Hello Believers Band,

The Board wanted to get back with everyone as a follow-up to the email from Dr. Smith that was sent to many in the band regarding his questions on indoor performances by our group.  Since that communication, the Board has had additional conversations with both Dr. Smith and GFUMC leadership in an effort to further clarify the Believers Band COVID policy.

The Believers Band is an outreach ministry of GFUMC as indicated in our bylaws.  As such, our policy is to follow the church’s COVID policy.  From the beginning of the COVID outbreak, we have been following the lead of the GFUMC COVID Task Force through John LaForge, Director of Worship Arts at the church.  David Arvold has been, and will continue to be, in constant communication with him to make sure what we are doing as a band is in compliance with church guidance and safety protocols.  Recently, following a change in CDC guidance, GFUMC changed its guidelines to read the following:

“Masks and social distancing will be optional for those who are fully vaccinated.  Everyone who is not vaccinated should continue to wear masks inside the building and practice social distancing.”

This applies to everyone inside the church and would therefore cover both performers, staff and any congregation or audience.  The Believers Band is duty-bound from both a moral and ethical standpoint to support GFUMC’s COVID safety protocols and will follow this guidance the same as every other group (church choir, handbell choir, etc.) performing inside the church.  The church is encouraging the COVID vaccines as are we.  It is the Board’s expectation that Believers Band members who have not received a full and current series of COVID vaccines will follow the church’s safety guidelines including masks and bell covers if they are choosing to perform with our group inside the church.

Everyone who enters the church for whatever reason assumes a level of risk.  This is why GFUMC continues to have warnings at the entrances to the building.  This is certainly true of our members who choose to participate in rehearsals and performances at the church.  Believers Band members are reminded that there is the possibility that there could be members present who have not been vaccinated and it is each member’s personal choice to participate or not.

We have been presented with extraordinary challenges over this past year.  Through it all, we have found our way back to making music again and renewing friendships with our fellow Believers.  Thanks to all of you for your support.

Brian Stancill, President
Warren Almand, Treasurer
Sandy Blankenship, Secretary
David Arvold, Artistic Director