Dear Church Family

The Health and Safety Team has been meeting regularly, trying to determine a plan that could enable us to open our church for inside worship services again, because despite the heat, colder weather is coming. We know how much everyone wishes to be together, but the safety of this congregation is our main concern. Covid-19 cases are again on the rise in Sheridan County reminding us to continue being vigilant.

How the disease spreads this fall may guide our decision on having an in-person indoor worship service. The team has decided to wait and see if cases continue to rise after school starts, or if cases drop once our tourists go home. Whatever course we decide on, we will continue to have a streamed 9:30 AM service.

The team has been discussing what an in-person indoor worship service might look like. These are some of the topics of conversation. Everyone will be expected to wear a mask coming into the building which can be removed once physical distancing is achieved. Ushers will help everyone to seating that maintains a six-foot distance. All Bibles and hymnals will be removed from the pews; we will not be singing hymns together or joining in any responsive readings, as these actions spread the virus through the air much faster. We might have a shorter, more contemplative service. Also, a team of volunteers will be needed to sanitize the sanctuary after each service, wiping down the pews, bathrooms and other high-touch areas. These are challenges we can certainly overcome, but we must all work together for the common good and protect each other.

We are working for each of you. The team welcomes your comments and suggestions, so please let us know how you feel. Speak with any member for the committee or leave your message with the church office. May we continue to respect and protect each other in this uncertain time.

Grace and Peace,

Don Winkelmann – Barbie Flack – Billy Taylor

Butch Bennett – Diane Hall – Rev. Jim Barth

To view the Health & Safety Guidelines, please click the link below.

Health & Safety Guidelines August 2020