As we all know, the Coronavirus is making an impact all around our world. From limited travel, to unusual safety precautions, to the wildly fluctuating stock market, we have all been touched by it in some way. Various denominational groups have developed guidelines for how churches can offer enhanced safety precautions, while still meeting together for Bible study and worship. This situation is very fluid and things change daily, but I want to inform you of several ways you can help as we gather this Sunday.
Wash your hands – often! CDC instructions are to wash your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds, washing carefully between fingers and under fingernails. Some even suggest also using hand sanitizer after washing. The guidelines also remind us to not touch our faces.
I would like to suggest some changes during our Meet and Greet time. Currently, we often shake hands and give hugs, expressing a warm welcome with physical touch, often skin to skin. There are several options on alternative ways we can still greet. You can do a fist bump, or an elbow bump. Or, you could look at a friend and offer the words, “The peace of Christ be with you.” The response, “And also with you.”
Also, beginning this Sunday, as I greet you after worship, I will join you in doing this instead of our usual hugs. Sometimes this is called “social distancing,” which for many of us seems the opposite of Christian affection. But, I do think that each of us being mindful of protecting each other, does show our affection.
The blankets that are usually located at the ends of the pews have all been laundered this week. Instead of being in the pews, they will now be located in large baskets in the Gathering Space. If you need a blanket, please take one and use it as usual. At the end of the service, leave it in your pew and it will be laundered again before next Sunday. We continue to follow this practice until further notice. We have also placed small tissue packages at both ends of the pews. They are there for your use, if needed.
Additional bottles of hand sanitizer will be located around the church. Please use them.
Beginning this Sunday, we will make a change in how we partake of communion – the center of our faith. If you are able, please come forward. The first stop will be a hand sanitation station. From there you will move to the bread station. Hold out your cupped hands and a gloved elder will drop the bread into your hands. Moving to the other side of the communion table, another gloved elder will hand you an individual cup. After eating and drinking, there will then be a trash basket for you to deposit your used cups. I will fully explain this again on Sunday morning. This change will remain in effect until the threat has disappeared.
-Pastor Jane