Heritage Presbyterian Church

Session Covid 19 Update 10.19.20

Preparations for Indoor worship 
 ³“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. ⁴Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4

 The Elders and Deacons met Tuesday, Oct.13, to review procedures, needs, and related details concerning our congregation moving indoors for worship. As noted from the very beginning of this process, we are taking a very cautious approach to decisions surrounding our gathering for worship.

 The Elders are committed to proceed in a way that ensure safety for all. We will be “open” for worship when we are prepared to provide, as far as we are able, a safe environment for the best worship experience. Outdoor worship is still safer, and we will continue the outdoor format for a while longer.

 The above must guide our thoughts, conversations, and actions because we understand that some want to stay outside as long as possible, while others want to move indoors last week. Our decisions are not designed to placate either end of that spectrum, but with an eye to shepherd the congregation through these challenging days, in wisdom. We do know that the weather will “chase us indoors” eventually, so preparing now is prudent. No date has been set for moving indoors.

 
Following are requirements for indoor worship:
 

1. Social distancing of 6’ or more is required (family members of the same household remain together).
2. Individuals kindergarten and older are REQUIRED to wear a cloth face covering. Cloth face coverings, masks, are to be worn throughout the service, covering both your mouth and nose, including during singing.
3. Children must always remain with their parent/guardian.
4. No childcare provided. 
5. Being careful to social distance and maximize seating capacity, attendees will be ushered to seats. Please follow the lead of the ushers.
6. Starting with back rows, we will exit by rows as directed, in an orderly fashion, not stopping for conversation inside the building.
7. Bathroom use limited to 1 person at a time.  
8. A temperature scan will be used on all entering the building.

 
Building:

1. Nursery and Fellowship Hall are closed. We will monitor if overflow seating is needed in the future in Fellowship Hall.
2. Entry doors (as weather permits) and Sanctuary doors are to remain open.
3. Sanctuary windows will be open as weather allows, and the HVAC blower will be ‘on’ in order to promote the turnover of indoor air.
4. Hand sanitizer will be provided at the main entrances.

 
Singing/Preaching:

1. No sharing of microphones. All microphones must be sanitized after each use.
2. Individuals up front speaking, reading, or singing without a mask must maintain a 13’ distance OR stand behind a physical barrier. Mask must be put back on when finished.

 
Materials:

1. No shared materials or passed offering plates.
   • An offering plate will be situated on the table by the Sanctuary door. Upon exiting donations may be placed there.
2. Communion elements will be distributed with tongs. A trash can for empty communion containers will be positioned by the back door of the Sanctuary.

 
REMEMBER:

• Please stay home if you have a cough, high fever, or shortness of breath. Please stay home if you have had close exposure to anyone who has tested positive with COVID-19 in the past 14 days.