As I write to you today, we are only a few days from taking our first steps toward gathering together for worship again. This Sunday will be our “soft opening.” You are welcome to attend if you choose; but please be aware that this will be our first attempt at implementing the procedures we have put together to protect your health and safety. So, we ask you to be patient and flexible as we learn. As I have said for weeks now, only you can decide if you are ready to return to worship together. If you are planning on coming in the next few weeks, please take some time and read our plans carefully so you will know what to expect. Here are some things you can expect if you attend on Sunday or in the next few weeks:
- You will be directed to enter through the Chapel and Ninth Street entrances only and will be limited to the stairwells, elevator, second floor hallway, second floor restrooms and Sanctuary. This is to help limit the amount of cleaning needed.
- You will be screened as you enter the building. All attendees will be screened and observed while they sanitize their hands. Screening will begin thirty minutes prior to the service (10:30 AM for this week). Anyone with symptoms of illness will not be admitted. A volunteer team will take your temperature by infrared thermometer and ask a set of screening questions. If you or anyone in your house hold has a temperature of 100 degrees or higher or you give a disqualifying answer to one of the screening questions, we will ask you to refrain from worshiping with us until you are well. So, please do not come if you are feeling ill.
- You will see hand sanitizing stations located in both entrances to the building and at every entrance into the Sanctuary. Please sanitize your hands every time you enter or leave the Sanctuary. Doors will be propped open to help reduce touch points.
- You will be encouraged to wear a face mask.
- You will sit with six foot spaces between family groups and one pew in between. We will ask that you only sit with people from your household. The pews have been marked off with blue tape. You will find seats in the blue boxes on the ends of the pews. Follow the signs and you should be fine.
- You may want to bring a cushion because the pew cushions have been removed for now.
- You will find all the direction you need on the screens. We will not have printed orders of worship or other handouts.
- You can smile and wave at others; but please don’t make physical contact with anyone.
- You will be dismissed after the service row by row and asked to go directly to your vehicles.
- You will still be able to see the service on line, live on Facebook and on video later.
- You will need to keep your children with you. We will not offer child care for a while yet.
- You will find that worship may look and feel differently at first. We will not have a choir and may sing a little less. We will not take up an offering, but we will provide baskets at the doors where you can give.
- You will enter a building that has been thoroughly cleaned and professionally sanitized.
I know this will feel very different; but this is what we must do for now. Please help us by following these guidelines while you are on the church campus. It is a great way for us to love each other through this season. We know you have missed each other; but this is not the best time for hugs and handshakes. Please keep your distance for now. As always, let us know if you have any questions.
Take care of yourself. Be kind to your neighbors. And pray for those who are taking care of us.
Blessings,
Monty
