Posted by on May 30, 2020 in COVID-19 Updates, General | 2 comments

Pastor Roger’s thoughts and resources on re-opening our sanctuary as we recover from the Coronavirus shutdown.

  • Note that religious institutions have not been ordered to close during the pandemic; Governor Wolf has consistently classified us as Essential. That has never changed. However, it has seemed prudent to temporarily stop gathering together in our sanctuary, and move to online worship for the time being.
  • As for re-opening, Bishop Peggy Johnson is encouraging us to hold off until the Governor updates Lancaster County to “Green“. He is expected to move us from Red to Yellow effective June 5. As I understand it, under his plans, he will not change our status to Green until at least two weeks have passed under Yellow. This means the earliest possible date for Green status would be June 19, and the first possible worship service would be June 21. That is NOT a firm date!
  • Read Bishop Peggy’s statement on re-opening here.
  • Best Practices for re-opening are hard to find. Click here to read the plan outlined by our Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. Note that this is not exactly full of details.
  • Here is another document, this one from the city of Philadelphia. Click here to read it.
  • Our church Administrative Board is discussing re-opening plans. Expect our plans to include…
    • Safe distancing (outdoor/parking lot worship when weather permits)
    • Masks required (we expect to have some masks on hand if needed)
    • No group singing (not decided – we’re talking about this)
    • Changes to our monthly Holy Communion
    • Changes to normal procedures for offerings and prayer
    • Stay home if you’re not feeling well
    • Vulnerable persons (age/health conditions) should not attend
    • Continued online worship opportunities
    • Meetings via video or telephone conference call
    • Enter/Exit only via the handicap ramp, door at the rear of the church
    • Recommend use of upstairs rest room only (the handicap restroom)
    • No monthly fellowship meals

We will update this post as new information is available.