An update to plans and protocols for our June 21 gathering.

Church Family,

We are looking forward to gathering with you in person on June 21. Community is a big part of who we are as a church and so we are excited to gather together again to embrace God in worship, be encouraged in community, and be equipped for God’s mission in our backyards. This letter serves to remind you of our previously released gathering plans and protocols and to share some additional mitigation efforts. 
 
There has been lots of new information, studies, and ideas around COVID-19 since we released our gathering plans and protocols. Many of these new ideas seem conflicting with previous ones and, adding to the confusion, is the way positions of governmental officials and governmental health organizations have been redefined. As stated in our plans and protocols, as leaders, we are not only spiritually tasked with facilitating our times together, but also the spiritual responsibility of guarding the safety, health, and well-being of our attendees and members. We practice mitigation efforts not because we are required to, but because we have been tasked as responsible stewards. 
 
On June 21, we will advance into stage two of our plans and protocols. This means we will not hold small group hour/Sunday School or children’s programming of any kind at this point, to limit the times of possible exposure. Please come only if you are feeling healthy. Use mitigation guidelines (face mask, physical distancing, etc.) and refrain from sharing helping hands, handshakes, high-fives, and hugs. 
 
As a result of much research that says COVID-19 spreads easier through large droplets that are projected during singing, many churches, including many in our district, will limit singing for now. Please note that for at least the first three weeks, we will also limit how much singing we do, and we ask that everyone wear a face mask if you are planning to worship through song with us. Masks are about protecting our brothers and sisters with weakened immune systems. 
 
If you are planning to join us this first week, please note that only the carport doors will be unlocked and propped open. Windows will be slightly raised to ensure fresh air circulation. Greeters will wear masks. Chairs and rows are set at a greater distance from each other. This first week our gathering will be shorter and we will only sing a total of two songs and move to four songs the second week.

• We ask that you wear a mask if you plan to worship through song with us.
• We will limit the amount of singing we do for some time.
• We will have masks available for guests who wish to sing with us.
• We will have the carport entrance unlocked and propped open.
• We will have windows in the sanctuary slightly raised for freshly air circulation. 
• We will use donation boxes, rather than passing an offering plate.
• We will ask that you sit distanced from non-family members.
• We will use prepackaged communion.
• We will have additional sanitizing stations.
• We will not be using handouts of any kind (bulletins, children’s, etc).
• We will continue practicing social and physical distancing.
• We will store Church Hymnals and Bibles for safety.
• We will have messages recorded on video and available online by Tuesday.
• We will have no Library until we have moved safely into the green phase.

Thank you for your support and prayers. We value your help in making our time together one that is safe for everyone, including those who may be at a different place than you. We also recognize that there is a certain fluidity and adaptivity needed as we move through each stage and as we commit to prioritizing each other’s well-being. As a team, we are walking with open palms and open minds, as none of us have ever prepared for a pandemic before, Again, we look forward to gathering with you on Sunday, June 21, at 10 A.M. 
 
Blessings,
 
Re-Opening Team
(Joshua Buser, Jonathan Kilheffer, Tracy Kilheffer, Jeff McLain, Derrick Stoltzfus)