The Coronavirus, COVID-19 has certainly changed many of our normal habits and ways of daily life. Church activities were affected as well. We have adapted to new technology and been forced to find new ways to reach out and serve our community and to continue to serve our church mission statement. As such a close and tight-knit church family, this transition will be difficult for many of us wishing to return to our familiar worship experience and familiar physical ways of showing love and caring towards each other. We will need to work together to find new ways to engage with one another beyond our Sunday services. We must be mindful of each individual’s concerns and comfort level with returning to
indoor worship and remember to hold each other’s safety and well-being as our first priority and extend all the grace we can to each other as we learn a new way to worship together.
There will be a new “normal” that we will have to establish within our church. As we continue to be in the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic, we as a church are going to work to safely return to our sanctuary while still being cautious and following the guidelines and best practices for the COVID response. Below are some of the changes that we will be implementing. These changes were decided on by a task force of church members after reviewing surveys to establish the congregations risk level and preferences, and utilizing the guidelines and best practices of the Governor’s Executive Orders, Lenawee County Health Department, CDC, DHHS, Michigan Department of Labor, MIOSHA, The United Methodist Church, Michigan Conference of the UMC, and others.
-COVID-19 Changes-
Streaming/ Join from home: Services will continue to be available via live-stream or zoom for those who do not feel comfortable attending in person worship service indoors. In-person attendance is optional, and we understand not all members may be comfortable in this new format. Please make the decision that is best for you and your family. The way to access the live-stream will remain the same unless you are notified otherwise.
Masks: In an abundance of caution, we are expecting that all persons entering the church will wear a mask while physically within the building or while on the church grounds outside when 6’ of social distancing cannot be maintained. We are asking individuals to please bring their own mask or face coverings. We will have masks available for those who may have forgotten or need a mask.
Hand Sanitizer: Hand Sanitizer will be available at the entrances and other locations within the church and frequent use is encouraged.
Screening: We are asking for the congregation to do a health pre-screen before coming to worship service. We ask that if anyone has a temperature over 100 to participate from home. We will not be taking people’s temperature when they arrive, however a no-contact IR thermometer will be available for anyone wishing to be checked. If you are symptomatic (fever, cough, known exposure over previous 14 days to COVID-19), or at higher risk, please stay home. Stay up to date on current symptoms and illness concerns regarding COVID-19.
Membership Records/ Contact Information: We will have a church contact list with the greeters and ask each attendee to ensure the information is up to date and let us know how you prefer to be contacted. This will replace the passing of the attendance folders in the pews for the time being. This will not only help our records and communications, but it will also serve as a basis for contract tracing in the event that we have a COVID-19 exposure amongst our congregation.
Seating: The ushers will direct families to their pews as they arrive. To maintain social distancing, we will be using every other pew for seating. We will also be asking each household to stay approximately 6’ from other families. We ask that attendees not gather at end of aisles, rear of sanctuary, or entrances, but rather move conversations to the outdoors to allow for greater social distancing.
Arrival: We will be seating from the front of the sanctuary to the back. This procedure will help us minimize the spread of germs from household to household.
Dismissal: At the conclusion of the service, we will ask families to leave from the back to the front. We ask for patience in entering and exiting so that the physical limitations and bottlenecks of the aisles and entrances/exits can allow for social distancing. Like on an airline, those needing additional assistance or time with the stairs or elevator may want to remain in their seats until others have left to allow them more space and time.
Coat Racks: As the winter approaches, we realize attendees will be wearing coats, hats, gloves, etc. At this time, we have removed the hangers from the stationary coat racks to avoid a bottleneck in the flow of people and to help maintain a distance of 6’. We ask that attendees utilize the empty pew between attendees to hold their outerwear.
Restrooms: Restrooms will be available for use, however we ask that they be used only as necessary. Attendees should utilize the restroom closest to their seat.
Cleaning: The sanctuary, restrooms, and all used areas of the church will be cleaned and sanitized between services. All commonly touched surfaces will be wiped clean and disinfected. Pews (including the upholstered sections) and main areas of use will also be sanitized between each service. Cleaning procedures and sanitizers used will be from the CDC “N-list” of disinfectants approved for use in combating COVID-19.
Limit Travel: To limit the potential of contamination throughout the building, we ask you to use the shortest routes into the sanctuary and out to the parking lot. Areas of the church may be closed off to limit the chance of being contaminated and to limit the necessity to clean & disinfect non-essential areas.
-Sanctuary & Other Physical Changes-
Children’s Area: The children’s area at the front of the sanctuary has been temporarily removed to allow for the 2 additional pews to be re-installed. This will help with allowing us to have more seating available to best spread out and practice social distancing.
Shared Items: The bookshelf of “fidgets” and other items that were commonly taken to the pews for use and returned to share next time have been temporarily removed to avoid potential transmission of the virus through touch. Families are encouraged to bring similar items with them from home should their children require them.
Busy Bags: Busy Bags at the back of the sanctuary for kids to use during service will remain available. We are asking that instead of grabbing a random bag each Sunday, that each household will select a bag and continue to utilize the same bag each Sunday for their family. Tags will be used to mark each bag for each family.
Hymnals: The hymnals, pew Bibles, friendship folder (pew pads), envelopes, pencils, etc. have been removed from the back of the pews. We will be utilizing the projector for the main needs of the service. Those who have trouble seeing the screen may request a hymnal or print copy of the necessary materials.
Distancing: Efforts will be made to maintain a 6’ distance between household groups. Distancing will include using every other pew, separating side-to-side, and will include utilizing a physical barrier. A curtain or partition will be constructed down the center of the large middle section to improve the social distanced seating capacity. Please refrain from hugs, handshakes, etc. to limit contact.
Capacity: Once the pews are filled to the capacity allowed with maintaining social distancing, chairs may be setup in the rear of the sanctuary while maintaining distancing between household groups. In the event that the sanctuary reaches the capacity of pews and chairs allowed with distancing restrictions, then the lounge area will be utilized as an overflow. The live stream of the service will be broadcast on the TV in the lounge and seating will be arranged to maintain proper distancing.
-Order of Worship Changes-
Procession: The Liturgist and Pastor will enter the Sanctuary and altar area using the entrances in the front of the sanctuary to maintain social distancing.
Acolytes: The Liturgist or Pastor will light and extinguish the worship candles and we will not be having acolytes participate at this time.
Offering: A stationary offering plate will be placed at the entrances to the sanctuary for offerings to be deposited into instead of passing the collection plates. Online giving remains available, and offerings can also be mailed to the church at 201 W. Adrian St. Blissfield, MI 49228.
Offertory: During the portion of the worship service reserved for the offering, we will not be passing the offering plates, but we will still have a musical interlude for the “offertory” played by the organist, or perhaps special music. This will be a time for reflection prior to the Doxology.
Choir: At this time, we will not have the choir as a part of the service until the COVID situation improves. As appropriate, special music, handbells, or other music options that allow for proper social distancing to be maintained may be used.
Sunday School, Nursery: We will not be having Sunday School, nor will a nursery be offered at this time. We will also refrain from coffee hour gatherings.
Communion: On Communion Sundays, pre-packaged elements will be distributed by the communion stewards as you enter the church, instead of being passed in the pews. Attendees will take the elements to their seat until the appropriate time. Those who choose to provide your own communion elements from home may continue to do so.
Additional Greeter Responsibilities-
Additional Usher Responsibilities-
indoor worship and remember to hold each other’s safety and well-being as our first priority and extend all the grace we can to each other as we learn a new way to worship together.
There will be a new “normal” that we will have to establish within our church. As we continue to be in the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic, we as a church are going to work to safely return to our sanctuary while still being cautious and following the guidelines and best practices for the COVID response. Below are some of the changes that we will be implementing. These changes were decided on by a task force of church members after reviewing surveys to establish the congregations risk level and preferences, and utilizing the guidelines and best practices of the Governor’s Executive Orders, Lenawee County Health Department, CDC, DHHS, Michigan Department of Labor, MIOSHA, The United Methodist Church, Michigan Conference of the UMC, and others.
-COVID-19 Changes-
Streaming/ Join from home: Services will continue to be available via live-stream or zoom for those who do not feel comfortable attending in person worship service indoors. In-person attendance is optional, and we understand not all members may be comfortable in this new format. Please make the decision that is best for you and your family. The way to access the live-stream will remain the same unless you are notified otherwise.
Masks: In an abundance of caution, we are expecting that all persons entering the church will wear a mask while physically within the building or while on the church grounds outside when 6’ of social distancing cannot be maintained. We are asking individuals to please bring their own mask or face coverings. We will have masks available for those who may have forgotten or need a mask.
Hand Sanitizer: Hand Sanitizer will be available at the entrances and other locations within the church and frequent use is encouraged.
Screening: We are asking for the congregation to do a health pre-screen before coming to worship service. We ask that if anyone has a temperature over 100 to participate from home. We will not be taking people’s temperature when they arrive, however a no-contact IR thermometer will be available for anyone wishing to be checked. If you are symptomatic (fever, cough, known exposure over previous 14 days to COVID-19), or at higher risk, please stay home. Stay up to date on current symptoms and illness concerns regarding COVID-19.
Membership Records/ Contact Information: We will have a church contact list with the greeters and ask each attendee to ensure the information is up to date and let us know how you prefer to be contacted. This will replace the passing of the attendance folders in the pews for the time being. This will not only help our records and communications, but it will also serve as a basis for contract tracing in the event that we have a COVID-19 exposure amongst our congregation.
Seating: The ushers will direct families to their pews as they arrive. To maintain social distancing, we will be using every other pew for seating. We will also be asking each household to stay approximately 6’ from other families. We ask that attendees not gather at end of aisles, rear of sanctuary, or entrances, but rather move conversations to the outdoors to allow for greater social distancing.
Arrival: We will be seating from the front of the sanctuary to the back. This procedure will help us minimize the spread of germs from household to household.
Dismissal: At the conclusion of the service, we will ask families to leave from the back to the front. We ask for patience in entering and exiting so that the physical limitations and bottlenecks of the aisles and entrances/exits can allow for social distancing. Like on an airline, those needing additional assistance or time with the stairs or elevator may want to remain in their seats until others have left to allow them more space and time.
Coat Racks: As the winter approaches, we realize attendees will be wearing coats, hats, gloves, etc. At this time, we have removed the hangers from the stationary coat racks to avoid a bottleneck in the flow of people and to help maintain a distance of 6’. We ask that attendees utilize the empty pew between attendees to hold their outerwear.
Restrooms: Restrooms will be available for use, however we ask that they be used only as necessary. Attendees should utilize the restroom closest to their seat.
Cleaning: The sanctuary, restrooms, and all used areas of the church will be cleaned and sanitized between services. All commonly touched surfaces will be wiped clean and disinfected. Pews (including the upholstered sections) and main areas of use will also be sanitized between each service. Cleaning procedures and sanitizers used will be from the CDC “N-list” of disinfectants approved for use in combating COVID-19.
Limit Travel: To limit the potential of contamination throughout the building, we ask you to use the shortest routes into the sanctuary and out to the parking lot. Areas of the church may be closed off to limit the chance of being contaminated and to limit the necessity to clean & disinfect non-essential areas.
-Sanctuary & Other Physical Changes-
Children’s Area: The children’s area at the front of the sanctuary has been temporarily removed to allow for the 2 additional pews to be re-installed. This will help with allowing us to have more seating available to best spread out and practice social distancing.
Shared Items: The bookshelf of “fidgets” and other items that were commonly taken to the pews for use and returned to share next time have been temporarily removed to avoid potential transmission of the virus through touch. Families are encouraged to bring similar items with them from home should their children require them.
Busy Bags: Busy Bags at the back of the sanctuary for kids to use during service will remain available. We are asking that instead of grabbing a random bag each Sunday, that each household will select a bag and continue to utilize the same bag each Sunday for their family. Tags will be used to mark each bag for each family.
Hymnals: The hymnals, pew Bibles, friendship folder (pew pads), envelopes, pencils, etc. have been removed from the back of the pews. We will be utilizing the projector for the main needs of the service. Those who have trouble seeing the screen may request a hymnal or print copy of the necessary materials.
Distancing: Efforts will be made to maintain a 6’ distance between household groups. Distancing will include using every other pew, separating side-to-side, and will include utilizing a physical barrier. A curtain or partition will be constructed down the center of the large middle section to improve the social distanced seating capacity. Please refrain from hugs, handshakes, etc. to limit contact.
Capacity: Once the pews are filled to the capacity allowed with maintaining social distancing, chairs may be setup in the rear of the sanctuary while maintaining distancing between household groups. In the event that the sanctuary reaches the capacity of pews and chairs allowed with distancing restrictions, then the lounge area will be utilized as an overflow. The live stream of the service will be broadcast on the TV in the lounge and seating will be arranged to maintain proper distancing.
-Order of Worship Changes-
Procession: The Liturgist and Pastor will enter the Sanctuary and altar area using the entrances in the front of the sanctuary to maintain social distancing.
Acolytes: The Liturgist or Pastor will light and extinguish the worship candles and we will not be having acolytes participate at this time.
Offering: A stationary offering plate will be placed at the entrances to the sanctuary for offerings to be deposited into instead of passing the collection plates. Online giving remains available, and offerings can also be mailed to the church at 201 W. Adrian St. Blissfield, MI 49228.
Offertory: During the portion of the worship service reserved for the offering, we will not be passing the offering plates, but we will still have a musical interlude for the “offertory” played by the organist, or perhaps special music. This will be a time for reflection prior to the Doxology.
Choir: At this time, we will not have the choir as a part of the service until the COVID situation improves. As appropriate, special music, handbells, or other music options that allow for proper social distancing to be maintained may be used.
Sunday School, Nursery: We will not be having Sunday School, nor will a nursery be offered at this time. We will also refrain from coffee hour gatherings.
Communion: On Communion Sundays, pre-packaged elements will be distributed by the communion stewards as you enter the church, instead of being passed in the pews. Attendees will take the elements to their seat until the appropriate time. Those who choose to provide your own communion elements from home may continue to do so.
Additional Greeter Responsibilities-
- Greeters will play an important part in our return to worship plan. In an effort to limit the amount of people and hands touching common surfaces, greeters will welcome attendees as they arrive by either having the doors propped open, or by being the designated person to operate the door upon arrival and exit.
- Greeters will be provided with a church member list to highlight or check off members to keep attendance. This list will be maintained to serve as a means of contact tracing if the need arises.
- Greeters will help remind attendees of the COVID measures we are taking and directing attendees toward signage, sanitizing supplies, masks, and to direct others as needed.
- Greeters and ushers will assist in the operation of the elevator to limit the amount of hands touching the common buttons.
Additional Usher Responsibilities-
- Ushers will play an important part in returning to indoor worship. Ushers will welcome and direct attendees to a proper socially distanced seat. Seating should be done from the front of the sanctuary for the first attendees to arrive, and fill toward the back for those who arrive later.
- Seating should be done by household groups, meaning those who reside in the same home. Household groups should be seated utilizing every other pew. Efforts should be made to separate household groups side-to-side to a distance of 6’ from the next household group.
- Seating can use a “checkerboard” pattern of seating and a physical barrier to increase the seating capacity while maintaining social distancing.
- Ushers are asked to remind attendees that masks are to be worn for the entire duration that people are within the building. Proper mask wearing is to cover both the nose and mouth unless there is a medical limitation in doing so.
- Ushers will also assist in directing attendees to use the stationary collection baskets for offerings, and a stationary drop off for membership info updates.
- Ushers will dismiss the congregation from their seats starting from those closest to the exit in the rear toward the front of the sanctuary. Those needing the elevator or additional time, may choose to remain seated until others have exited.
- Ushers will encourage attendees to not gather at the end of aisles, back of sanctuary, or entrances to the church. Attendees are encouraged to move conversations outdoors to allow for greater social distancing.
- If the seating capacity of the pews is reached, ushers will assist in setting up the folding chairs in the rear of the sanctuary, while still maintaining proper distancing between household groups.
- If the seating capacity of the chairs is also exceeded, the ushers will then direct attendees to the lounge where the service will be shown on the large TV. Seating in the lounge should be arranged to maintain proper distancing.
- Ushers and greeters will assist in the operation of the elevator to limit the amount of hands touching the common buttons.