CORONAVIRUS UPDATE - June 28, 2020

 

 

Friends:

 

The last time we were able to meet in church for worship was March 8^th.  Then, very suddenly everything changed. We were in the middle of Lent then – and it felt like it. The intervening weeks have been difficult for all, though perhaps in different ways. But I think all of us have missed church. As I have been saying, worship wasn’t cancelled but it was changed. We have done our best with our FaceBook Livestream, but it is not quite the same. Most of us, at the time of our deepest challenges, seek something we can only find in church.

For several weeks now a “Reopen Team”, backed by the Council, has been at work determining a plan forward. I am grateful for their wisdom and leadership. Many of you took part in a survey we created. Your answers confirmed what we had anticipated. After much preparation we feel we can move towards a reopening. This will be in phases and we are committed to doing this slowly, safely and faithfully. You can help us by reading the guidelines below and following them.

But the bottom line is, subject to these guidelines, that we will offer in person worship, in the church, on Sunday July 5^th.

SEATING

• Seating in the church (including both back rooms) will be limited to 60 people, on a ‘first come’ basis. However folks beyond that number will be invited to sit outside (so you may want to bring a chair). Or you may sit outside in any case, if you feel more comfortable.
• We ask that you enter the church by the large doors (Church Road side) and exit by the side door nearest the Thomas Center. Of course if you are not able navigate the stairs you can use the other door.
• Pews will be marked to assure 6 feet between people or families.
• A second elder will be able to help you find seating.
• We ask that folks not gather in the back hallway when entering, and we will not be shaking hands before or after the service.

 

MASKS AND SANITATION

• The church will be professionally and thoroughly cleaned before the 5^th, and after each service going forward.
• Please bring and wear a mask or face covering (with exception of children under age 2). We ask you to bring your own, but will have a few if you forget.
• Hand sanitizer will be available as you enter the church. We encourage you to use it.
• Weather permitting, we will open windows for ventilation and the doors will be opened to limit having to touch them.

 

HEALTH INFORMATION

• We encourage those who are vulnerable to stay at home and watch our live-streamed services.
• Of course, those who are sick, have a fever, have signs of contracting COVID-19 or the flu, or have someone in their household with symptoms, need to stay at home and worship online.

 

WORSHIP SERVICE

• The format of the service will be as it has been during our livestream services, and so will be approximately 40 minutes long. Gradually we anticipate adding elements back in.
• Bibles, hymnals, envelopes, and pens will be temporarily removed from pews.
• There will be no bulletins for now.
• I have decided that we will not offer communion in worship for at least the summer. We will reassess as we move into September. However, if you would like communion please let me know and I can provide it to you in your home or in my study.
• Unfortunately, we will not be singing hymns nor will the Singers be offering music for the time being. Toni will, as she has been during our livestream, sing 2 pieces of music.
• Our FaceBook Livestream will continue for the foreseeable future.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

• The bathroom in the church will be available for use. The Thomas Center will be closed and we ask that those bathrooms not be used and that the building not be entered.
• There will not be coffee hour.
• There will be no Sunday School or Nursery during the summer.
• We certainly understand that some, for many reasons, may not yet feel comfortable coming to church. We know you will return when the time is right. In the meantime we invite you to bring a chair and sit outside, or watch us online.
• As things change these guidelines will as well.

Thank you in advance for helping us make this a smooth and safe reopen. We are called to “love one another” and so we do all this not just for ourselves but for each other. I know that we can do this, and we can do it safely and faithfully.

I also want to thank you for your patience and faith through all this. This has been hard in many ways. I think all of us are thirsty for the “living water” that Jesus talked of. It is time to do this. I look forward to seeing you all soon! May God continue to bless our church and its families.

 

Blessings,

Rev. Mark+

 

 

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE - June 10th

 

Friends:

Finally, some movement back to normality, and forward to a new day! The council has set up a team to plan and coordinate a phased return to in-person worship. We have already met and discussed the many things that need to be done.

Part of that process is to invite your response to a short survey we have prepared. This has been emailed to all members.  This will help us in the steps we will need to achieve. We ask you to complete the survey by Sat. June 13^th.  If you would like a paper copy please email me at once.

\We still are not opened for worship, but that day is in sight. will keep you informed, through the usual channels, of progress being made and a timeline of what the coming weeks will bring. appreciate your patience and faithfulness. Please know that we are working hard to safely get back to our church home.

 

Blessings,

Rev. Mark+