After careful consideration and planning by the full Council and the Worship Committee, we have decided to resume indoor worship at both services beginning Sunday, July 4. Chester County leads the state and area in vaccination rate (https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Vaccine/Pages/Dashboard.aspx), and we will be following the practices and guidelines listed below. We feel these steps will help meet the needs of the congregation while taking reasonable precautions to be safe.
- Both services are open to all – vaccinated and non-vaccinated.
- Services will include congregational singing.
- We will follow recommendations/considerations from CDC and encourage distancing where possible and appropriate. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/large-events/considerations-for-events-gatherings.html
- Masks will be optional for those who are fully vaccinated (which includes the 2-week period post-last dose). Everyone who is not vaccinated is asked to mask (including those under 12).
- Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance to the narthex/worship space for use pre- and post-worship.
- Please respect a person’s preference as to how they may want to share the peace.
- Communion distribution: The communion cup trays will be partially filled, and you are invited to take your own cup from the tray that the worship assistant is holding. Pastor Tim will be cautious as to not touching your hand as he drops the wafer/bread into your palm.
- If you prefer greater social distance and separation, the last row of seats and the narthex will be available.
- We will continue to stream the services live on Zoom and YouTube if you prefer an online option.
- Weekly Saturday evening services will resume Saturday, September 11, 2021, at 5:00 p.m.
- Summer Saturday evening services will be offered on Saturday, July 17, and August 21 at 5:00 p.m.
- Once again, changes will start Sunday, July 4th.
There is no easy answer that will be right for everyone. Our Council, the Worship Team, and Pastor Tim will be glad to hear any suggestions, questions, or concerns that you might have.