Post-Quarantine Church – Part One: Reunion Sunday

* Editors Note: As we look at Reunion Sunday we thought it would be good for us to state this upfront. Only gather (in person) when your state / government / relevant authorities say you can. And, when you do, follow the guidelines given by the relevant authorities, and some. We must be responsible citizens and love our neighbors.

Different countries / state are in different phases of quarantine or shelter-in-place. Some are in the early stages and others are likely to gather in person sooner. We’ve been thinking about that first Sunday / gathering for when we can gather in person.

Reunion Sunday

Reunion Sunday is a theme that you can plan for that first Sunday back in church. It will be a community-wide event. This event will be about reconnecting with friends, family, and the church post lockdown. It is also about connecting with your wider community.

People will be relieved and excited to see each other again, but there will also be a new normal for life, and churches must prepare for that new normal.

Leading up to your grand reopening, it is going to be very important to stay in constant communication with your members and your community around you.

Consider adding a daily briefing from your pastor on Facebook or whatever platform works best. Schedule it so that it doesn’t conflict with the daily briefings put out by the government and health officials.

Leading up to your big day, you will also want to prepare for limits to the number of people gathered. Plan your big day with contingencies for an ever-changing situation.

Some of your church members, volunteers, and even staff may have serious concerns about rejoining the public due to age and health. Make plans that some of your team and volunteers may still have to watch online.

Precautions

Take all the necessary and recommended precautions and some. It is important to assure the community around you and your members that you are working closely with the health department to take proactive steps to assuring health and safety. Cooperate with authorities.

These steps could include, hand sanitizer stations, the promotion of health and safety training for staff and volunteers, a push towards contactless giving, and a culture where people don’t feel guilty that they stayed home and watched livestream because they are sick or vulnerable during a season.

We have a major opportunity to show our world that our church is not just a building, but it is the people that love God, and love their neighbors. This is an opportunity to see God work and to see the Good News spread. Let us show our communities that we care, and that we are a vital resource in times of crisis, that Jesus can be their peace, hope, and comfort in these times.

The Free Church Pack

In collaboration with IFB Design, we’ve put together this Reunion Sunday Pack. It gives you ideas, to help you get started, as you imagine the first big gathering. It includes:

• 1 Press Release Template
• Twelve (12) 1920×1080 Slides
• 36 Social Media Posts
• Post for Reunion Sunday
• Post to Promote Health & Safety
• Post For Encouragement
• Streaming Post
• Conversation Starters
• A 30-second video for moment of silence
• Original Editable Photoshop Files

Benjamin Smith

Owner of IFBDesign

I love designing. I love branding, I love creating experiences, and I love a challenge. I am a self-taught designer that never stops learning. I have extensive experience in multi-media, branding, marketing, graphic, and web design. I also believe that my creativity is a gift from my Creator. When I am not working on a project or enjoying a great cup of coffee then I am spending time with my wife and my two dogs a Japanese Chin-Shih-Tzu named Coco and a Shih-Tzu named Bobo. Or playing Minecraft. I also enjoy music and play the piano, harmonica, and viola.