COVID-19 Guidelines and Restrictions

First Presbyterian Church
In-Person Worship Policy Change
Beginning November 1, 2020

Most of us can probably remember the week of March 15…it was around that time that our normal routines began to change due to Covid-19.  With this pandemic came Executive Orders from Governors as well as guidelines from the CDC and other health professionals.  Every area of our lives has been impacted by Covid-19…and the church is no exception.  Since March the Session has sought to be faithful to those responsibilities laid out in our Book of Order as well as to the mission that God has called this church to undertake.
 
For several months this meant that we only worshiped online.  (And I am so thankful for that technology!)  In August we moved into in-person worship where we required masks for those attending while they were entering/exiting the sanctuary and when we sang hymns.  In September we experimented with a second service at 1:30 that required masks throughout the whole service.
 
As the Session been reviewing all that we have been doing and praying for guidance, we have felt a need to alter our current policy so we can better provide a safe worshipping experience for everyone who wants to worship in person.
 
Beginning Sunday, November 1 the Session will be implementing a policy that requires masks to be worn through the entirety of the service.  We feel this positions us to not only offer in-person worship that is safe for everyone who wishes to worship, but is also in compliance with recommendations from the Presbytery, our state government, and the CDC.  And, more importantly, we feel this is the direction God is leading us.
 
If you do not have a mask we will provide you with one at the door.  We will continue to offer hand sanitizing stations at the entrances and seating that promotes social distancing.
 
If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me, or one of your elders.  We would be happy to talk with you.
 
In Christ,
 
Pastor Joe