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Plan to Reopen

On Monday, April 27, 2020, Governor Greg Abbott announced the first phase of the plan to Open Texas while minimizing the spread of COVID-19. Under Phase I, certain services and activities are allowed to open with limited occupancy, and DSHS released minimum standard health protocols for businesses and individuals.

Houses of Worship have been deemed essential by the State of Texas, however, we are asked to follow the state’s health protocols specific for churches in order to meet again in person, according to Executive Order GA-18 from the Governor’s office.

Since April 27, 2020, Governor Greg Abbott has issued several executive orders in the plan to reopen the State of Texas. Opening the State of Texas | COVID-19

The elders of NECC have been monitoring the highly political climate as many clergy, politicians, health-care, and legislative bodies have weighed in. Through prayer and consideration of all the data available to us at this time; we still believe that it is in the best interest of our church to continue to gather in small groups and online technologies.

We’ve been asked often, “What about people who feel comfortable meeting?” Our answer to that question is the same as it was back in 2020. For those who feel comfortable meeting in person, create opportunities to meet in homes, or public spaces to fellowship. It has always been our stance that a big part of discipleship is through meeting in smaller groups.

We would like to be clear in stating that the reopening of Northeast Community Church for regular in-person services has never been about government ordinances or fear. Our stance has always been about the way that we present ourselves as the body of Christ in the midst of a global pandemic. We want to display the love of Christ to the world through sacrificing for the greater good of the community, as well as loving our neighbors and considering the health of members of our community who are at higher risk.

We have drafted a phased plan for returning to in-person services that are fluid based on the following factors. This plan is devices from best practices from multiple sources including but not limited to (TDHS, CDC, WHO)

  • Vaccination availability.
  • Declining or maintained hospitalizations in our area.
  • Virus mutations and variant severity.

Note: the dates below for each phase are tentative based on the factors above. The dates may change with changing conditions.

Phase 5:

Online Only
No social gatherings over 10 people
LifeGroups Online & In-Person
Worship Service Online Only**

Phase 4: (April 18)

  • Outdoors Gatherings
  • Maintaining social distancing. (6 feet)
  • Wearing masks.
  • Hand sanitizer is available.
  • Attendees are asked not to attend if they are feeling ill, are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the previous 14 days.
  • Everyone is asked to refrain from offering handshakes or hugs.
  • Seats are properly sanitized between services.
  • In the case of inclement weather (we will notify our mailing and text message lists) and stream the service online.
    Online services & streaming are available **

Phase 3: (Mid-May)

  • Indoor Gatherings 50% Capacity
  • Multiple services and rows removed to promote social distancing.
  • Masks are required for all attendees. (Including children over 2)
  • Temperature checks at the door.
  • Hand sanitizer is available upon entry.
  • Guests are asked to use all auditorium entrances and exits to limit transition traffic.
  • Guests are asked to take their seats immediately to limit crowding.
  • Guests are asked to maintain two empty chairs between groups.
  • Seats and hard surfaces are properly sanitized between services.
  • Guests are asked to exit the building immediately upon dismissal.
  • Capacity in rooms and hallways is limited.
  • Guests are asked not to attend if they are feeling ill, are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the previous 14 days.
  • Everyone is asked to refrain from offering handshakes or hugs.
  • No children’s ministry is available due to classroom capacity being limited.
    Online Services are available at every phase **

Phase 2: (July 18th) (current phase)

  • Indoor Gathering 75% Capacity
  • Masks required for all attendees. (Including children over 2)
  • Hand sanitizer stations available
  • Temperature checks at the door.
  • More seats made available to facilitate 75% capacity.
  • Guests are asked not to attend if they are feeling ill, are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the previous 14 days.
  • Children’s Ministry will restart as soon as we have enough volunteers.
    Online Services are available at every phase **

Phase 1: (TBD)

  • Full Capacity
  • No Mask restrictions.
  • Hand sanitizer stations available.
  • Rows placed back to maximize seating.
  • No distancing limits.
  • Guests are asked not to attend if they are feeling ill, are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the previous 14 days.
    Online Services are available at every phase **

Northeast Community Church will continue to provide our worship services online: necc@home , NortheastKids , and neccstudents.

necc@home

Join us Sundays at 10:00 am or 11:00 am on FaceBook 

You can also watch On-Demand on your YouTube Channel

Need Help?

https://necommunity.church/benevolence/application

STAY CONNECTED

We believe it is vitally important to remain connected as a community of believers.  Here are a few ways to:

1. We’ve made digital resources available for children, students, & parents:

2. We also have a newsletter available for you to keep up with pertinent information. | Sign Up
3. Looking for more information? Fill out our Connect Card, and we’ll help you with whatever you need. | Fill it Out

Updated: 7/20/21