p,ks

   Currently we are not operating with full Covid precautions.  We keeping the precautions of not passing the offering plate or communion trays during the service.

 

Introduction

   Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, it has become necessary to take certain precautions as we return to in person worship.  Over the centuries, the Church has dealt with many obstacles in order to worship God appropriately.  This obstacle like all the others will be overcome, and we will somehow be better for having endured difficulty. 

     This policy was developed with two things in mind.

 

   1.  Operating with Jesus Christ as the Head of the Church.  We will adopt no policy, adhere to no procedure, nor assume any practice that contradicts the Gospel of Jesus Christ

 

   2.  Operating within recommended guidelines for safe public gatherings.

 

    Regarding government authority in matters relating to the restriction of public meetings, and also recommendations from various health agencies concerning the same; we will operate in the spirit fostered in Holy Scripture.

    Rom 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.

 

    We feel that we can take reasonable precautions that will help maintain a safe manner of meeting together and also allow for our gathering together as the scripture instructs us.  This policy details these precautions.

    Given our current situation in dealing with the effects of a pandemic, our hope is that this policy is received in the manner that it was intended; to insure our ability to be the best Church that that we can be for our Savior Jesus Christ, our Community of Point Marion, and our Nation.  

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Coming to Church

 There are some things you need to do before you decide to come to worship.

1. How are you feeling and what people have you been around?

   Any person who has had any contact with people with confirmed COVID-19 cases or who has flu symptoms or fever should stay home and self-quarantine.  We really appreciate the desire of everyone to be in church, but our first best precaution is to self-quarantine if we have been symptomatic or have been in contact with a symptomatic person. 

   2. There will be no nursery.

    We hope that this will be a temporary measure, but until we know more about Covid 19 and have more proven and effective treatment options, we do not want to put our smallest children at any further risk. 

   5.   Masks

    Masking has been downgraded from mandatory to optional.  Please feel free to wear a mask if you so desire.  If you need a mask, we have them available!

Changes to Worship

   The burden of social distancing is one that we must endeavor to keep in order to safely gather together.  While we are accustomed to certain traditions that are part of both our worship experience and our cultural norms, we must be willing to embrace certain changes in order to facilitate a safer worship environment. 

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1. Coming in the building

    This will be the very first place where you notice a change.  You will need to help your self to a communion pack (A pre-sealed packet with a wafer and juice) and if you brought an offering, place the offering in the box at the door.  

   2.  Format of Service

     We will not be passing the offering plate or the communion trays.  We will adjust the order of worship to help accommodate this change.

  

Hygiene

   The things that we implement for safety in dealing with covid 19 are good practices in general for avoiding germs that cause colds and flu.  Please keep good hygiene in mind.

1. Good practices

  Try to avoid touching your nose and mouth and avoid rubbing or touching your eyes.   This will further protect you from the risk of picking up any germs that you may have come in contact with. 

   If you sneeze or cough, please cover your mouth.  Best practice is to use the inside of your elbow in order to avoid putting your hands to your mouth.     

   2. Hand washing

    We will post signs encouraging proper and frequent hand washing.  Please be sure to wash your hands properly and thoroughly.

   3. Hand sanitizer

    We will have hand sanitizer available in the church building.  Please utilize it.  Even though we are taking steps to remove the opportunity to pick up germs, it is still a good practice to sanitize on a regular basis.