Regathering Plan COVID-19
To keep you safe and informed, we have put together our Plan for Regathering below. It includes the steps we are taking and what we’re asking of you to promote the safety of everyone who attends. We have monitored the recommendations of the CDC, WHO, and the MN Dept. of Health. We have also consulted with health professionals in our community. We believe these steps will help us love one another, care for our neighbor, and worship God. We are committed to meeting as a church, but we also want to make it clear that we trust you to make the best decisions for your own health and the health of your family. If you are part of the population who is most vulnerable to this disease, we would encourage you to stay home and watch via our livestream. If you still feel compelled to come, we are asking that you take safety precautions and wear a mask. While some of these steps will be inconvenient, we are happy to endure some minor inconveniences for the sake of gathering together safely. If you have any questions, please let us know how we can help.
WHAT WE’RE PLANNING TO DO
We will be adhering to the BHM Schools COVID -19 Preparedness Plan. In addition, the following items are specific to the needs of Grace Church.
• Limit seating up to 50% capacity of our main room
• Offer one Sunday morning service at 10:00 am.
• Livestream the service for those unable to attend.
• Keep a registration log of all attendees. This will be used to inform you of any cases of COVID-19 in our midst.
• Prop open main entry doors to limit touched surfaces.
• All greeters and ushers, and other volunteers will wear a face mask.
• Greeters will offer hand sanitizer at the door when you enter.
• Adjust Auditorium seating to promote social distancing. Families may sit together, but please keep at least 3 chairs between you and other families. An usher will seat you in designated areas.
• Pre-School and Nursery classes will be offered. All volunteers will wear a mask and use hand sanitizer. Children will be encouraged to use hand sanitizer upon entering and leaving the classroom. All toys and surfaces will be sanitized.
• Have hand sanitizer readily available at the front door entrance and at the auditorium.
• NO food or drinks will be allowed in the school. There will not be coffee or donuts offered at this time.
• Offering will be collected in an offering bucket in the hallway for contactless giving.
• The restrooms in the main hallway will be CLOSED. The auditorium restrooms will be opened for use during the service.
WHAT WE’RE ASKING OF YOU
• Stay home if you are sick. This is always true, but particularly at this time. If anyone in your household has shown the symptoms of COVID-19, you would be serving your church by staying home.
• Wash your hands/ use hand sanitizer often
• Practice social distancing. Please do not gather in the hallways or in the auditorium. Aim to keep at least 6 feet between yourself and another non-family member. Parents, this will be difficult with children, but we need you to keep a close eye on your kids for their sake, but also for the sake of the vulnerable in our midst. Talk to them and remind them of the importance of avoiding physical contact with others.
• Avoid physical contact. This includes hugs, handshakes, high-fives, and fist bumps.
• Face masks are recommended, but not required. We are encouraging each person to bring their own mask, but we will provide one for those who forget.
• Please don’t congregate inside the building for longer than necessary before/after services
• Pray for your leaders. Your government and church leaders need wisdom to navigate these times.
• Show grace to one another. We all approach this virus and the restrictions from different perspectives. Please show grace to others who see things differently.
WE CAN’T WAIT TO WORSHIP WITH YOU AT GRACE!