The Church Council met recently in response to Governor Walz’ updated orders regarding churches that he gave over the weekend of May 24th. After much prayerful discussion, the Council voted last night to resume in-person worship services on June 7th (9:30am summer schedule). We will continue to provide video of our worship services on our YouTube channel for those who choose to stay home as we re-open.
Click here to watch a “walkthrough” video from Pastor Brett that provides guidance for what to expect when returning to church.
There is much to communicate regarding this decision. I will summarize the key points about how we are planning to resume in-person gatherings safely, keeping in line with CDC guidelines. If you have any questions, please contact me or any Council member.
If you show signs of sickness, or are at high risk for sickness, we strongly encourage you to stay home. There is no shame in making this decision. Our priority is the safety of every congregational member.
“Occupancy must not exceed 25 percent of the normal occupant capacity as determined by the fire marshal.” To meet this requirement, 25% capacity of our sanctuary is 37 people. Every other pew will be roped off.
Six feet of physical distancing between households will be kept. (A “household" is a group of people that live in the same house, which could be a single person, a couple, or parents with children, etc). There will be overflow seating with speakers turned on in the entryway (couches), and also in the fellowship hall.
We ask that everyone enter and exit the church building through the main entrance. The side doors will be locked. The main entrance doors and doors to the sanctuary will be propped open. The Council will serve as ushers, greeting you outside the main entrance and helping each household find a seat in the sanctuary meeting the physical distancing standards in the point above. We ask that you come right into the sanctuary.
We strongly encourage you to wear a mask. If you can bring your own, great. If not, we will have masks available. Hand sanitizer will be stationed in the entryway alongside the bulletins and the basket for tithes & offerings (we won’t pass the offering plates during our worship service).
The drinking fountain will be roped off. The restrooms will be available for use, but one household at a time. A sign on the door stating, “Please knock before entering. Only one household at a time” will be on each restroom door. Please wash your hands appropriately.
At the conclusion of the worship service, we ask that everyone safely exit the building, keeping physically distanced between households. There will be no coffee or donuts served. If you would like to fellowship with each other, you may do so outside in the parking lot or church yard, keeping a distance of six feet between households.