Guidelines for Sanctuary Worship
July 2020
As you have heard, we will return to using our sanctuary for Sunday morning worship effective July 19, 2020. We will continue to monitor information and instructions from our local and state agencies and will adjust these procedures as necessary.
1. Most worshipers should enter by the main doors on Commerce Street only. An exception will be made for weather days, when the portico doors will also be available. Ushers will hold or prop these doors open, removing the necessity for you to touch the door handles. Those needing handicapped access or childcare should always enter by the portico door.
2. Seating will be limited to every other pew to provide vertical social distancing. Family units should practice horizontal social distancing on individual pews. Ushers will be on hand to suggest wider horizontal spacing when needed.
3. Once you enter the building, please move as far forward in the building as possible to be seated. In other words, please fill the sanctuary from front to back in order to avoid too much cross traffic. Worshipers are encouraged to greet one another warmly but avoid shaking hands or hugging.
4. When leaving the building, those seated in the front section of the church will be encouraged to leave by the portico door. Those seated in the rear section of the church will be encouraged to leave by the main entrance.
5. Bulletins will not be distributed. When needed, printed information will be printed and placed on the pews ahead of time. Offering plates will not be passed. An offering drop-off station will be available. Numerous hand sanitizer stations will be available in and around the sanctuary.
6. Please use the vestibule restrooms only and restrict usage to one person at a time. Vigorous hand washing is expected.
7. Childcare will be available for ages birth-4 years behind the sanctuary in the large room formerly known as the “Welcome Room.” Only one parent should accompany the child to the check-in station. Child temperatures will be checked via IR Thermometers. Families using childcare should enter by the portico door.