COVID-19 Updates & Resources

View the weekly bulletin for worship. Printed copies will also be available. 

The latest update

(2.28.22) Based on the removal of mask mandates by the City of Raleigh and Wake County, as well as reviewing trends and local health data, masks are now optional at Ridge Road. Other protocols are being reviewed and will be adjusted as needed. We ask that if you are not feeling well, please stay home and join us online. Don't hesitate to contact the church office with any questions. Please continue to show grace and stay safe. 

Previous Updates/Guidelines 

Update (10.31.21): Sunday, November 7, we will return to our 11am worship start time. Sunday School classes are reverting to their normal start time prior to worship. We will be resuming congregational singing, but we ask that you continue to wear a mask indoors as required by the City of Raleigh and Ridge Road. Please contact the office with any questions. 

Update (8.13.21): Citing the increase in COVID-19 cases, Raleigh's Mayor with support of City Council, is requiring face covering use in indoor spaces within the City limits as of 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 13. This requirement will be in place regardless of a person’s vaccination status.

In addition, the City strongly encourages mask use in outdoor spaces when social distancing is not possible. Thank you for understanding – masks will be available at the entrance of worship for your convenience. 

Update (7.29.21): Unfortunately, Covid-19 cases have been rising rapidly in our community and across the State. The majority of these are due to the Delta variant which is much more contagious and easily spread. The CDC now recommends that all people (regardless of vaccination status) wear a mask while in public places indoors.

The RRBCH Re-opening Committee has presented a detailed plan for our worship services. Please contact the office if you would like a copy. 

As we plan for re-opening the Sanctuary, please pray for the safety of all concerned.

Entering worship:

• Beginning June 6, we'll meet at 9am in our Sanctuary (doors open at 8:40am) – No pre-registration is required. 
• If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms– Fever or chills, New Cough, Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, New loss of taste or smell, Vomiting or diarrhea–please consult your physician or call the Covid-19 hotline at 919-250-1500 to ask if you need a Covid test & then join us another Sunday when you are well.
• If you have a positive Covid test at any point after having attended worship in person, please notify Charlotte Craver at 919-923-2818 so that we can begin contact tracing as necessary.  
• Please continue to adhere to social distancing of six feet and refrain from physical contact with others outside your family unit.
• Only enter through the double front doors under the portico. Note: The outer doors on either side of the narthex will remain locked from the outside. This is to allow for a one-way traffic flow to enter.
• Sign an attendance log in the narthex (to assist with contact tracing if needed).
• Pick up a printed bulletin in the narthex or print one from home from the web site and bring it with you.
• A limited number of hearing devices will be available from the ushers as in the past. Each will be cleaned ahead of time; anyone who would like to use a hearing device will also be given alcohol wipes for additional cleaning if desired.  
• Allow an usher to escort you to an open seat of your choosing. 
• Roped off pews indicate those which are closed for seating.
• Center section:  sit at opposite ends of open pews (in alternating fashion).
• Outer sections:  sit next to the windows.  
• Note:  This arrangement allows for social distancing.
• Please remain in your seat until time to exit after the worship service has ended unless absolutely necessary otherwise.

During worship:  

• There will be no congregational singing at this time. 
• Special music will be coordinated by our Minister of Music. 
• Responsive readings and litanies will continue.
• “Pass the Peace of Christ” while in place & without physical contact.
• Worship leaders will use a separate podium from the pastor.
• At some point during the service, a photo of the congregation will be taken to assist with contact tracing.

Exiting worship:

• Offering envelopes may be placed in offering plates on either side of the Communion table as you exit the Sanctuary after worship.  Or, you may give online or by mailing your contribution to the church office. 
• Exit the Sanctuary in a socially distanced manner through a door on either side of the choir loft closest to where you are seated.
• Feel free to connect with others outside from a safe distance without physical contact.

More information:

• Hand sanitizer will be visible at entry and exit points.
• The bathroom in the narthex will be open as will the two bathrooms in the hallway behind the Baptistry.
• Children are encouraged to attend with parents. There will be no nursery or Children’s programs at first as we re-open for in-person worship.  Rocking chairs will be available at the back of the Sanctuary if needed.
• Sunday school re-start is being planned for individual classes to meet together at some point in the future. 
• Our plan is to maintain an early service schedule through the summer until the first Sunday after Labor Day (September 12).  Note:  The Committee will continue to evaluate.
• Pending the ability to do so technically, it is our intention to post on the church web site an audio recording of certain portions of each Sunday service as soon as possible each week.  If we can make this happen, you will be notified once posted. 

Any activities on our campus need to be approved ahead of time by the RRBC leadership team. 

Since scheduling will be somewhat of a challenge due to the changing needs of each group as well as our own activities, please be patient as we determine the best way to serve. 

A few friendly reminders (not all-inclusive of our COVID-19 policy):

• Continue to show grace to one another. 
• In general, our church policy will follow the guidance set out by health professionals.   
• If you are showing any symptoms or may have been exposed to COVID-19, please refrain from coming on campus. Contact church leadership for assistance. 

We are ready to help! Running errands, picking up groceries, financial troubles, safety, or simply a phone call–we want to help. Reach out to your Deacon, RRBC staff or your fellow church family members. 

If you'd like to schedule a meeting or hangout on the church Zoom account, please contact Ashlee Kirk.