What You Need To Know About In-Person Worship
St. Luke's will open its door on Easter!!!
As of February 10, The Diocese of Southern Ohio issued Guidelines cautiously permitting in-person, in-building worship, including “bread only” communion. The guidelines were created by the Diocese’s COVID-19 Medical Task Force, made up of medical and public health professionals. St. Luke’s vestry has decided to follow these guidelines as we plan a return to in-building worship on Easter. We are looking forward to a beautiful and very special Easter service!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The rector, vestry, and St. Luke’s own COVID-19 Task Force have your health and safety as their primary concern.
They are adhering to the latest advisories of the OH Health Department, the CDC, The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio and even the Organist Guild of America.
Our Task Force has carefully considered and implemented a number of adjustments and safety measures to make in-building worship as safe as possible.
There will be 2 in person services on Easter morning. One at 8 am and the other at 11 am.
The choice of attendance is yours to make. The pandemic is still with us and some degree of risk must be assumed. Please check our website for links to current health advisories. The following sections give you the more specifics about how our church service will look and help you make your decision. A detailed plan, Planning for a Choice, can be found on the COVID-19 page of our website.
CHURCH PREPARATION
The sanctuary will have a “spring cleaning” prior to the service and targeted cleaning between the two services.
At the entrance there will be hand sanitizer and bulletins for everyone and masks for anyone who forgets theirs.
Floor markers have been placed on the floor of the sanctuary to show proper distancing and direction. There will be a one-way movement within the sanctuary.
Pews have been marked and numbered. Seating is limited to 13 well-spaced pews. Each will serve a single household. Different pews will be used during the two services.
Plastic barriers have been erected at the lecterns.
The host will be distributed in a way which minimizes congregational mixing and risk to the clergy/lay Eucharistic ministers
Several doors and windows will be kept open to increase the flow of fresh air. Dress appropriately!
The church will be aired out and cleaned as necessary in the 2 hours between services.
ATTENDEES
Will sign up in advance to attend the service. At that time they will be assigned a pew.
Will be asked to do a self-assessment for symptoms of and exposure to COVID before attending church.
Will wear a mask upon entry and keep it in place during the service, except during receipt of the host.
Enter the church through the right door and follow the one way footsteps maintaining 6 ft distance.
Sit in the assigned pew. Maximum is 4-5 per pew.
Await dismissal from the pew at the end of the service
Will not linger and inter mingle indoors at the end of the service
If you have received the vaccination and feel safe to attend, your presence would enhance the safety of those not vaccinated.
If you are on the "endangered list", please be thoughtful about your own health when making the decision.
The priest, lector, usher, organist, and 2 cantors will also wear masks and complete a self-assessment before coming to church on Easter.
St. Luke’s COVID Task Force
Ashlin Caravana
Jimi James
Laura Moller