New Harmony Church COVID-19 Statement

We have always been proactive about ensuring that our facility is disinfected well on a regular basis. High standards of cleanliness will continue to be part of what we do.  However, as we watch the ongoing development of the COVID-19 issue, we need to clarify NHC’s response.

We understand that there are many opinions among our faithful attenders and members about how we should respond to COVID-19. The elders have prayed and discussed our options, and we are pursuing a policy of responsibility and respect. In an effort to be responsible and respectful, we will abide by the recommendations of the local, state, and federal authorities.

In light of our policy of responsibility and respect, here is our response.

• We will follow the schedule of the R-80 school district. If R-80 is in session, we will have normal services. If R-80 is dismissed, we will move to live-streamed services only.
• [Update: April 23, 2020] Following Governor Parson's announcement of a statewide shelter-at-home order on April 3, 2020, and the cancellation of the remainder of the Missouri school year on April 9, 2020, moving forward we will follow the social-distancing guidelines put forth by the governor's office until such a time that we believe our regular gatherings should resume.
• To maintain our regular rhythms, we will live-stream during our regular service times. We’re asking that only the people who help make the live-stream possible come to the church.
• [UPDATE: May 10, 2020] Beginning May 10, 2020 we will resume in-person gatherings with social distancing practices in effect. To accomplish social distancing practices, we have removed approximately half of our seating capacity and spaced the rows six feet apart. We will have two services, at 9 AM and 11 AM each Sunday and have placed a limit of 175 people per service.
• To assist in keeping our numbers beneath those imposed limits, we have partnered with Brushfire.com. They will provide a reservation system so you can reserve seats for your family in a service. Reservations are first come first serve and are, of course, free. You do not need to bring a "ticket" with you to get in. These reservations are a temporary measure until it becomes evident that they are no longer necessary. You can make a reservation here.
• While we conduct live-streamed services, we encourage you to view and participate in your homes as families and preserve the unity of fellowship.
• [UPDATE: June 14, 2020] Beginning June 14, 2020 we will resume our regular Sundays with one service at 9:30 AM. At this time childcare is provided only for children up to Pre-School. We encourage attendees to self-govern and respect the wishes of others as we continue to return to our normal gatherings.
  
• We will continue to provide a livestream of our 9 AM gathering for those who are unable to attend, or are not ready to return to in-person fellowship. Continue worshiping with your family at home until you feel it's safe for your family to return in person.
• In all things we want to present no stumbling stones for the world. Romans 13 tells us to subject ourselves to governing authorities. We want to conduct ourselves in a way that both honors the name of Jesus, and gives the world no grounds for accusations.

We ask for grace and patience as we walk through this in a way that we believe pleases the Lord. We ask that everyone do all that is possible to preserve unity in the Body of Christ so that we can continue to impact our community for God’s Kingdom.