RCC Coronavirus Update
February 11, 2022
In light of Governor Hochul recently lifting the mask mandate, we are revising our mask-wearing policy. Starting this Sunday, February 13, 2022, we will NOT require that masks be worn inside the building EXCEPT we ask that those who minister to our children continue to wear masks while in the classroom. We leave the decision about children wearing masks to the parents, but we note that New York continues to require that masks be worn in schools and day care centers and parents may want to take that into account in their decision making.
We encourage everyone to check the latest New York State guidance and/or requirements as they become issued in light of the Governor’s lifting of the mask mandate.
We will not be checking vaccination and/or booster status and trust that everyone will, out of love and consideration for those around them, take State and CDC guidance into account in their decisions with regard to masks and also will continue to follow good COVID-related practices including social distancing and staying home if you are not feeling well or have COVID symptoms.
December 13, 2021
As you know, the mask policy RCC has had in place for quite a while was subject to any new requirements that the federal, state or local government might impose. Effective today, December 13th, New York State mandates that a business or other venue with indoor facilities require its employees, customers and visitors to either all be vaccinated against COVID or wear masks while indoors (this does not apply to residences).
We are revising RCC’s policy to require everyone over the age of two to wear a mask while inside the building if there are other people present in the building. This requirement applies to everyone including those who are fully vaccinated, those who have had a “booster” shot, those who have had COVID and may have “natural immunity,” those who have not been fully vaccinated, and those who have not been vaccinated at all. Per the New York State mandate, those who, for medical reasons, cannot wear a mask do not have to wear a mask in the RCC building but they must maintain social distancing.
We also plan on the following normal precautions: having masks available for those who forget to bring one, enlarging space between rows, and having sanitizer available in many places within the building. As we did last winter, we ask that people refrain from hugging and shaking hands.
Live streaming and video recording of our Sunday morning services will continue so that those who do not feel comfortable attending in person can still participate in our community worship of God.
May 22, 2021
Beginning Sunday, May 30th, the RCC mask policy will be:
- Those people who have been vaccinated do not have to wear a mask in the building before, during or after worship services, although vaccinated folks are welcome to wear a mask if they want for their own sake or for the sake of others.
- Those who have not been vaccinated must continue to wear masks in the building including before, during and after the worship service.
- Nursery workers must wear masks while caring for the children. We encourage parents of any child (age 2 or older) who will be in the Nursery to have the child wear a mask but we leave the final decision to the parents.
- We will not ask people to “prove” that they have been vaccinated, but we trust that people will act with integrity and love.
- We will not be resuming food and beverage in the foyer at this time, although we will evaluate this in the future.
- Protocols regarding use of hand sanitizers and paper towels to open restroom doors remain in place.
Until May 30th, we ask that everyone continue to wear a mask while in the building.
As we move ahead together, let us always keep before us Christ’s command that we love one another (John 13:34-35), not using our freedom in Christ to indulge ourselves but rather serving each other humbly as we put the needs/desires of the other person above our own (Galatians 5:13-14), and as we trust the Lord to bring about His Kingdom and accomplish His Will here at RCC and throughout the world.
February 14, 2021
RCC plans to return to in-person services starting on February 21st. As was the case in the summer and fall of 2020, we will maintain social distancing, and everyone must wear a mask inside the building. Services will also be available as a live stream at 10 am each Sunday on the RCC website and YouTube channel.
January 8, 2021
We pray that everyone is doing well and growing in the Lord. We wanted to let you know that, due to the increased number of COVID-19 cases in the County and the new, more contagious COVID strain, we will not be resuming in-person services at RCC this month. We will evaluate the situation again in early February. Our hope is to resume in-person services for the first Sunday of Lent (February 21) but many variables still remain to be seen. We do not want to resume in-person services only to have to shut down again soon after.
So until at least February 21st, we will continue to hold our services remotely. After we resume in-person services, we will continue to live-stream the service and provide a video of it on our website until at least the pandemic is over.
Please join us each Sunday morning either on YouTube or from the RCC website. Everyone is invited to participate in the Wednesday evening Community Group which resumes this Wednesday (Zoom invites are sent out weekly). Also, the small groups and small Bible studies previously meeting at the church may resume meeting in the church building if they so choose, following all of the protocols that have been in place (everyone wear masks, practices social distancing, disinfects surfaces, etc.)
Finally, please reach out to one another via phone, text, email or otherwise, and continue in community. Challenging times remain, but our God’s Love, Grace, Peace and Wonder shine all the more in such times.
December 8, 2020
Due to the increasing number of cases of COVID-19 in the area, and out of concern for the health and safety of all who attend Ridgeland Community Church, we will not hold any in-person services in the month of December. Instead, each week we will record the elements of the service (Announcements, Call To Worship, Sermon, etc.) and post the video on our YouTube channel and on our website. We will also use YouTube worship songs. Additionally, the Christmas Eve service will be prerecorded as well and posted to the RCC YouTube channel and website.
Near the end of December, we will evaluate whether to continue having “remote” services or if we can return to the “hybrid” format we have used for the past five months.
November 25, 2020
We want to assure you that we are closely monitoring the current situation in regard to the safety of continuing to meet for worship and ministry. The area immediately around RCC remains in the “yellow” zone and can meet at 50% capacity as we have been doing. Even with the rise of cases in our county, we desire to meet in person as long as possible. With masks and social distance we believe we can do that safely at this time. If the geographic area that contains RCC changes to “orange”, then we will reassess our situation to ensure we are keeping each other safe and not defying our local authorities.
We have been taking precautions since coming back together in July. However, the rise in cases near to us require that we be extra diligent. First, we ask you to assess your risk tolerance to being around the virus. Anyone may be carrying it. Gathering with others outside of your household poses a risk. If you are comfortable being around people with facial coverings and attempting to be socially distant, then next consider your risk of bringing the virus to others. If you are at a high risk, based on your occupation or proximity to the virus, then consider worshiping remotely out of love for others.
We need everyone in the building to have some sort of facial covering over their nose and mouth. This should include a cloth mask. These have been shown to protect the wearer as well as others around you, in case the virus is unknowingly brought to church. If you cannot wear a facial covering, or are unwilling, we lovingly ask you to worship from home. This protects you, other individuals in the church family, and the continued ministry of the church, from unwanted outbreaks.
If you are unable, or choose not to gather in person, please remain connected via online worship. Feel free to use good, old fashioned email and telephone communication to keep in touch with each other, too. We will continue to be the church through this ordeal.
June 14, 2020
RCC anticipates resuming in person services on Sunday, June 28. This service is being designed to be a hybrid service, allowing people to attend in person or virtually through a live stream. Stay tuned as more details will be coming soon…
May 11, 2020
The Ridgeland Community Church building will remain closed through at least June 15th. All events scheduled through June 15th will be cancelled or held online. Please see the RCC event calendar for details on specific meetings.
April 16, 2020
In compliance with the NY Pause order, the Ridgeland Community Church building will remain closed through at least May 15th. All events scheduled for the first half of May will be cancelled or held online. Please see the RCC event calendar for details on specific meetings.
April 9, 2020
The annual Good Friday service has been cancelled. In this time of social distancing, I pray that you will find rest and opportunity for reflection.
As you mourn the cross, and that which cut bore on our account, I pray you will also experience comfort that can only come from the hand of God.
Blessings,
Zeb Hough
Senior Pastor
April 1, 2020
All meetings scheduled in the Ridgeland Community Church building during the month of April have been cancelled or are being held online. Please see the RCC event calendar for details on specific meetings.
March 25, 2020
DivorceCare on Thursday nights and the Monday morning women’s Bible study group has been suspended until further notice.
March 21, 2020
The March 22, 2020 RCC has been made available on the RCC website. Please click the play button on the YouTube video playlist on https://www.ridgelandchurch.org.
March 20, 2020
In this time of social distancing, the church building may be closed, but let me say this loud and clear, the church is not closed. We are called to be people of prayer. So, I want to encourage us to gather for a virtual prayer meeting through zoom! Prayer meetings occur the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month at 8 am. Please contact Pastor Zeb or Ron for information on how to contact.
Pastor Zeb
March 18, 2010
Yoga on Tuesdays and Saturdays has been suspended until further notice.
March 16, 2020
1) Sunday worship services at RCC have been suspended through the end of March (March 22nd and 29th). In addition, the Scaling the Summit small groups will not be held on March 18th (Wednesday), March 22nd (Sunday), March 25th (Wednesday), and March 29th (Sunday). At the end of March, we will evaluate when we resume in-person gatherings for Sunday worship services and the Scaling the Summit small groups. Although we are not able to meet in person as a family, please keep in mind that RCC has weekly and monthly expenses which must be met. Please prayerfully consider providing your tithes, gifts and offerings either by check mailed to the church or via our online giving platform. Thank you for your continued prayerful and financial support of RCC.
2) The Iron Sharpens Iron conference scheduled for March 21st in Buffalo has been postponed and rescheduled for November 7th, 2020.
March 15, 2020
The RCC Community Night scheduled for March 18, 2020 at 6:15pm will be held virtually. For more information, including access to the online video, please contact the elders.
March 14, 2020
The elders and Pastor Zeb have been closely tracking the news of the coronavirus (COVID-19) both locally and globally. For many, the spread of this virus has caused fear and anxiety. Scripture, however, reminds us that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind. This means we should avoid being overcome by panic while at the same time implementing wisdom that Ed Brown shares with us. Be aware! Be prepared! And Be Confident.
With that said, Health officials in Monroe County are recommending that gatherings be limited to less than 50 people and in order to limit any unnecessary risk, RCC will not be proceeding with services as normal on Sunday, March 15th.
RCC will provide an online virtual service. Please click the play button on the YouTube video playlist on https://www.ridgelandchurch.org.
If there are any needs amongst us, please contact the elders.