Dear Friends,
As we prepared to reopen church on Sunday August 2, we want to make sure everyone is as informed as possible about the new process involved. Attached you will find the Reopening Plan for our congregation.
A reopening plan is only effective if everyone follows the set protocols designed to keep people as safe as possible.
The guidelines ask people to observe social distancing, to stay home if you are sick or have been exposed to someone who is, to wear a mask throughout worship, to sanitize your hands as you enter the church and again at the end of the service as you prepare to leave your pew.
Please be aware that specific seats spaced at least 6 feet apart have been designated so you will likely not sit in your “usual” pew.
Parts of the service that are usually sung will be played on the organ and you will be invited to read the words in your bulletin and think them in your head. There will be no singing during worship as that is one of the ways that COVID-19 is more easily spread.
Offering plates will not be passed but will be by the doors. If you are able we invite you to give on your way in or out of worship.
Windows and doors will be open for ventilation. Greeters will ask for your name and phone number in case there is a need for contact tracing. We invite you to come a few minutes early as people will be seated one at a time to avoid a crowd in the aisles. Please wait for an usher to direct you to your seat. At the end of the service please wait for an usher to indicate it is your turn to exit.
We want for your experience of church to be safer than a trip to any other public place. You will be farther away from other people than you are at Wegmans or Lowes and you can count on everyone wearing masks. The church will be cleaned in between services. We hope that everyone will follow these guidelines developed to keep people safe.
And, of course, we completely understand if your choice is to continue worshipping online. We do not want to put anyone at risk as we begin to gather together in person.
I will see some of you August 2 at 9:30! For further information on our re-opening, please click on the link below.
Blessings,
Dawn
