How the Coronavirus
In light of the updated guidelines provided by the CDC and Florida Conference, and in consultation with Trinity UMC's COVID Task Force, we have revised the Safety Protocols for First UMC. We will continue to live-stream our worship services so you can continue to worship with us online. Here are some things you need to know about our on-campus worship:
Safety Protocols
- Registration for Sunday worship will no longer be required; however, we ask that you continue to stop by the Welcome Table in the narthex before you enter the Sanctuary so we can greet everyone personally and make note of who’s in attendance.
- Masks for persons who are fully vaccinated (i.e., at least two weeks past their final vaccine shot) are optional, including during worship. However, anyone who is more comfortable wearing a mask, whatever their vaccination status, is encouraged to do so.
- Out of love and concern for our families with children, who because of their age do not yet have the opportunity to be vaccinated, we ask ALL adults (other than immediate family) to wear masks indoors whenever you are within 6-feet of children (so please keep a mask with you).
- Persons who are not yet fully vaccinated should continue to wear masks indoors, both for their own safety and the safety of others.
- In small group, indoor settings where all participants have been fully vaccinated, food and drink may be served.
- In small group, indoor settings where all participants have been fully vaccinated, singing together is permissible.
- Hand sanitizer will be widely available.
In light of Alachua County’s current orange status for infection rate, the following precautionary measures will continue to be implemented at this time:
- Only those leading and offering special music will sing in worship services. We hope to be able to resume congregational singing in the near future.
- We will continue to leave every other row empty in the Sanctuary and dismissed by row following the service.
Volunteers
- 10 persons at MINIMUM are needed to serve in the following positions in order to implement safety protocols: opener (1), check-in table host (2), greeter (1), lead usher (1), ushers (3), and closer (2)
- Please use the button below for a description of what each position entails and to sign up.
Sunday School and Nursey
There will not be on-campus Sunday School for any age group at this time, however, a nursery will be available for infants-5 years during worship. Haley Gonzalez will serve as our paid nursery attendant and will be accompanied by one volunteer.
As always, if you have any questions or comments, please contact the church by email at contact@fumcgnv.org
or leave a message at 352-372-8523!
or leave a message at 352-372-8523!
CHURCH OFFICE
FUMPERS PRESCHOOL
GIVING
The church office will be reopening in June with new COVID-19 safety protocols in effect. The new Office Hours to serve the public will be Mondays through Thursdays, 10 am to 2 pm. The staff are continuing in their regular duties both on site and while working from home.
Prior to the reopening of the church office, donations for Helping Hands Clinic or Holiday Marketplace can be dropped off at the church Tuesdays, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. and Thursdays, 10 a.m. - Noon. Members and friends can access campus other times via the side door of Bell Hall (ring doorbell during times when staff are present), or by special arrangement by calling the church office.
FUMPERS PRESCHOOL
FUMPers will continue to follow their existing COVID protocols through the end of this school year. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Lorin Winters at lorin@fumcgnv.org.
GIVING
First UMC needs your support for our continuing missions, ministries, and staff. We still need to pay to maintain our facilities and the salaries of the church staff during these times. Financial giving can be done easily online via our web site at www.fumcgnv.com/give, or through the First UMC mobile app. You may also want to consider signing up for automated giving of your tithe/offering! If you need assistance with setting this up, please call the church office at 352-372-8523 or by contacting Linda Madden at linda@fumcgnv.org.
If you are not feeling well...
- First, remember that you are precious and beloved, and we want to make sure you are okay! Seek medical attention as needed and take care of yourself!
- Second, let the church know that you are ill, so that we can be praying for you. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help you.
- Third, stay home as you care for yourself. Your health is far more important than any program, project, meeting, or service! Don’t worry, we’ll be here when you’re feeling better!