What do services at FBC look like during COVID-19?

The Covid Task Force and the Coordinating Council have agreed to suspend the mandatory wearing of masks in and around the church buildings as of now. This is in line with the common practice in most public places at this time. In order to maintain the safety and security of all who come to FBC, we have designated some pews in the middle section on the lectern side of the aisle as “mask required” seats. These places are for those who would feel more comfortable being only with others who are masked. The seats will be designated with signage on Sunday and ushers will be on hand to assist you. We continue to live-stream all services as well.
The priority that informs our process is inspired by our inclusive beliefs. We profess that everybody is somebody to God and to us. This is why we chose to wait to reconvene in-person gatherings until everybody was safe to return together.
You are essential—to God and to us.

Are any events being held in the church building at this time?

In additions to in-person services inside the Sanctuary, in-person events are being held at FBC. As of October 2022, the Covid-19 protocols have been suspended until there is a need to reinstate them. If you would like to hold an event at First Baptist Church, please email us at info@fbc-worc.org

Where do I park?

Our main parking lot entrance is off of Salisbury St. Overflow parking is available across the street or behind the church in the WPI parking garage. Entrances to the church are located along the main parking lot. The doors closer to Salisbury St. access the historic Sanctuary via stairs, while the main entrance down the sidewalk leads to education and fellowship spaces and is wheelchair accessible with an elevator to the Sanctuary.

When you arrive.

When you enter the sanctuary, you will be greeted by an usher who will give you an Order of Worship which includes church announcements and guidance to participate in worship. The worship service begins at 10:00 am and usually lasts about an hour.

What if I have children with me?

Children are always welcome in worship! We have baskets available at the sanctuary entrances which include children’s activities for those kids who may find it difficult to focus for the entire service. All children are invited to come up for the Moment of Wonder during the service where children receive a lesson crafted for them. Following the Moment of Wonder, children then return to their parents. All adults who work with children are CORI certified, and FBC as a whole is Safe Church certified.

What happens during worship?

Our ministers and members participate in leading different parts of the worship service. We sing hymns, recite prayers, listen to Bible readings and special music, participate in giving and learn from a sermon. Once a month, we celebrate Communion in worship.

May I take communion?

Yes, you can. We welcome everyone to share in communion with us. We serve the Lord’s Supper on the first Sunday of each month. The church practices OPEN COMMUNION, which means that anyone who wishes to may partake of the bread and the juice. You do not have to be a member to participate.

Where are the restrooms?

Restrooms may be found by entering the hallway through the doors to your right in the front of the sanctuary (near the pulpit). The nearest restroom is in the Going Library, which is on the right and down the hallway from the stairs and elevator. There are also restrooms on the lower level of the church, which you can reach by taking the elevator (to level BR).

Fellowship Hour

Everyone is invited to join us for our Fellowship Hour following worship! We love to meet visitors and greet each other after worship. Fair trade coffee, tea and light refreshments are served in Gordon Hall just outside the Sanctuary, accessible via stairs or elevator. On many Sundays, programming of a variety of interests follows the time of fellowship.

What if I'm an introvert?

If you’re nervous about visiting a new church, you can always check us out online first! Even pre-COVID we livestreamed all of our services on our website. We are currently using both Facebook Live and Zoom to stream the services while we remain outside of the church building. We also post previous sermon audio on our SoundCloud page and previous sermon videos on our YouTube channel and Sermons page. When we have in person services again and you feel ready to visit, we suggest coming in through the entrance closest to Salisbury St. (near our Free Little Pantry), as this will bring you into the sanctuary at the back, rather than the front. There’s always a brief time of greeting during the service, and then a Fellowship Hour in Gordon Hall after the service. Feel free to participate in those as much or as little as you’d like. If you’d rather meet with someone one-on-one first, Pastor Brent would love to grab a coffee or bite with you.

Is FBC accessible?

FBC’s commitment to inclusion means that we want everyone to have full access to our church building and full participation in our worship. Because our building is more than 80 years old, it has undergone multiple renovations to work toward full accessibility, and this remains an ongoing process. For those who may have difficulty with stairs, our main entrance is located just off the parking lot near the playground and has no steps. The entrance leads to the church office, and then down the hall to the elevator, by which you can access all levels of the church building. Hearing devices are available for the hard of hearing to use during the service, and Communion will be brought to your seat if you have difficulty coming to the front. We still have progress to make, and we welcome suggestions regarding areas that need improvement.