Considerations for Re-Opening and Online Poll
Dear friends,
ACC Council has formed a “Re-Opening Team,” which is beginning the process of exploring protocols for returning to in-person worship, whenever that time comes.
Because most of our congregation is in the higher-risk age group, we are proceeding very cautiously. While we all desire to re-connect in person, we’ll be guided by considerations for personal safety above all.
As we have begun to explore the logistics of in-person worship, here are some of the considerations we are thinking about at this time (of course, considerations may change as our knowledge about Covid-19 evolves):
· Greeters/Hosts to monitor, explain, guide, and enforce distancing
· Hosts to document who sits where, for possible contact tracing
· Screening (temperature checks) at home or church before entry
· Hand sanitizing stations at entry and exit
· Designated entry and exit doors and aisles
· No singing (congregation or choir)
· No recitation
· No communion
· No social hour
· No personal contact, handshakes, or hugs
· No lingering, mingling, chatting, etc. Prompt and orderly entry and exit.
This is not a comprehensive list, but it does indicate the size of the task in arranging such a worship service. It also reminds us that in-person church will certainly feel different, whenever we do return to it.
Our “Re-Opening Team” will continue to be in touch with updates throughout the summer.
For now, we’re asking for some help from you! Help us get an accurate sense of where the congregation stands, with regards to possibilities of re-opening.
Please take five minutes to fill out the poll below about in-person worship and ministry during Covid-19. The poll is anonymous, but you can always share your comments with me by email as well.
Wishing you God’s peace,
Rev. Nate