Health and Safety Information for In-Person Worship
Ascension Lutheran Church takes the safety of all members of the community seriously. As we’ve prepared for in-person worship, we’ve taken care to implement best practices from state and national public health experts as well as recommendations from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Southern Ohio Synod, CovidActNow.Org, and The Ecumenical Consultation On Protocols For Worship, Fellowship, And Sacraments. 

The risk of exposure to COVID-19 can never be reduced to zero. But by combining the steps taken by the congregation with the good faith and common sense of the members of the community, we believe we can mitigate the risks enough to enable in-person worship.

​What we've already done:

Invested in enhanced air circulation and filtration in the sanctuary.
  • Installed hand sanitizing stations in key locations.
  • Placed a no-touch temperature monitor system at the entrance.
  • Provided masks for those who arrive without.

What we will continue to do:

Employ traffic flow that will maintain appropriate physical distance.
  • Seat and excuse worshipers so that appropriate physical
  • distance can be maintained.
  • Regularly clean surfaces.
  • Place bulletins ahead of time in the pews that are available for
  • seating. (Please take them with you).
  • Provide clear guidance and instruction before, during, and after worship.

What we will continue to do:

Wear a mask at all times while inside the church for worship (or any events).
  • Wash or sanitize your hands before coming into worship, before communion, and as you leave the sanctuary.
  • Upon entering the sanctuary you may pick up wine and bread for Holy Communion.
  • When there is corporate speaking or humming, do so at a much lower than normal volume. For now, there will be no singing.
  • Keep a physical distance of 6’ from anyone who is not a member of your household.
  • We ask that you exit the building as quickly as possible and limit more extended conversations to the outside.  We ask that you kindly refrain from shaking hands, hugging, or other person-to-person contact. Thank you for your understanding!
  • Continue to wear a mask outdoors unless you can maintain 6’ distance from others.
  • Stay home if you have any symptoms associated with COVID-19 or the flu.
  • Stay home if you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 14 days.
  • If you are over the age of 65 or have any conditions that might compromise your immune system, and/or are not yet ​vaccinated, discuss with your physician the advisability of attending worship.