An Update From the Pastor – January 26, 2022

An Update About Health and Safety Protocols

Starting Sunday, January 30, we can gather in-person once again for worship, meetings, and fellowship activities.  Numbers of COVID cases and hospitalizations are coming down significantly in our area, however, there still is abundant reason for us to be cautious in how we gather.  Below are the updated safety protocols that those who enter the building are urged to follow:

First and foremost: If you feel unwell, please do not come to an in-person event at the church.  Worship services will continue to be livestreamed, so you can participate that way until you are well.  We are not requiring vaccination or pre-registration for attendance, but if you have not gotten vaccinated, and are medically able to be vaccinated, we urge you to do so for your benefit and for the benefit of those with whom you are in contact.

Secondly, scientific research has indicated that in addition to being vaccinated that the wearing of high-quality masks is a great way to keep this virus from spreading.  Each person above two years of age is to be masked with a high-quality droplet mask covering nose and mouth throughout the time each person is in the church facility.  (N-95 or KN-95 or double masking with lower quality masks offer excellent protection)  If you need a quality mask, one will be provided for you.  Masks can be lowered briefly when receiving communion.  Verbal worship leaders can be unmasked when speaking with adequate distancing from congregation members.

Third, we will continue to use social distancing to increase our safety.  Worshipers can enter the north narthex door or the education door of the sanctuary.  Our color coding of pews will aid us in keeping appropriate separation:

• Yellow tape indicates where individuals can sit
• Blue tape is for groups of two
• Red tape is for larger groups from the same family pod.

Communion trays and offering plates will not be passed during worship services.  Worshipers will be reminded to maintain distances when it is time to exit as well as urged to wait until they are outside for visiting with one another.

Fourth, we have excellent ventilation in our sanctuary which enables good air flow and decreases risk of virus-laden aerosols from hanging in the air.  Ceiling fans will also be on and the windows will be slightly ajar to make it as safe as can be.

Fifth, in case there was a follow-up report of a positive case from someone who unknowingly had attended worship while contagious, we will send a contact tracing email blast regarding such an event. If you end up with a positive COVID test after attending worship, please contact KLHill@apcusa.org as soon as possible.