FPBC’s Response to the 2020 Coronavirus Crisis

Gathering in person

Updated: March 2, 2022

Forest Park Baptist Church continues to adhere to recommendations outlined by Illinois Department of Health to promote health and well-being for all church gatherings. The staff, congregants, and guests are expected to take steps to adhere to recommendations outlined by the Illinois Department of Health (COVID-19 Guidance for Places of Worship and Providers of Religious Services). Beginning March 2, 2022, Forest Park Baptist Church asks all staff, congregants, and guests to adhere to the following guidelines with patience and grace:

  1. Masks are optional inside the church building, but encouraged.

  2. Practicing social distancing of approximately 6 feet is also encouraged for families/individuals, especially during small group meetings of any kind.

  3. Participants are encouraged to honor and respect each other’s choices, “eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)

  4. Fellowship time is encouraged by groups within the church (men’s, women’s, etc.). At this time, food/snacks/drinks should be handled in accordance with health official’s guidelines (no potlucks, reduced contact, etc.).

  5. Communion and tithing will continue to minimize “high touch contact activity”, continuing our current practices.

  6. We will continue to complement in-person gatherings with online opportunities whenever possible. By God’s grace, we continue to develop our technological capacities, utilizing them to complement or supplement our live ministry gatherings whenever possible.

With increased access to vaccines and testing, as well as a general decline in hospitalizations, these measures still only reduce the severity of COVID-19 as a ‘cure’ still does not exist and reporting on infection rates is increasingly difficult to assess. We endeavor to serve our church family from a variety of perspectives on these complicated issues. We certainly encourage families to make the health decision that is best for their household, especially those who are in high-exposure occupations and those living with high-risk health conditions. Similarly, we encourage all to honor each other’s decision for how to engage church activities in a COVID-cautious manner, seeking the good of each other as more significant than your own (see Philippians 2:1-12), to “love your neighbor as yourself.” As always, if you experience symptoms, we strongly advise you get tested and take appropriate measures to stay home.

The elders, deacons, and staff are committed to caring for and supporting you during this time. Should you need assistance, or if you have prayer requests, please contact any of the elders directly or send an email to info@forestparkbaptist.com.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Timothy Hein, Elder, Pastor
Sean Blaylock, Elder
Leif Farne, Elder
Akin Famoyegun, Deacon
Martin Venegas, Deacon
Connie Leeper, Secretary