Four phases for an orderly return to church

A simple thing a church can do is leave their doors open during Worship services so each person does not have to grab the door handle to enter or leave. Our church is doing so.

Or, you could ask a greeter to open the door for those entering or leaving.

David R. Brumbelow

Here is a portion of the letter we sent out (we live in a state with few Covid-19 deaths and no lockdown so we are planning to resume services. Further we are a small group with about 30 people on a typical Sunday. Here is our approach:

We understand that within our church family there will be different levels of comfort concerning social distancing. We also must realize that some individuals may have jobs that require them to have a higher leveling of distancing than others. We also realize that some people may chose or be required to stay home until the threat has passed. For this reason we plan to continue the online options.

Further, we plan to take extra precautions within our facilities to increase safety.

Weather permitting we plan to prop the front door open so that door knobs do not have to be touched. If weather is a problem, then we will assign someone to open and close the door.

The front row of chairs will be moved farther from the pulpit and additional chairs will be placed around the outside of the room. Please keep extra distance from the people who choose to sit in the chairs along the wall and allow them to approach you at their comfort level.

Please refrain from shaking hands and maintain a 6 ft distance

We plan to initially refrain from congregational singing, since singing has been shown to spread virus containing droplets much farther than talking or breathing.

Children will not be called up for children’s church.

No snacks or drinks will be set out during the fellowship time. Feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks if you so desire.

We must also realize that some may chose to reduce their exposure and might leave quickly after the service while others choose to stick around longer and fellowship. Please do not pass judgment on those that make different choices in these matters.

Beginning this Sunday May 3rd we are planning to gather in person once again as a congregation of Christian believers. We look forward to seeing those of you who will be there and hope that the rest of you are able to join us via Zoom.

We did get a response back from one mother saying they would have to be extra careful with their little ones since we were leaving the door open. I am glad we at least gave them a heads up on what we were planning so they could plan accordingly. Further it gives us a chance to try to think of things to make it safer for the children with the doors left open.

We are also planning to observe the Lord’s Supper. Each participant will have their own bottle of grape juice and each family will have their own sealed box of crackers. The packages will be wiped down and set out ahead of time. They can take the left overs home with them. I do not believe they have to consume it all to properly observe this ordinance.

Some may not agree that the dangers of Covid-19 are that serious, but others do, so we want to take extra care and consideration and also send the message that we are showing concern for those around us.