Mask Optional at FBC JC

Beginning Sunday, May 23, we are moving to a mask-optional policy at First Baptist Church.

We recognize this is welcomed news for some and may cause concern for others. From the beginning of this journey, our church’s leadership has consulted with local health experts for advice and wisdom. In addition, we have carefully considered the recommendations of the CDC and the scientific and healthcare communities. In our conversations over the past few days, we have received unanimous confirmation the time has come to make this update to our protocols.

Our commitment at FBC JC is to be a mask-friendly community – a place of hospitality for those still needing or choosing to mask. While masks are no longer required, the CDC encourages all unvaccinated people age two and older to wear masks in public settings. If you are unvaccinated, at-risk, or feel more comfortable wearing a mask, we encourage you to do so.

Regardless of your perspectives on vaccines and masks, we are committed to be a community of grace, united in love, and welcoming all warmly. We are reminded in Ephesians 4:2, as mature Christians to “be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” May this humility and patience continue to overflow from us into our community as we live as good neighbors, respecting others and establishments still requiring masks.

While the mask policy has shifted, our commitment to your health and safety remains unchanged. We will maintain a high level of cleaning and sanitation, have hand sanitizer readily available, and encourage social distancing in our facilities. Our pews will continue to be marked off for every other pew. And, as always, if you have any cold/flu symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19, please join us online.

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and support throughout this season. This is not over. We must continue to be diligent in our efforts. If cases increase in our community, we may need to reinstate some protocols. But as more individuals are vaccinated, and safety protocols are followed, there is great hope on the horizon. We celebrate the incredible progress that has been made, give thanks for the lessons we have learned and the countless individuals who sacrificed along the way, and continue to fervently prayer for brothers and sisters around the world still in the fight.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us.

We love you.

Pastors Melissa and Rod