Tuesday, July 14, 2020

In-Person Worship by Phases

RED PHASE

Stay at home.
Gatherings of more than 10 prohibited.
In person church services and non-essential ministries should cease.
Communicate plans to congregation.
Begin to plan for transition to YELLOW PHASE.

YELLOW PHASE

Stay at home restrictions lifted in favor of aggressive mitigation.
In person gatherings of 25 or less, with all safety precautions in place. (leadership, ministries, small group Bible studies, church office staff, etc.)
Communicate plans to the congregation.
Begin to plan for transition to GREEN PHASE.


GREEN PHASE

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. See the CDC guidelines: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/disinfecting-building-facility.html
Limit gatherings (worship, fellowship, and other) to 250 people.
Maintain social distance and require worshipers to wear face coverings.
Make worship child-and-family friendly rather than offer nursery service.
Train hospitality teams to provide a safe and sanitary experience.
Avoid using items that many people will touch (i.e hymnals, bulletins, Bibles, and offering plates.)
Project the service content or guide the congregation while leading. 
Invite people to drop their tithes and offerings into a basket you provide.
Forego singing. 
There is no safe means of offering communion at this time.
Invite passing the peace/greetings that do not involve physical contact.
Continue online services to allow the vulnerable continue to experience worship.
Communicate plans to the congregation.
Continue to plan for transition to an ALL CLEAR PHASE.
Be prepared to move back to YELLOW or RED PHASE, if necessary.