Over the last few weeks, we have had to make a weekly decision whether to worship outside or virtually, incidentally leaving some to feel confused and uncertain about Sunday morning.

Starting this Sunday, however, worship will consistently be in-person, in the building, and live-streamed* each Sunday. This change is the result of a new diocesan policy that allows for in-person worship, albeit under strict public safety guidelines.

For those who choose to worship in-person this Sunday, this is what to expect:

  • The requirement of masks. If you do not have a mask, you will be given one and asked to wear over your mouth and nose the whole time you are in the building.
  • The main entrance doors on Sunday morning are now the doors that enter directly into the sanctuary. Please use these doors to enter and exit worship. The office/chapel doors are for handicap access and for any who find steps prohibitive to safely enter and exit.
  • A one-way path will be marked in the sanctuary to allow for proper physical distancing. Please follow that path as much as possible.

  • Hand sanitizer stations will be setup at each entrance. You are asked to disinfect your hands upon entering and exiting.

  • Certain pews and spaces in the pews will be marked off with a red X to allow for proper physical distancing. Please observe these signs and do not move them.

  • Eucharist will be celebrated under these guidelines given by the bishop:

  • The celebrant shall remain masked and use hand sanitizer throughout the celebration of the Eucharist and especially before the distribution of the consecrated bread.
  • A small amount of wine shall be poured into the chalice for the consumption of the celebrant only. No consecrated wine will be distributed to the congregation at this time.
  • The priest host can be touched, broken and consumed only by the celebrant. It may not be added to the consecrated bread to be distributed.
  • The celebrant shall consecrate the bread by holding hands above the paten (no touch).
  • Before the distribution of the consecrated bread to the congregation, the celebrant will again use hand sanitizer.
  • The congregation will be invited to come to the celebrant, maintaining social distancing with masks on. The celebrant shall drop a piece of the consecrated bread in the hand of the communicant so as to not touch the communicant’s hands. Without consuming or removing the mask, the communicant shall immediately return to their seat where they may lift their mask and consume the bread.

* live-streaming information will be in the upcoming newsletter this week.