As we meet together to worship God in-person, we must take into account certain realities... 

·         Acknowledge All Gatherings have a certain amount of risk

Whether it is Covid-19, the Flu or a number of other illnesses that spread from person to person, there will always be a risk with meeting in-person. There is a spirit of fear that has accompanied this particular time of Covid-19, and it will require a certain amount of risk and courage to begin to return to normal life. But we need to face the reality that in attending a worship service, we may be exposed to the virus. The virus is a real risk for some, even while for others, it poses little risk. The key is none of us knows exactly which group we fall into. When you come, please acknowledge the real risk and decide to come or not come using your best judgment and prayer.

·         Some should continue to stay at home

We do have a number of people who fall into the high-risk group. If you are in one of these, we strongly encourage you to weigh carefully whether you attend in-person or you stay home for the time being. Sermon videos will continue to be posted online covering the same passages as the worship service.  As much as we want to see you in-person, we want you to be reasonably safe.

·         Those with any symptoms should stay at home

Once we are able to meet in-person, we ask those who have any symptoms of illness to stay home. If anyone in your household has any symptoms, we ask for everyone to stay home. There is a reasonable threshold for this, as your coughing pastor writes this. But if you have a fever, sore throat, aches, diarrhea, cough etc. please stay home. It is not our intention to check for fevers at the door, but we ask you act responsibly as you love your neighbor as yourself.

·         Bring and wear a mask when in close quarters

Please bring a mask for use when you cannot stay 6 feet apart. We will have some disposable masks available, but we would like to minimize the cost to the church. Judy Dray has been making masks and would be willing to help fill this need for you.

·         We have Hand Sanitizer Available

There is Hand Sanitizer on the Foyer Tables. You can wash your hands in the restrooms and observe recommended precautions.  

·         Spread out in the Sanctuary

We already do a certain amount of this, but now we encourage you to spread out when seated in the Sanctuary. Chairs will be set up so you can maintain a safe distance. Rows have already been spread out, so please be conscious of your side-to-side distance. 

·         Fellowship Outside as much as possible

We will ask you to have any conversations or visiting outside as much as possible. Sunshine and heat have been shown to be among the best disinfectants, so visit with each other outside. On rainy days, please keep your social distance and/or wear your mask.

·         Minimize use of Restrooms and other facilities

We all have to go sometime, but the less we use them, the more we minimize the risks of transmission. Please be thoughtful about minimizing the mess and risk of contamination. I would strongly suggest people not use the drinking fountain, but I leave that up to your best judgment.

·         No Coffee & Donuts for Now

At least to start, we will not be serving any food or beverages. You are welcome to bring your cup of coffee to worship. Please do not bring your entire breakfast with you.

·         Offering at the Back of the Sanctuary

We will have the offering plate at the back of the Sanctuary, you can put your offering in as you come into worship or as you go out.

·         Communion

We have purchased prepackaged communion elements to be as sanitary as possible.

·         Worship Service Only for Now

To begin with, we will only have one worship service. 

·         Continue to Emphasize Fellowship in smaller groups

My personal hope is, especially during the warmer months, all of you will find creative ways to visit and fellowship with one another. I know a few of you who have had someone over to have lunch in the driveway or yard. Hopefully before too long, it will be possible to meet in restaurants or coffee shops. I have always believed the cultivation of one-on-one and smaller group relationships is the most effective way to minister to one another. Even if you are in one of the higher risk groups, I like the suggestion to start meeting with one or two friends who you are confident are not infected. There are creative ways to limit your exposure and still have some limited fellowship.

We will continue to revisit and revise these guidelines as needed.

In His Grip & Grace

Pastor Mitch