LEVEL 1: SMALL GROUPS 

During Level 1, Small Groups will be able to gather in person again – with a generous allowance for people to “Zoom in.” We want you to feel total freedom to do what is most wise for you and your family. Some of the Small Group leaders may be the ones Zooming in, those who are unable to secure childcare may be Zooming in, and high risk individuals may be Zooming in. But, as people are able and willing, physically gathering with others in your Small Group is welcomed during Level 1.

Now let’s discuss some staples of Small Group time: snacks and hugs! During this initial phase, consider bringing your own snack if you are gathering physically with your Small Group. Your group leaders may see that a snack is made available, but it could help you social distance if you have your own on hand. As far as hugs and handshakes go, there’s no pressure to engage in such – you won’t be pressured, and we trust that your love for your neighbor will mean that you will respect others’ comfort levels as well!

For group service/outreach events, Small Groups should look for opportunities that minimize physical contact with those they are serving during Level 1.

CROSSWAY REGATHERING – LEVEL 1: CONNECTIONS

Normally, Step One is a brief meet and greet for any newcomers after the service in the worship center lobby. During Level 1 of Crossway Regathering, we will not be having Step One after worship services. We are looking to provide video resources for orienting new people to the church, and our connections team will personally reach out to any guests and provide ways for people to sign up for Step Two. 

Step Two is our 90 minutes class that covers why and how we worship, walk, and work for Christ together as a church. During Level 1, Step Two will be offered with reduced capacity or via Zoom, according to need, and any snacks provided will be offered in a manner that promotes social distancing.

Step Three is typically a meeting with an elder or staff member to help people plug into a Small Group, serve on a Ministry Team, and join the church in Membership. During Level 1, these can be done in person or Zoom depending on preference.

REGATHERING – LEVEL 2

CROSSWAY REGATHERING – LEVEL 2: WORSHIP SERVICES

Level 2 will have less restrictions and we look forward to providing more details when the time comes!

CROSSWAY REGATHERING – LEVEL 2: CROSSWAY KIDS

We are planning to include Crossway Kids for ages 0 through pre-K at our facility in Level 2. We are already preparing to implement the necessary precautions and look forward to providing more details when the time comes!

CROSSWAY REGATHERING – LEVEL 2: CROSSWAY STUDENTS

We plan to gather for Crossway Students during Level 2, but anticipate having some social distancing strategies in place. We look forward to providing more details when the time comes!

CROSSWAY REGATHERING – LEVEL 2: SMALL GROUPS 

Level 2 will ease some of the restrictions of Level 1, and we look forward to providing more details when the time comes!

CROSSWAY REGATHERING – LEVEL 2: CONNECTIONS

We look forward to providing more details when the time comes!

REGATHERING – LEVEL 3

Level 3 will have even less restrictions than Level 2. We are looking forward to that day!