The following guidelines come from our Covid-19 Task Force, and are in response to creating a safe environment on the St. Peter’s Lutheran church campus.
Covid-19 Task Force Updated Recommendations Regarding Building Use
The Safe Church Committee met on July 16, 2020 with representatives from church staff, council, the property committee, the medical community, and worship leadership. The committee offered the following recommendations.
Due to the recent protocol put out by Governor Wolf with groups limiting to 25 persons, especially indoors, we recommend waiting until Labor Day or after for in person worship. We will reevaluate at our next meeting which is August 13, 2020.
In person Christian education is also on hold and will again be discussed at our August meeting. A final decision on preschool classes is on hold pending local school district decisions.
Issues that are guiding our recommendations:
- Governor Wolf’s recent order of groups limiting to 25
- The taxing on the HVAC system for total outside air which would increase the humidity in the sanctuary on hot days.
- Lack of adequate ventilation in our Christian education wings.
- Lack of volunteer teachers for in person classes.
- Responses of the worship survey that stated that 60 percent of persons who responded did not feel ready to come to in person worship.
We are hoping to continue our community meal distribution as well as the need for volunteers for Lydia’s closet. Many of our current volunteers are unable to serve at this time. We are looking for persons who are willing to give some time to help with masks and social distancing. Contact Sr. Dottie Almoney if you can help.
Safety Protocol for being in the Church Building
Campus Access
- Doors will be designated for entrance or exit only to control exposure to others.
- When people enter the building, temperatures will be taken by church staff or designated volunteers. If your temperature is over 100 degrees you will be asked to leave building.
Expectations of Behavior
- Masks must be worn inside building.
- Social distancing must be maintained (6 feet if possible).
- Frequent hand washing or hand sanitizing is encouraged.
Restrooms
- We are encouraging only one person in the bathroom at a time to minimize exposure to others in a higher risk environment.
- Parents may accompany children.
- You will be asked to wipe down surfaces with disinfectant wipes before exiting.
Church Office
The Office door will remain locked Monday thru Friday. Visitors to the office will be asked to communicate through front office window.
- There is a box on the table in front of the office window for offering envelopes, etc.
- The Office staff will have visitors and volunteers sign in.
- Until further notice, volunteers or visitors will not be able to enter office unless by appointment
Safety Protocol for being in the Church Worship Spaces
Be aware that safety will be a primary focus, and will include the kinds of procedures that have been identified by our health care leaders as “good practice” like social distancing, “no-contact” practices wherever possible, and face mask usage at all times. We will keep you posted on recommendations following the July Worship Committee and Congregation Council meetings.
Page updated July 22, 2020