Council met on June 1st to discuss, among other agenda items, the opening and gathering back together for worship with our congregation’s families! As we try to navigate these times responsibly, we are planning to come back together for worship on Sunday June 14th . For the first few weeks we are planning to offer 2 services – 9 AM & 11 AM in order to keep numbers within the CDC & Governor’s guidelines for groups that gather indoors.
I am asking that the Elder/Deacon families of Schroeder/Voelker & Whiteside/Greiner attend the 9 AM service, with Eising/Vandertol & Shewan/Los attend the 11 AM service. This will allow us to rearrange the sanctuary in such a way as to provide adequate distance to accommodate families and visitors that gather. Again, we are hoping for this to be only for a short, temporary period of time. We also discussed the ‘mask, no mask’ issue. We decided to not make masks mandatory but if you feel more confident and comfortable we encourage you to wear one. We will have hand sanitizer in the high traffic areas, and encourage the use of that along with the washing of your hands.
The nursery will not be available and off limits, however, if you have a young family you are welcome! We expect children to be part of the worship gathering. Initially, we will not have a coffee/fellowship time afterward. We will temporarily remove the hymnals and Bibles from under the chairs and do all our singing/reading from the screen in front. In between the services the two elder/deacon families from the 9 AM service will assist in wiping down/sanitize touched surfaces, as well as bathrooms. If you would be willing to help volunteer please let your elder/deacon know. Our custodian will thoroughly clean and sanitize the building during the week.
We are working to live stream (more details coming) the service as well. So for those who have compromised health issues or those who prefer to not be around a larger group yet please know that you are loved, missed and prayed for. All of us look forward to that time where it may be safer for ALL of us to gather more freely. If you have any questions feel free to contact myself, Pastor Ken, or your Elder/Deacon.
Peace, joy, and love,
Pastor Mike
Council Chair