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Council Bulletin – 13 May 2020

Following a special meeting convened by the Church Council on 12 May 2020, this Council Bulletin – 13 May 2020 was released.

In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”

As our nation continues to manage the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Jamaica has varied earlier guidelines governing church services.

Disaster Risk Management Act Enforcement Measures announced by Prime Minister Andrew Holness on May 11, 2020, provide for the resumption of church gatherings beginning May 16, 2020 for a trial period of two (2)  weeks, with a number of conditions.

These include:

  • The allocation of  40 square feet of space to each person in attendance.
  • Everyone must have a temperature check done on entry, and must sanitize.
  • A mask must be worn in the sanctuary.
  • No more than 10 persons at a time should gather outside the sanctuary and all must maintain physical distancing of six (6) feet.
  • Choirs must not assemble.
  • Persons 65 years and over must continue to remain at home.

In a special meeting of the Council held on May 12, 2020, it was agreed that Grace Missionary Church (GMC) is not at this time adequately prepared to handle the logistics demanded by the conditions for the resumption of services in the sanctuary by May 16, 2020.

The Council has decided to monitor the wider impact of the easing of church attendance restrictions during the two (2) week trial period while putting in place the required resources for a safe and structured resumption later on. A cross functional working committee led by Elder Noel Brown will be charged with this responsibility.

During this period GMC will continue with recorded Sunday Worship services, Zoom Prayer Meetings and Bible Study sessions as well as the Cross-Care Programme in support of the spiritual and social needs of the membership during this challenging time.

Along with the updated enforcement measures (detailed in the attached communique from the Prime Minister’s Press Conference on COVID-19) please be reminded of adjusted curfew times as follows:

Wednesday May 13 – Sunday May 24, 2020         8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
Sunday May 24                                                                3:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
Monday May 25 (Labour Day)                                    3:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
Tuesday May 26  – Sunday May 31                           9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

We encourage you once more to consistently observe the COVID-19 protocols of hand washing, physical distancing , the wearing of a mask in public spaces and staying home as much as possible.  

God has truly been gracious to our Nation and we give Him thanks and continue to seek His mercy each day. Periodic updates will be provided as your Church Council continues to monitor developments and review our current approach as necessary.

Council Bulletin - 13 May 2020

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