Announcements

June 5, 2020

Dear church:

We are getting closer to reopening and meeting together again! I want to give you some idea of what needs to happen first, what to expect when we do meet again, and a tentative date that may happen.

What needs to happen first:

1. Various volunteers are currently meeting to determine how to comply with prevailing recommendations for meeting together again. We are relying on the governor’s recommendations, keeping up with CDC and related direction, and good old common sense. As part of this process, the following steps are being taken:

a. The church needs an extra-thorough cleaning to prepare for each meeting.

b. Methods of maintaining appropriate social distance are being devised and implemented.

2. Additionally, new technology is being installed in the sanctuary and social hall so that we can live-stream our services online and in the social hall.

What to expect:

1. In-person worship services:

a. Two services are necessary to achieve appropriate social distancing.

b. We will begin taking “reservations” for these services sometime next week in expectation of opening soon (see below for tentative dates). These reservations are to ensure that we are able to accommodate all the people who want to attend.

c. The near-term plan is to offer in-person worship every other week. The number of volunteer hours needed to make all of this work is substantial, and we don’t want to wear out our volunteers.

d. During weeks with no in-person service, a full worship service will be available online both LIVE and recorded.                         

2. While social distancing is required worship services will be different.

a. Services will be shorter, somewhere on the order of 45 minutes. (This includes a substantially shorter sermon!)

b. The best research available indicates that congregational singing is extremely likely to increase Covid-19 infection rates if an infected person is present. This is very well-documented, and several church choirs that have held practice together have experienced extraordinary infection rates. For these reasons, congregational singing will likely not take place for the foreseeable future, although music will still be part of worship.

c. Sanctuary seating will be limited to meet social distancing requirements. This will result in service attendance of approximately 25 in the sanctuary, with available seating in the social hall of 10-15. (These numbers are subject to change, though are likely in the ballpark.)

d. One of the most important things we are returning to is restoring relationship with each other. For this reason, we encourage you to spend time talking to each other while practicing good social distancing (6 feet of space between people of different households, stop to talk only in areas that are out of the way of foot traffic.)

e. There will (temporarily) not be refreshments served after worship.

When will all this happen?

1. Our first in-person worship services are scheduled for June 21, provided that everything can be completed by that time.

a. These services will also be live-streamed online, meaning that if you aren’t yet ready to appear in person you can participate from your home either live, or at a time of your choosing! (Live services will be recorded and posted on the church website and Youtube page)

If you have any questions I encourage you to ask them by calling, emailing, or posting on Facebook. I am looking forward to seeing you all soon! 

In Christ,
Pastor Ian Hodge

Though we are living through an uncertain and anxious time, our constant prayer is that you would remember that God is, and always has been, in control. Church is not canceled even though our worship service has been. People need the gospel in Word and in deed, and this coronavirus situation may bring that need more prominently to the surface. There is a natural fear that arises with an unknown future and the short and long term physical and economic challenges that might occur. However, we are called to be a disciple for Jesus Christ as we live our lives and still be a Church in our communities.