St. Andrew's UMC

In-person Worship

The Administrative Council held a meeting in April to discuss returning to in-person worship. Please realize that this is not considered to be a re-opening of church because the church is never closed. Instead, the council discussion revolved around how to safely return to gathering for worship. This was a particularly difficult discussion due to the heavy losses the church has suffered during the pandemic and our Wesley guide to do no harm.

A systematic way to open church was determined using the Jefferson County Health Department’s color coding pandemic indicator. Here are the basics to start in May.

  • The Jefferson County Health Department updates their Color Guidance Indicator each Wednesday for the previous week. It is prominently posted on their website.
  • Online worship will be offered regardless of the color indicator.
  • Drive Thru Communion will also continue on the first Sunday of each month from 11:30 AM until 12:30 PM.
  • Parking lot worship will be offered at 10:30 AM on Sundays if the color indicator on the previous Wednesday is orange.
  • In-person worship (using the guidelines below) will be offered at 10:30 AM on Sunday if the color indicator on the previous Wednesday is yellow or green.
  • The church will communicate worship options via email, but if that isn’t an option for you, please contact the church so that you can be called when the color changes from week to week.

Summary of approved re-opening guidelines:

  • Those exposed to the coronavirus within the previous 2 weeks are asked to remain at home and watch the service on Facebook or YouTube.
  • Temperatures will be check prior to entering the Sanctuary. Those running a fever will be asked to enjoy the online worship and not risk potential exposure of others.
  • After entering the Sanctuary, congregants will be asked to sign-in.
  • Half the pews will be restricted, with one household per pew.
  • Face masks will be required.
  • Services will follow the basic pattern of the online services.
  • No congregational singing. The Worship Team will provide music and don their masks when not singing.
  • Offering plates will be placed at the back of the Sanctuary, and congregants will be asked to make their contributions before or after the service.
  • Communion will follow existing safety protocols until a positive rate is negligible.
  • Nursery and Children’s ministries will be suspended for the time being.
  • Before- or after-church fellowships will be suspended for the time being.
  • Online services will continue into the foreseeable future.
  • Online Tuesday Check-in will continue to be held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 7 pm.
, , ,

One response to “In-person Worship”