In-Person Worship Resumes June 6
We are very excited to return to in-person worship on June 6 at 11am in the sanctuary. The session tasked the Worship Committee with developing protocols and procedures for making our indoor worship as safe as possible when we return on June 6. In addition to safety concerns, the committee kept in mind that the purpose of worship is to give honor and glory to God, to nurture the souls of the people of God, and to offer a place and context for spiritual growth. We are confident that we can balance these responsibilities of the church with responsible precautions to do our part to protect one another during this global pandemic.
Many resources were used to help us prepare for a return to indoor worship including advice from the MS Dept. of Health (MSDH) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC), advice from the PC(USA) national offices, and practices used by other congregations. We will continually monitor both the public health situation and the steps we are taking to be faithful to our calling as a community of praise and worship.
So, how will this work?
Who Should Attend?
As always, our doors are open to all who want to come and worship God together.
All adults who are medically able to be vaccinated are strongly advised to attend only if vaccinated.
Who Should NOT Attend?
Anyone not yet vaccinated, with ANY symptoms of COVID-19, or who is currently ill are advised by the CDC and MSDH to avoid all gatherings outside the home including worship.
If your doctor has advised you to avoid gatherings outside the home.
Arriving at Church
Worshipers are asked to enter through the door under the annex tower by the parking lot. This is the “normal” door most of us use on Sunday mornings.
Please do not congregate in the entrance or narthex.
We will not have coffee or fellowship in the Fellowship Hall.
During Worship
Worship will begin at 11 am.
All worshipers other than children under 5 must wear a mask over their mouth and nose while in the building.
Pews will be marked to maintain social distancing. Worshipers are asked to sit with household members only.
Bulletins and communion cups will be in the pews and all liturgies, responses, and scriptures will be printed in the bulletin.
Children of all ages will remain with their families during worship.
Singing will be limited to solos and small ensembles of the choir. The CDC continues to advise against congregational song even with the use of masks.
Following Worship
After the benediction, worshipers are asked to exit the building through either the front (baptismal font) door or the center rear door.
Please do not congregate in the entrance or narthex.