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The Church Leadership knows the value of the fellowship and meeting together in-person, however it is up to the individual to make their own decision for themselves and their family regarding when and how to safely participate in such fellowship opportunities during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background

The virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to others by infected persons who have few or no symptoms.  Even if an infected person is only mildly ill, the people they spread it to may become seriously ill or even die, especially if that person is 65 or older with pre-existing health conditions which places them at higher risk.  Moreover, we’re beginning to learn of serious long-term health impacts to individuals who have been sickened by the virus.

 

Our aim is to exhibit a Samaritan heart through this time and continue to prioritize the health and welfare not only of the members of our Church, but of those visiting our fellowship, and the throughout the community around us.

 

Since the virus that causes COVID-19 is still circulating, and variants of the virus are within the United States, and some of our communities are exhibiting ongoing vaccination-hesitancy, as a body and individually we are committed to observing practices within our control which protect everyone, including those who are most vulnerable.

 

General Guidelines

• Children’s Ministry will not be conducted until further notice.  

• It is recommended that if you have pre-existing health conditions/concerns you should stay home and connect via the various virtual opportunities. 

• Self-screen before attending any fellowship services for any of the following new or worsening signs or symptoms if possible COVID-19.  If you are exhibiting any of the following symptoms, stay home: 

o    Cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, repeated shaking with chills, headache, sore throat, loss of taste of smell, diarrhea, feeling feverish, a temperature greater than or equal to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, known close contact with a person who is lab-confirmed to have COVID-19

• Individuals should wash or sanitize hands frequently.  Individuals should carry and use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol) regularly, especially after coming in contact with other individuals. 

• Minimize in-person contact with individuals outside your family who are unvaccinated, or whose vaccination-status is unknown. 

• If you test positive for the virus, you should contact your Worship Center Leader so that contact-tracing can be conducted.

  • If an individual notifies the Worship Center Leader that they (or a member of their family) has tested positive for the virus, the Worship Center Leader will then contact their Worship Center via email advising of potential exposure.  The Worship Center Leader will refrain from divulging the individuals name, or condition of the individual. 

• These policies and procedures will be posted on the website and over-communicated to church members to remind them of the steps being made to protect their health and safety and the health and safety of their family and friends. 

 

Guidelines for Indoor Worship / Fellowship Opportunities

• Masking, sanitary, and/or distancing requirements of the particular indoor-facility shall be self-governing.  

• The number of individuals allowed inside any indoor facility will be limited in accordance with the guidelines of the particular facility and as outlined in COVID guidelines.

• Seating will be configured so that members not within the individual’s group (or family) are 6-foot distanced from others.

• If you have not been vaccinated for COVID 19 we ask that you continue to wear a mask indoors in accordance with the most current CDC guidelines.

• If you prefer to not wear a mask, or if you’ve been medically advised to not wear a mask for an extended period of time, you should stay home and participate via the various virtual opportunities.

• Individual communion cups will replace community communion trays. 

• Ushers handing out individual communion will wear gloves.  

• Hand sanitizer will be made available for members use. 

• Facilities solely owned/rented by the church will go through a deep cleaning prior to worship service. 

 

Guidelines for Outdoor Worship / Fellowship Opportunities

• There is no limit on the number of individuals who may participate in outside fellowship meetings or outside worship services.

• Masking is optional, but recommended for those who have not been vaccinated or who have pre-existing health conditions/concerns.

• Seating will be encouraged such that members not within the individual’s group (or family) are 6-foot distanced from others.

• Individual communion cups will replace community communion trays. 

• Ushers handing out individual communion will wear gloves.  

• Hand sanitizer will be made available for members use.