The re-entry team has developed a plan for re-opening the church for worship services outdoors. In developing this plan, the team relied upon general guidelines from the state (MA) and the UMC New England Conference, as well as feedback from our congregation obtained via a survey. Below are key messages for the congregant.
The Outdoor services are held in the lower parking lot adjacent to the parsonage. This site was selected because it is most easily arranged to control egress and to segregate seating locations to ensure social distancing, and because this area is naturally shaded during the service time.
In support of state guidelines for assisting in contact tracing in the event of a COVID-19 case detection, pre-registration is strongly encouraged; this also helps plan for capacity and expedites seating. If you have not or were unable to pre-register, please come anyway. Greeter will take contact information and will assist in seating.
Face Coverings/Masks:
Required for all congregants, service participants and staff.
Congregants expected to bring their own face coverings/masks.
Social Distancing: Adhere to the 6 ft social distancing rules.
Seating:
Congregants asked to bring their own chairs.
Individuals and families will be seated 6 feet apart; ushers will assist.
Congregants also encouraged to bring hats, water, etc. to be comfortable during the service (though the area is generally shaded).
General Information
Arrival: Families are encouraged to arrive together (in one vehicle, if possible) to help with limited parking and to facilitate efficient and safe seating of your group.
Worship service: No singing by the congregants.
Offering:
Congregants encouraged to continue “on-line” giving.
Collection drop box will be available as you enter the seating area.Please have your offering ready prior to coming to the service.
Order of worship: The Order of Worship will be emailed and posted on the church website on Saturday Evening. No printed bulletins will available at the service. Congregants can bring their own copy or view on their cell phones. A QR Code with the web address for the Order of Worship will also be available on Sunday.
Hand Sanitizer: Provided as you enter the seating area; congregants encouraged to bring their own as well.
Restrooms: The restroom on the main floor of the church will be open and available.