Important Letter & Documents
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Letter to the Congregation from the Session
Greetings! Session has been hard at work developing a plan that will allow us to safely and conscientiously re-open the building for both normal activities and worship on a “new normal” basis. This included forming a Task Force consisting of Bruce Deadman, Bob Nickel, Dave Solper, and Russ Christianson to study options and come up with concrete policies to follow regarding re-opening. We also had some very good health-related advice from Jenn Christiansen.
The Task Force relied upon information from the CDC, the State of Wisconsin, Winnebago Presbytery, and many other authoritative sources. We also relied upon our own judgment and common sense.
The results of our work accompany this letter. The church will be open for “new normal” activities effective July 6, and will hold worship in a shortened and revised format beginning July 12.
Please review both documents carefully before you come to church for worship or any other purpose.
A few key points:
- If you are exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms such as fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose other than from allergies, nausea or vomiting or diarrhea – PLEASE STAY HOME.
- After considerable thought and research, we decided not to take temperatures of those entering the building at this time. There doesn’t seem to be a prevailing opinion one way or the other on this.
- We also decided not to require, but to STRONGLY recommend the wearing of masks while in the building. We ask that you not be judgmental of those few who may choose not to wear a mask for whatever reason.
- There will be a sign- up sheet instead of friendship pads. Please sign in using your own pen or one of the sanitized pens provided.
- Masks will be available at the main entrance and sanitizer will be available throughout the building.
- We are hopeful that we will have the capability to broadcast worship by July 12, at least via Facebook. You may also wish to join First United Presbyterian’s worship via Facebook or through their website. (First United is also planning to return to “live” worship on July 12.)
- If for ANY reason you are uncomfortable about returning to live worship at this time, please stay home and instead participate via the Internet.
- Our Thursday and Sunday ZOOM Fellowship opportunities remain available. Please note that the start time for Sunday Fellowship will be approximately 10:30 a.m. Here are the links:
Sunday Fellowship Gathering: 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Meeting ID: 889 0485 1182
Password: 342462
Thursday Devotional Gathering: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Meeting ID: 269 974 961
Password: 990978
- These policies are subject to change, as circumstances require.
If you have any questions, please call Bruce Deadman at 920-412-3885 or Bob Nickel at 920-493-0821.
Yours in Christ,
Your Session
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First Presbyterian Church
Sanctuary Worship Policy
If you are exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms such as fever or chills, c
ough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose other than from allergies, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea –
please stay home.
Preregistration is not required at this time.
Pews on the main floor and in the balcony will be used. To maintain distancing, some pews have been blocked off.
You
may
sit
with those with whom
you
live but mu
st
dist
a
nce 6
feet from others. This should still allow for over 100 to attend, which should be more than enough given normal summer attendance numbers.
Use of a facemask is
strongly recommended
during the entire time you are in the building. Masks will be available at the door.
Use of hand sanitizer is
strongly recommended
. Dispensers will be available in the sanctuary.
Other than the bulletin, there will be no worship aids (hymnal, bible, etc.). You are welcome to bring your own Bible, Hymnal, or devotional materials, but please be sure to take them home with you. At the end of the service, please deposit your bulletin in the recycle bin or take it home with you.
There will be no friendship pads. Please sign in using your own pen or the sanitized pens provided.
The order of worship is similar to that normally used with the following modifications:
- Ministry Opportunities and Announcements will not be read, with limited exception of Announcements from the “pastor of the day.” No one will be invited to come forward to make announcements. If you have an announcement to make, call the church office by Tuesday so that your announcement can be included in the bulletin.
- Singing is not allowed. Hymn texts will be printed in the bulletin. The hymns will be played as if the congregation is singing, but the congregation will instead be invited to meditate on the text. Humming is acceptable.
- The sung responses normally used for the Words of Assurance, Psalm, and Offertory will be printed in the bulletin and recited.
- Offerings should be placed in the plates or baskets at the back of the sanctuary. Ushers will not pass offering plates nor bring the offering forward.
- Instead of the Sign of Peace, we will share a Prayer for Peace.
The sanctuary will be appropriately cleaned following the service.
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First Presbyterian Church
Building Use Policies
The building will be open for meetings and normal business effective Monday, July 6, 2020.
Meetings and group work must be scheduled with the church office in advance.
No exceptions.
This is consistent with past practice. Please call the church office and indicate the event, the date, the time, the number of people participating, and the location(s) to be used. If no one answers, leave a detailed message.
Unless you are alone in a private office or work area, use of a mask is strongly recommended. Masks are available at the door. Please also practice social distancing.
If your group or committee is holding a meeting, please use Banner Hall, if possible. Banner Hall is easier to clean.
If you use a work or meeting area, please wipe down all surfaces. Wipes have been provided for your use.
No exceptions.
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