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Health and Safety Information for In-Person Worship |
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While COVID-19 vaccinations are increasing but not yet available for everyone in the community, medical and government authorities recently made recommendations to their previous pandemic protocols. Now, vaccinated people only need to mask and safe distance in nursing homes, hospitals, mass transit, and any business/organization/municipality locations who still require it; while all safety protocols remain in place for those who are unvaccinated due to age, medical condition or choice. In light of that guidance with input from Music and Worship and the Executive Team, Church Council modified Ascension’s pandemic safety protocols as follows:
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For any gatherings inside the church building (not inclusive of worship):
- For those who are fully vaccinated, face coverings are optional.
- For those who are unvaccinated, face coverings are expected.
- Safe-distance seating, sanitizing spaces, and the use of hand sanitizer is expected.
For any worship gatherings of the church, in the church:
- For those who are or are not vaccinated, face coverings are required for indoor worship.
- For those fully vaccinated, face coverings are optional for outdoor worship and other congregational outdoor gatherings.
- Safe-distance seating, stationary communion, and traffic patterns are maintained to accommodate any who are unvaccinated.
- Health care guidance identifies indoor group singing as a least safe activity for those who are not vaccinated. Church Council with input from the Worship and Music Committee is still discerning a faithful path to re-introduce congregational singing in worship for the benefits it offers to our praise of God and spiritual well-being. In order to begin more congregational involvement in the music and liturgy, face coverings are required of all worshippers, and worshippers are invited to sing and speak quietly into their covering. As this plan continues to evolve, a hymn leader will continue to sing and lead songs for worship on behalf of worshippers reflecting on the lyrics.
What we will continue to do:
The building is open again for community groups to use under this guidance. They may also request additional protocols for attendees independent of the church, so check with the group before attending.
Signage around the church will be modified to reflect the changes.
Thank you again for your cooperation and patience as we continue to manage pandemic events with the health and safety of the whole congregation in mind. The love of Christ is clearly evident in your love for one another and the surrounding community.
Signage around the church will be modified to reflect the changes.
Thank you again for your cooperation and patience as we continue to manage pandemic events with the health and safety of the whole congregation in mind. The love of Christ is clearly evident in your love for one another and the surrounding community.