COVID-19 RESPONSE
This past summer we joyfully returned to in person worship services on July 11th, only to find it necessary to stop in late August due to risks associated with covid. We have all been patiently waiting for the time when we can once again resume in person worship and that time has happily arrived! After looking through the data available through King County Department of Health and the results of the poll you took earlier this month, Session has decided that we will open the sanctuary back up for worship on: November 14th at 10am.
Please NOTE: Virtual Worship will continue for those unable or not yet comfortable with attending in person!
As we resume in person worship we do so knowing that COVID is not completely over. We continue to be in touch with, and base our decisions regarding meeting in person, on guidelines set by the King County Department of Health, the State of Washington COVID guidelines, and the CDC.
Our greatest concern and priority has been to faithfully nourish your relationship with Jesus Christ, and to do so in ways that keep you safe and healthy. To that end we have carefully consulted the above named governmental agencies and will continue with the same set of guidelines that were in place when we were meeting in person in July.
• MASKING IN THE BUILDING IS REQUIRED. Masks must cover both your mouth and nostrils. If you’ve abandoned wearing a mask please see this as an opportunity to love your brother & sister in Christ!
• Signing In: before entering the sanctuary you will sign in. This will be super helpful in the event anyone attending a service later reports testing positive for COVID. With a sign in sheet we will be able to easily contact you with that important information.
• Ventilation: doors will be open and fans placed strategically. The ceiling fans will not be on as the Health Department has reminded us that air is then pushed down onto attendees.
• Social Distancing: chairs will be spaced in the sanctuary to maintain appropriate social distancing.
• Closer seating: Those living in the same home or people with established COVID-Bubbles/Pods/Quaranteams (friends who decided to meet in person during COVID) may move chairs close together at their discretion.
• Singing: As Tappy put it: “sing quietly into your mask, not past your mask, or simply sing silently in your heart to God.”
• Communion: we will use single-use communion cups.
• Offerings: no plate will be passed. A clearly designated offering station will be available near the sanctuary entrance.
• Fellowship Hour: will not be offered until further notice. As you feel comfortable you may remain in the sanctuary or narthex with masks on to visit. Remember: masks inside the building are required at all times.
• Childcare: will not be provided until further notice. We will have single use child activity bags available. Children are welcome in our worship services!
These guidelines will likely change over time as COVID cases decrease (we pray!) and as we discover ways to fine-tune our procedures. Please let us know your thoughts and suggestions!
We will keep you informed of any changes by way of our website, emails, letters and worship announcements.
And remember, if you're not yet comfortable coming to an in person worship service you can continue to attend virtually!
Friends, we are grateful for your faithful support! Throughout this covid experience our bonds of love and unity have remained strong. We have consistently found that Jesus Christ is always faithful, always good, always our strength! And, as always, with Spirit-filled joy & praise we look forward to all that lies ahead on and off the screen!
Alongside you all the way,
on behalf of Session,
Pastor Wendy
Updated 11/9/2021