Reopening Plan 5/23

REOPENING PLAN

Proposed changes to our reopening plan- May 23, 2021

We can propose these changes because:

  • We have a large majority of our congregation fully vaccinated
  • The risk of contracting and spreading Covid19 among vaccinated people is very low per the CDC guidelines and Dr. Pollan from the Mayo Clinic.
  • Covid19 is rarely spread through surfaces
  • Covid19 does not remain in the air after 15-30 minutes.
  • Our indoor space is well ventilated.

Considerations

  • Be aware that we may have visitors who are not vaccinated.
  • Take people at their word that they are vaccinated.
  • We are following Guiding principles for mask wearing by Dr. Pollan
  • Risk of infection is low in Marshall County.
  • Over 70% of our congregation is vaccinated.
  • We realize that we may have some church members that have compromised immune systems and there are Covid19 variants. So, we are continuing to take some measures to protect church members and visitors.

Revised Reopening Plan

ARRIVING AND ENTERING THE CHURCH

Please enter either through the main doors or the glass doors.

  • Face coverings are required in route to your pew. Once in your pew, you may remove your face covering.
  • Please sign in as you enter the church. Bulletins are available on the back table.

INSIDE THE SANCTUARY

  • Please limit your movement. If you move to light a candle or to write a prayer request, please maintain a 6’ distance between yourself and others.
  • Sit 6’ apart from the next person/family.
  • Votive candles can be lit with the large matches provided under the votive candle tray or with the lighter.

You can sing in your pew without a mask.

OFFERING

  • An offering plate will be available on the back table. We also have a secure drop box outside of the courtyard door for you to drop off your pledges.

RESTROOMS are fully open.

THE PEACE

  • The peace will be offered with a simple bow while remaining in the pew. We can move out of our pews if we remain masked.

EUCHARIST

  • Wafers only, no common cup.
  • Communion will be distributed at the steps to the choir loft. Ushers will direct you when to go up.
  • Please keep your mask on while moving around the nave.
  • Wait to place the wafer in your mouth until you have returned to your pew.

DISMISSAL

  • Please put your mask on while moving inside the church.
  • Maintain a 6’ distance between you and the next person.

Other activities: Coffee hour– Wear mask to get food. Return to your table to eat. Maintain social distancing.

Group studies– Distance 3-6 feet no mask if fully vaccinated. Food and beverages are permitted.

Sunday School– No Sunday School at this time since most children are not vaccinated. We are providing activities children can do while sitting with their families in the pew.

Nursery- One family at a time.

Choir- No masks if fully vaccinated

Readers, if fully vaccinated, can remove their masks once they are at the lectern.