COVID-19 GUIDELINES & PROCEDURES FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP AT IPC (Last Updated: September 1 2020)
Bulletins will be printed and placed in pews on Thursday. Given the CDC recommendations about the virus’ life on the surface of a piece of paper, the three-day passage of time should eliminate any risk of exposure. However, it is up to each individual to decide what they are comfortable with, and no one will be expected to pick up a bulletin if they prefer not to.
- If you or a household member has been diagnosed with COVID-19, do not come to church until at least 30 days after all symptoms have disappeared, or 14 days after a negative test result.
- Before you come to church:
- Take your temperature. Do not come to church if your temperature is over 100℉.
- Check for symptoms. Do not come to church if you have experienced any of the following symptoms within the last 7 days: cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, fatigue, unexplained aches, unusual headache, fever, chills, new loss of smell or taste, diarrhea, nausea, congestion, runny nose.
- Assess exposure. Do not come to church if, within the last 14 days, you have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with confirmed or probable COVID-19, whether or not you are experiencing any symptoms and whether or not masks were worn.
- Occupancy on Sunday morning is restricted to 25% of 200, i.e. 50 people, in order to ensure minimum distancing. Attendance will be recorded in the event there is a need for “contact tracing.”
- What to expect on Sunday morning:
- Attendees will only enter the church through the side parking lot doors by the office.
- Doors will be propped open prior to 10:30 so that attendees do not need to touch door handles; however, doors will be closed once service begins due to the A/C.
- You will be offered a squirt of hand sanitizer upon entry.
- Face coverings are required to be worn. They must cover both the mouth and nose.
- If you do not have a mask, washable cotton masks will be provided to you as you enter (which you can keep and bring the next time).
- EXCEPTIONS: The pastor and liturgist may remove their masks while they are in the chancel area and speaking. The organist may remove his mask while performing. Masks for children under the age of 4 are not required. THE CONGREGATION WILL BE ALLOWED TO REMOVE THEIR MASKS DURING THE SERMON ONLY (while seated and with no responsive speaking).
- Social distancing (6-10 feet) is required in the pews. Some pews will be roped off. You may be directed to move to improve distancing. You may not be able to sit in your “normal” spot!
- There will be no bulletins, bibles or hymnals. The service will be on the screen. You are encouraged to bring your own bibles.
- There will be no singing as a Congregation (solos may be permitted).
- There will be no passing of the peace, offering plate, or communion service. An offering plate will be located on the table at the back of the sanctuary. Communion may be planned with special COVID restrictions.
- After the service, you will be depart by pew (last row first) to avoid congregating in the back of the sanctuary. Social distancing of at least 6 feet is to be maintained while leaving.
- The pastor will stand behind the table in the back of the sanctuary in order to greet churchgoers, from 6 feet away.
- Fellowship hour has been suspended.
The above requirements are regularly reviewed by Session for potential revision.
Please direct questions or concerns to the pastor.