Heritage Presbyterian Church

Session Covid 19 Update 5.22.20

Dear Members & friends of Heritage Church,
 
Greetings in the name of our great and awesome God, who ⁶“…has blessed us in the Beloved. ⁷In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace…” (Ephesians 1:6-7).

We all are quite aware that God is at work in mysterious ways these days. A week ago church services would have been limited to 10 people, now it seems as if we’ve hit ‘warp-drive’ and churches are allowed to open up with seating to accommodate 30% of stated fire occupancy requirements.
 
Elders & Deacons met, via Zoom, Wednesday evening to discuss the opportunity for and details related to ‘re-opening’ of worship at Heritage. While we all look forward to joining together for corporate worship, we will not at the present time plan to ‘re-open’, for the following reasons:

1. We believe it prudent to take this slow for the safety of our congregation. We are in communication with other churches as to how they are handling the process, to help us think through the details.
2. We are reviewing the Governor’s guidelines for church worship to ensure we are in compliance.
3. Additionally, we are working on the following details to be in place before we ‘re-open’:
   1. Online access to worship services will continue for those staying home, due to health concerns. Either pre-recorded services (as we’ve been doing) OR live- streaming will give that access.
   2. Thinking through and planning on ‘seating arrangements’, ensuring that family units are 6 feet apart, following the Governor’s guidelines.
   3. As noted in previous communication we will make sure the building is safe for gathering and are working on completing this.
   4. Obtaining sufficient supplies (such as extra face masks & sanitizing stations) as required by the Governor’s guidelines to be on hand/in place.

 The Governor’s guidelines include many other details which will be communicated closer to the ‘re-opening’ of corporate worship. Because things are changing rapidly, no doubt some of those details will change prior to our opening, thus waiting until that time will cause less confusion about what is and is not required.
 
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16).
 
Blessings, Pastor Evans for the Leadership of HPC