Fields Chapel UMC – Reopening Guidelines for In-Person Attendance
Halleluiah – We are reopening the church doors! As we begin to gather in person for worship services there are guidelines provided by the global UMC to consider. As a loving church family we have decided to implement those which attempt to ensure the safety of all who attend in-person services yet at the same time take into consideration the culture of the Chapel.
The plan as we begin reopening is to offer in-person Sunday morning worship services at both 8:40 and 11am. Weather permitting, the 8:40am service will be held outside in the prayer garden. In person Sunday school will not be offered until a later date.
Please use your own judgement on deciding whether or not it’s the right time for you to join us at the Chapel. If it’s not, our online services will continue to be available, however there will be a delay in uploading once the in-person service completes.
For those who do attend in-person services please be aware of the following guidelines which need to be followed both inside and outside.
For now, masks are required by anyone over the age of 2.
o The church will supply a mask for you if you do not have one.
Hand sanitizer will be available and is required when you enter the building.
o Sanitizer will be available as you exit the building as well.
A 6 foot social distance needs to be maintained while on the church grounds. Families may sit together on a pew.
o At the 11am service we will be utilizing ushers, who will greet you with a warm smile rather than hugs or handshakes, to ensure we fill seats from the front to the back of the chapel to aid in social distancing. At the 8:40am service just take a seat in a prearranged and sanitized chair which will already be in the prayer garden.
No nursery service will be available at this time. The children’s message will occur with children remaining in their seats.
Only one person at a time may access the stairwell going down to the restrooms. Restroom safety procedures will be posted on the wall downstairs
The congregation is being asked to not sing.
o Joey will continue to lead us in music from a safe distance and from behind a divider. Feel free to snap, clap, wave your hands but please at this time do not sing or hum (even with your mask on). Experts indicate group singing disperses micro droplets which can spread the virus.
Dismissal will be done from the back of the chapel to the front, so everyone is not exiting at the same time. When you exit the building please proceed to your cars and maintain social distancing.
We can’t wait to greet you with the love of the Lord and we hope to see you soon.
PS: Please do bring your own Bible to worship service with you. A seat cushion also, if you wish to use one. Note: You will need to take them home with you after service. For the time being, the church’s Bibles, hymnals, weekly bulletins and seat cushions will not be in the Sanctuary.
