Updated Covid Protocols for Regathering – August 2021

Updated August 22, 2021

The Covid Task Force met this week, as we watch the recent spread of Covid-19 in our community and respond in ways that care for our neighbor. We are so fortunate as a congregation to have such a tremendous percentage of eligible persons who have been vaccinated (nearly 100% of active participants that we are aware of), and we thank all of you for your willingness to respond as the needs of our community change.

We will continue to ask you to please mask when you are in the church house, and will resume practicing social distancing when we are together. Starting this Sunday in worship, the choir will be spread further apart with a smaller number in the loft, and we will be reducing the amount of time spent in congregational singing. These simple extensions of our love for each other will allow us to continue gathering responsibly and with the care we’ve prioritized since the pandemic began. The balcony continues to be reserved for those who would prefer to sit with even greater distance. At each entrance to the Sanctuary, you can find extra masks, worship guides, hand sanitizer stations, and offering plates for your financial gifts to God through our church.  Restrooms are open everywhere, including two in the narthex at the back of the Sanctuary.

We also will be holding on our encouragement for groups and Sunday School classes to resume their gatherings in person. We had hoped this change could occur starting on September 12, but will be asking groups to remain on Zoom for the time being.  

Church family, please know of our encouragement of you as you navigate these uncertain days! You are loved, you are prayed for, and you are held in the bold love and boundless compassion of a God who never lets you go.  

+++

The following protocols adapted on July 4 will remain in effect:

• Those who are not yet fully vaccinated, including all children under the age of 12, must continue to wear masks. All adults working with children will continue to wear a mask regardless of adult vaccination status. 

• Ministers in coordination with parents of children under the age of 12 will use discretion on whether or not to ask that masks be worn depending on the outdoor activity and context.

• Pew rack items will return. We will return to our use of physical hymnals, Bibles, connection cards, pencils, etc.  

• Our offerings will continue to be collected at the doors. This change, among others, will help us keep our worship service under an hour.

Should you have any questions or concerns, you can send them to any of the members of this task force (Roper Halverson, Gary Stiffler, Gary Knight, Joy Gambill, Linda Lewis, Scott Hudgins, Ka’thy Gore Chappell, David Williamson, Amy McClure, Emily Hull McGee) or to coronavirus@firstonfifth.org, and we will get back to you promptly.

Thank you for your part in keeping our community a place of bold love and boundless compassion for all!