In-person Worship is back -- Sundays at 10:45 AM.

As we implement these guidelines please know they are fluid and can change at any time as conditions dictate. We know things will look and feel different when you return, and we ask that you are patient through the process because our ultimate goal is your safety. The success of our “re-gathering” depends on each one of us to adhere to the guidelines we as a Session have adopted. By following these guidelines, we are able to show the love of Christ to our brothers and sisters in faith.
 

Our plan and guidelines for our initial re-gathering is as follows:

 

Phase One:

Entering Pines at Any Time:

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• Consistent with state and local regulations the wearing of a mask is required and appreciated, unless you are medically unable, any time you are in the building. Extra masks are available if you forget yours.

• The adherence to physical distancing practices while on campus is highly encouraged and appreciated.

• Hand sanitizing stations have been located throughout the hallways and Narthex for your use.

• Safety signage has been placed around the building to clearly communicate safety precautions

 

Sunday Mornings

• Parking and entrance to the church will be from our West Bough entrance. Those with limited mobility may park and enter from the Kimberly Lane entrance.

• Greeters will meet you at the door to welcome and inform you of our guidelines.

• In-person worship will have limited and distanced seating in the Sanctuary. Overflow spaced seating available in the Fellowship Hall.

• All worshipers are asked to pick up and wear their name badges.

• Following worship worshipers are asked to deposit the name badges in specially marked receptacles for cleaning and contact tracing purposes.

• Please refrain from shaking hands, hugging, or lingering for conversations in the hallways.

Worship

• In-person worship begins on October 4th at 50% capacity.

• Live streaming of worship service will continue online.

• Certain pews have been blocked from use so as to maintain social distancing.

• Ushers will strategically seat you as you enter the Sanctuary.

• At the conclusion of worship ushers will dismiss you by rows.

• Bulletins will not be available – all liturgy will be on the screens.

• Hymnals, Bibles, Friendship Pads, pencils and other items have been removed from the pews.

• Specially marked receptacles for your offering have been placed at the rear doors of the Sanctuary.

• Hymns will be sung, but parishioners are encouraged to sing softly.

• Communion will be celebrated using pre-packaged self-contained juice and wafer elements that will be available in the Narthex/Lobby.

• There will be no receiving line following worship and parishioners are encouraged to exit the building

 

Children’s & Youth Ministries

• Children and Youth Ministry activities will resume in-person on November 1st.

• Playground will be available for families to use at their own risk during worship.

• Worship Activity Bags will be available for children.

• Continue with Online opportunities.

 

Sunday School

• Adult Sunday School will continue online and resume in-person classes on October 18th.

• Children and Youth Sunday school will meet in-person beginning November 1st.

 

Committee Meetings & Small Groups

• All Pines committee meetings and small groups may resume beginning October 5th.

• All meetings must be scheduled through the church office.

• Please plan and schedule for an appropriate classroom so to adhere to social distancing guidelines. 

 

Who Should Stay Home

Those who are medically vulnerable due to underlying health issues. If you have been in contact with infected persons, or have experienced symptoms that may be COVID-19 related, which include:

• Fever or chills

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Fatigue

• Muscle or body aches

• Headache

• New loss of taste or smell

• Sore throat

• Congestions or runny nose

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

• Known close contact with a person who is confirmed to have COVID-19

 

If this describes you or a family member, please stay safely at home and continue to worship online.

We yearn to be with you again, but we support you, and will stay connected to you, whichever way you decide to re-gather.