Announcements

****UPDATE as of March 7th****

In-person church services will resume on Sunday, March 14th with a special parking lot service on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021. We will continue to host our worship on Facebook and in the parking lot. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday will be online and parking lot only with more details to follow. April 11th will be an online service provided by the synod as most pastors are on vacation the Sunday after Easter, including our Pastor Michelle. In person will start again on April 18th.

Sunday School programs will also resume and will be held after in-person services. There will not be a traditional Easter egg hunt but children's materials will be available.

Masks and social distancing will continue to be required with limited seating in the sanctuary and overflow options available. To improve airflow in the sanctuary, windows may be opened so dress accordingly or bring a jacket. Please follow local and CDC health guidelines when considering worshiping in person.

COVID-19 Updates to in-person worship:

Based on recommendations from the Synod--The following policies will be in the place for in-person worship:

• Masks will be required when in the church, so we can protect each other. We encourage you to bring your own mask and gloves (gloves are not required). We will also have masks available.

• Entering and leaving the church: Doors will be propped open to avoid contact. Any personal items must stay in your possessions. (Purses, coats, etc.)

• Greeters and Ushers: There will not be any Greeters at this time and Ushers will not be handing out bulletins. They will be placed on a small table in the Narthex. Members should not congregate in the Narthex. We know that, after being apart for some weeks the natural inclination is to greet each other and talk with each other, but we must practice social distancing.

• Sanctuary seating: When we move to our pews we need to observe CDC recommended guidelines of sitting 6 feet apart from others who are not immediate family. Pews will be taped off to maintain the 6’ guideline.

• Communion: Communion will be administered with wafers only and by continuous flow allowing the social distancing of 6 feet to be maintained. Aisles will be marked.

• Offering: Offering plate will be placed on a small table in the Narthex.

• Children's Sermon: No Children’s Sermons at this time.

• Music/Singing: No singing will be allowed at this time. It is one of the riskiest behaviors due to the spread of aerosol and droplets that can carry a significant distance. With safety conditions in mind, we may have Special Music. (One Person). The Clavinova will be used.

• Sharing of the Peace. Only allowed to stand and do a wave or offer a reverent bow. Or “peace be with you”.

• Nursery Care: No nursery care at this time will be provided. No children’s bags available.

• Fellowship: No fellowship at this time.

• Pastor: Pastor will greet people at the end of the service but there will be no handshakes or any form of close contact.

• No water fountains will be available.

• Restrooms will be open and may be used -- using social distancing.

These guidelines are for the immediate period and should the situation with the virus improve, changes will be made to our practices.

There is a lot of uncertainty if you want to attend “ in house gathering” and that is perfectly fine. We encourage you to still come and listen to the service in the parking lot, via the radio station FM 99.9.

We emphasize the following:

• Stay home when sick.

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use inside of elbow.

• Wash your hands often.

• Limit close contact with others as much as possible. (At least 6 feet).

Your cooperation in following these policies during these unprecedented times is appreciated. By the loving grace of God we will get through this together. These are difficult times, but please keep in mind the expenses of the church are ongoing. Your kind support of the Church is very much appreciated and can be mailed to the Church at : P.O. Box 336, Walford, IA 52351.