Responding the the Coronavirus in our Community
April 2021
Dear faith family,
Now that our state is in a Mask Advisory, Radiant Bible Church is no longer requiring masks for entering the building.
Throughout the pandemic, we have chosen to try to follow the guidelines suggested by our state officials and seek to submit to Romans 13:1 by respecting those who govern over us. We recognize that there are varying degrees of opinion in this situation and in order to love each other well, we must remember that Covid-19 has impacted each individual and family in unique ways. Some have experienced great loss and pain during the last year as a result of Covid-19, while others have had less of a personal impact. We understand that multiple factors will affect the choice for each person to wear or not wear a mask.
Even though at times the world around us sees the topic of masks as an opportunity for division, let’s see this as an opportunity to love, care for and respect each other. Staff and volunteers will continue wearing masks at least through the end of April, and then we will reevaluate this moving forward.
Thank you for your grace as we continue working through these difficult decisions.
You are loved!
Radiant Bible Church
October 2020
Dear faith family,
Although the state of Indiana has officially entered Stage 5 regarding their response to Covid-19, the mask mandate and social distancing recommendations for gatherings remain the same.
As a church, we will continue to gather with the safety protocols we have put into place such as reservations for in-person worship and requiring masks for those who enter the building; however, once you are seated in the Worship Center, you are welcome to remove your mask as we will continue to adhere to social distance seating. We will continue to inform you of any changes in the future.
You are loved!
Radiant Bible Church
September 2020
Praise the Lord that we have been safely gathering for in-person worship services on Sunday mornings at 8:15AM, 9:45AM and 11:15AM! We are requiring reservations for in-person worship service as there are limitations on how many people can attend each services because we are following suggested social distancing guidelines.
In accordance with the Governor’s extended executive order, we are requiring masks upon entering our building; however, once you are seated in the Worship Center, you are welcome to remove your mask as we will continue to adhere to social distance seating.
To show love and concern for our faith family and community, we are taking additional measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 while gathering together. During this time, here are some different things you can expect on Sunday mornings at Radiant:
- Reservations required for in-person worship on Sunday mornings
- Masks required when entering building and gathering in the lobby
- Ushers will seat family groups together with two seats between groups in the Worship Center. We are doing our best to seat everyone with an RSVP in the Worship Center. However, due to group sizes, needing two seats between each group and other variables, that might not be possible. We have extra seating available in both the Multipurpose Room and Lobby. Thank you for understanding as we seek to serve as many people as possible, as safely as possible.
- Updates, Registers and offering bags will not be passed on Sunday mornings to limit common contact surfaces
- Additional cleaning measures are being taken such as Worship Center chairs being disinfected before services and bathrooms being cleaned during services, along with other high-touch surfaces
- Radiant Kids is open! Visit this page for more information
If you have been exposed to Covid-19 or are displaying symptoms, we ask that you stay home to prevent the spread. Although we are taking extra precautions to clean our building, we can never eliminate all risks or make guarantees that our building will be completely virus-free.
We are so grateful for the privilege it is to gather in person together, and we look forward to what the Lord will continue to do in our midst.
You are loved!
Radiant Bible Church
June 5, 2020
Dear faith family,
We praise God that even in these uncertain times, we’ve continued to worship the Lord remotely and minister to one another and our community in creative ways. Now, we are grateful to look ahead and, Lord-willing, open our building on Sunday mornings beginning June 14, which is the start of Stage 4. As our Elders communicated on May 8 in our “Roadmap to Safe Re-Entry”, we plan to gather for worship at the church building with wisdom, safety and in accordance with our governing officials. We continue to follow three guiding principles as we make decisions for our faith family: the physical health of our church family, the spiritual health of our church family and our social responsibility as leaders in our community.
‘Worship 1’ at the Church Building & ‘Serve 1’ by Worshiping at Home
As we gather for worship, there will be limitations on how many people can attend each of the three Sunday morning services (8:15, 9:45 & 11:15AM) because we are following the suggested social distancing guidelines. We are asking that you and your family ‘Worship 1 & Serve 1’. ‘Worship 1’ by making online reservations to worship at the building for one week, and ‘Serve 1’ by worshiping online at home and allowing others the opportunity to worship in person. If our church family alternates weeks, everyone at Radiant can gather in the building every other week. Beginning June 14, we will offer two online services on Sunday mornings – 9:45AM and 11:15AM. Additionally, the online service will continue to be available anytime throughout the week at radiantbiblechurch.online.church.
What to Expect on Sundays during Stage 4
As we begin meeting in person, Sundays will look different. To show love and concern for our faith family and community, we are taking additional measures during Stage 4 to prevent the spread of Covid-19 while gathering together. From new procedures in the parking lot, being seated and dismissed in the Worship Center, to not gathering in the Lobby – this will be different. This is not our first choice for a typical Sunday at Radiant; however, we trust that the joy of worshiping together again in person, even with limitations, will bring encouragement and unity.
Additional Cleaning Measures
We are adding extra cleaning measures before and after each worship service. In the Worship Center, all chairs will be disinfected. The bathrooms will be cleaned thoroughly during each service, along with other high-touch surfaces, door knobs and handles. For now, we will not pass the Register or offering bags. Additionally, the office and Radiant Kids areas will be closed.
Health & Risks
If you have been exposed to Covid-19 or are displaying symptoms, we ask that you stay home to prevent the spread. Although we are taking extra precautions and efforts to clean our building, we can never eliminate all risks or make guarantees that our building will be completely virus-free. If you are at-risk or uncomfortable gathering in person at this time, we understand and want you to feel free to continue worshiping from home as online services will remain available at 9:45 and 11:15AM on Sundays.
Reservations
In Stage 4, we are asking that you make reservations to attend worship at the church building.
Grace, Patience & Love
We all know this isn’t our preferred way for gathering as a church. We long to embrace one another, shake hands, huddle up for prayer and freely fill our seats. Stage 4 might feel different, but our God is the same. He still meets us in a special way when we sing, pray and open His Word together, no matter the circumstances that surround us. Let’s determine as a church to show each other grace and patience as each person is processing and responding uniquely to this situation. And let’s continue to love others more than ourselves and our preferences.
We look forward to gathering with you and your family soon! Keep praying for wisdom as we seek the Lord and walk through this re-entry process.
You are loved!
Radiant Bible Church
May 8, 2020
Dear faith family,
Last Friday, Indiana released its roadmap to reopen safely. When this information was released, our elders began discussing what it would look like to gather in person at Radiant Bible Church safely and in accordance with our governing officials. As the elders engaged in this conversation, there were three guiding principles that were kept at the forefront of the conversation: the physical health of our church family, the spiritual health of our church family and our social responsibility as leaders in our community.
Physical Health of our Church Family
We want to be sure to do everything within our power to provide an environment where our people can remain healthy so they can seek the Lord and serve others without distraction. Valuing physical health helps us exercise caution and demonstrate care as we make our decisions.
Spiritual Health of our Church Family
Gathering together in person and worshiping the Lord in the same place is supernatural. There is something powerful about the church body physically gathered. Valuing spiritual health helps us think creatively to get our people re-engaged in person as soon as feasible.
Social Responsibility
God has sovereignly placed us in this community. We know that many people often look to the church for wisdom and guidance as they process life. The decisions we make as a church communicate what we believe. We want our community to know that we care and that we are willing to take necessary measures to love people well.
We know and respect that other church leaders will make different decisions for their church families. We also know that individuals will make their own decisions on how they believe it is wise to re-enter life. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we want to encourage and demonstrate a climate of grace and understanding. Each situation is unique, so we want to be patient with one another and lovingly help people do life in a way that is pleasing to the Lord.
“Roadmap to Safe Re-Entry” Snapshot
As you read the attached “Roadmap to Safe Re-Entry” Snapshot, please consider the following supplemental information:
- 5-Stage Approach: In keeping with the language and structure of the reopening of Indiana, we are using a 5-stage approach. The projected dates listed within each phase are subject to change based on which stage our state and county will be in. We will strive to communicate clearly and swiftly any changes to dates that may occur. The dates remain fluid as the greater health situation in our community continues to become clearer.
- Connection: As mentioned in the guiding principles listed above, the spiritual health of our people is paramount. We have heard from many people in our church and how they are struggling with isolation, loneliness and grief at missing their faith family. Throughout each phase, we want to provide and encourage safe opportunities for connection and relationships. This may mean small groups could meet longer than usual and we plan to provide opportunities for people who are not in a small group to connect during this time.
- Stage 4 Worship: This is when we plan to safely begin meeting in person on Sunday mornings but with size restrictions and online reservations to honor Indiana’s 250 people max suggestion. This will be an opportunity to serve one another by worshiping at home one weekend and worshiping in person the next. More details will be communicated as Stage 4 approaches.
- Radiant Kids: This time has certainly emphasized how much we appreciate our Kids Ministry and the many people who serve to disciple and share God’s love with children. We have marked the decision to re-open Radiant Kids as “TBD” in Stage 5 as we are still gathering more information from health officials, schools and other churches.
- High Five 2020: Sadly, we have decided to cancel High Five 2020. This was a hard decision as it is such a special week for families and volunteers in our faith family. We don’t believe it is wise or safe to host such a large event for kids in June.
- Students & Outreach: These two ministries are not mentioned in the Roadmap as activities and events will be TBD and information will be communicated directly to impacted individuals.
These decisions have not been made lightly and we understand this is a challenging season for everyone. We continue to seek the Lord and His wisdom. Thank you for holding us up in prayer. Know that we are praying for you and your family and we miss you. We confidently rest in God’s sovereignty and know that He is working all things together for His glory and our good.
You are loved!
Radiant Bible Church Elders
March 19, 2020
Online Worship | March 22
Join us for a simulated live online worship experience this Sunday, March 22.
WE ARE CHANGING OUR ONLINE SERVICES TIMES TO 9AM & 11AM!
- Visit radiantbiblechurch.online.church at least a few minutes before service begins.
- If you can’t join one of those times, you can access the service through the same website and watch it in its entirety starting at 1PM.
- Help us share the word so our people know how to join us this Sunday online! Also, what a great opportunity to share our church with family, friends, neighbors and co-workers.
Additional features of this online platform:
- On the right side of the screen, you can access an online Bible through the “Bible” tab
- You can follow along with the notes for Sunday’s sermon using the “Notes” tab
- Also, there is a “Chat” tab where you can interact with other people watching the service as well as Radiant Bible Church pastors who will be moderating
Radiant Kids
What a joy to worship together as a family, yet we know for kids especially it can be challenging at times to pay attention. Here are a couple of note-taking pages, one for younger children and another for older children, to help on Sunday.
Financial Assistance
This time has proven difficult for many. We have provided a place for those active in our faith family to express financial or physical need. If you need assistance, please fill out this form. Each request will be prayerfully considered by leadership.
Giving
Even though we cannot meet together in person at this time, we can continue to worship the Lord through our giving and practice generosity. When you give to Radiant Bible Church, you are part of advancing ministry both locally and globally. Your faithfulness in giving enables us to be faithful to shine the light of the gospel in our community and around the world. You can give online through our giving page on our website.
In this season, our mission to glorify God and make disciples stays the same while our methods adjust. Would you join us in praying? We need God’s help, wisdom and grace to navigate these days with faithfulness.
March 13, 2020
As you know, the leadership at Radiant Bible Church has decided out of love and care for our faith family and community to not meet together in person this weekend. But we are not canceling church! Join us for a simulated live online worship experience this Sunday morning at 9:45AM or 11:15AM.
HERE’S HOW TO JOIN US ON SUNDAY:
- Visit radiantbiblechurch.online.church at least a few minutes before service begins
- Services begin at 9:45AM & 11:15AM on Sunday, March 15
- If you can’t join in on one of those times, you can access the service through the same website and watch it in its entirety starting at 1PM
ADDITIONAL FEATURES OF THIS ONLINE PLATFORM:
- On the right side of the screen, you can access an online Bible through the “Bible” tab
- You can follow along with the notes for Sunday’s sermon on “Our God is Faithful” using the “Notes” tab
- Also, there is a “Chat” tab where you can interact with other people watching the service as well as Radiant Bible Church pastors who will be moderating
At Radiant Bible Church, we prioritize the weekly gathering of our faith family. We encourage you to tune in on Sunday not just as an observer but rather as a worshiper, ready to lift high the name of Jesus and dig into His Word together.
RADIANT KIDS
While we encourage you to worship together as a family this Sunday, if you would like additional resources to work through with your kids, click here.
We will miss being together in person this weekend, yet we look forward to this special time of worshiping and teaching from the Word.
March 12, 2020
In light of the announcement this afternoon from Indiana Governor Holcomb and in order to submit to the recommendations of our local government, we will not hold regular Sunday Worship Services this coming Sunday, March 15. Also, we will not have Student Ministries this Sunday evening. The recommendation for ‘non-essential gatherings of 250 people or more’ to abstain from meeting did not include a recommended timeframe. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will communicate any updates through both email and social media outlets.
While many of us may not be concerned about personal risk, we want to love those around us who are at greater risk. We want to be a Philippians 2 kind of church where we ‘consider the needs of others above our own’. This is one way we can show love to our neighbors.
We plan to have some kind of online worship experience for our church family this Sunday. As these details come together, we will be sure to communicate with you.
While we will miss being together in person this weekend, we are reminded that God is sovereign. In these uncertain times, let’s cling to and point others to what is certain—the hope of the gospel and the unshakeable love of God.
March 11, 2020
In light of growing concern regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in our community, we would like to update you on our planning and precautionary measures at Radiant Bible Church.
With Avon schools closing for this week and next after a confirmed Coronavirus case at an elementary school, this has quickly become a situation that is close to home for our church. We want you to know that as an elder team, we are monitoring the situation closely by reaching out to the Hendricks County Board of Health and by staying informed of recommendations from trusted healthcare professionals and the CDC. At this time, the Hendricks County Board of Health is not recommending that local churches cancel services and we intend to proceed with services until directed otherwise. If this changes, we will be sure to inform you.
Your health and safety are important to us and we want to be proactive in caring for everyone, especially those among us who are most vulnerable. With that in mind, the following precautions are being put into place for the foreseeable future:
Elevated Cleaning & Health Safety Protocol
We have increased our already thorough cleaning and sanitization procedures. Here is what we have been doing to clean and the extra measures we are incorporating:
- Our weekly cleaning protocol includes cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces (such as door handles, crash bars, table surfaces, counters, etc.) each Monday and Friday. Additionally, Kids Ministry areas and surfaces are cleaned and disinfected weekly.
- We will also be incorporating the following extra measures:
- All lobby and Kids Ministry surfaces will be cleaned and disinfected between each service and a more vigilant cleaning presence will occur throughout Sunday morning.
- There will be more hand sanitizers available throughout the lobby and Kids Ministry areas.
- We will not be passing the Register.
- We will not be passing the Offering bags. Instead, we will have two locations near the Worship Center exit doors where your offering can be given. Additionally, for the GO! Trips offering this Sunday, March 15, there will be a separate container specifically for GO! Trips gifts or you can give online here and choose GO! Trips in the fund field.
- The café will be closed and we will not be offering coffee this weekend.
- We are encouraging Greeters, Ushers and Volunteers to welcome and engage with others without touching (head nods, smiles and waves are a great way to say hello and “You are loved”).
Take Precautions & Reduce Risk
We encourage our faith family to take precautionary measures including practicing cough etiquette and hygiene, washing your hands regularly and thoroughly and limiting physical contact with others. You should avoid attending church activities or services if:
- You have had any flu-like symptoms in the last seven days such as fever, cough, vomiting or shortness of breath.
- You have been in close contact with someone with flu-like symptoms in the past seven days.
- You have traveled internationally from an area in the past 7–14 days with confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus or if you suspect you may have been exposed to it in some way domestically.
Dwell on Truth & Pray
We live in a world with incessant fear-based news reports on mainstream and social media, making it easy to be given over to a spirit of fear and anxiety. During times like these, we encourage you to draw near to the Lord and dwell on truth.
- Here are three passages of Scripture we invite you to think on over the coming days and weeks:
- Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Remember who your God is and remember that He is with you.
- Philippians 4:6–7: “The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” The Lord loves when His children bring their anxieties to Him.
- I Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” Consider others in our faith family and how you might be an encouragement to them during this time.
- Please be in fervent prayer for the following:
- Pray for the many healthcare professionals, educators, public safety professionals and others who are preparing for the treatment and spread of this virus.
- Pray for the health, safety and peace of those who are most vulnerable in our church and community.
- Pray that we would take opportunities to share the love of Christ, the gospel and our faith.
- Pray for wisdom for our church and community leaders.
If anything changes regarding church services or activities, we will be sure to update you.
