From the beginning, God's commandment to 'Love your neighbor as yourself' has driven our decisions about how we function as a church community during this pandemic. As we begin regathering, our decisions will continue to be driven by our love for each other and our community. Because of this, things will look different as we regather. We need to practice strict hygiene and physical distancing guidelines. Certain elements of our traditional worship services will not be permitted for some time. These limitations are temporary, but they are important to best safeguard the well-being of all God's people.

 

At this time, we are not returning to normal. The guidelines discussed throughout this document may seem daunting, unusual, and overwhelming. That's understandable - though temporary, the changes are significant. By your participation in these changes and adhering to these guidelines, you, with the rest of the parish, are actively loving your neighbor.  

 

The first portion of this document contains everything you need to know to attend worship at this time, including

-   key changes to the service,

-   safety protocols,

-   attendee requirements, and

-   overall health and hygiene expectations.

 

The second portion of this document contains additional information specific to

-   small groups and community groups,

-   visiting the church/office (aside from worship services),

-   workplace safety plan,

-   pastoral care and life events, and

-   plan for notifying the local board of health.

 

Note that the guidance could change as the conditions of the virus change. As we learn more about how to engage together in this temporary normal, obtain more guidance from the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts and healthcare professions, and the situation in our area evolves, Rev. Christen, the vestry, and the Regathering Committee will continue to work together to safely make our church as accessible as possible for as many people as possible.

 

We look forward to gathering with you again.

 

-  Service bulletins will be provided prior to the beginning of the service. To limit frequently touched surfaces, prayer books, hymnals, and Bibles have been removed from the pews. Anything you need for the service will be in the bulletin.

-  During this stage of gathering, we are unable to have congregational singing and communion. 

-  The Peace is to be exchanged without physical touch (using a bow, wave or just words) and while maintaining social distancing.

-  There will be no offering plate collection; however, there will be a collection box placed in the Narthex or on the lawn (when worship is outside) where you can leave your offering.

-  All congregants who do not live in the same household are required to be distanced from each other by at least six feet at all times. Members of the same immediate household are permitted to sit together and be less than six feet apart. Seating areas for individuals and families will be designated and clearly marked. Ushers will direct attendees to their seats while maintaining a distance of at least six feet and will dismiss attendees row by row at the conclusion of the service.

-  For outdoor gatherings, parishioners are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. Some disinfected chairs will be available.

-  Childcare will not be available at this time. Sunday School classes also will not be held in person but may be conducted virtually.

-  To encourage appropriate social distancing, there will be no coffee hour or punch on the lawn allowed during this phase. We ask that people respect social distancing and avoid gathering in the Narthex, lawn, or parking lot.

-  All attendees over 5 years of age and staff must always wear face coverings while they are on church property. Children 2 - 5 years of age may wear face coverings at parent/guardian's discretion. It is requested that each person bring a face covering from home. Masks may be provided for people who forget to bring their own, but supply will be limited. In the event that you aren't able to wear a mask for health reasons, we ask that you continue worshiping at home.

-  If you have recently returned from out of state, please follow the current MA State travel guidance on self-quarantining after returning from your trip (found at www.mass.gov) Do not come to church if you are self-quarantining after returning from travel.

-  There will be signage or floor markings for how attendees will enter, move about, and depart the church building and outdoor gathering space. Ushers will also direct the movement of people entering and leaving church and outdoor gathering space.

-  For indoor gatherings, the number of attendees must be closely monitored to ensure compliance. At this time, we are allowed to have up to 40% of the church's capacity present during an indoor service, as long as physical distance of 6 feet can be maintained between households. To ensure we stay within the limit, anyone attending an indoor service will be required to sign-up online or call the office by Saturday at noon. (Further details will be sent out before we hold any indoor worship service). 

-  Worship will continue to be available via telephone and live stream every Sunday morning so that parishioners who are unable to or choose not to attend in-person may join us virtually.