Practices for safe worship during the covid-19 pandemic
(Registration Form is at the bottom of this page)
Pastors and other speakers may remove their masks when speaking from the pulpit or lectern, provided they are fully vaccinated.
We believe this to be a reasonable accommodation, both for the speakers and for those in the congregation who have difficulty hearing or understanding these speakers while masked.
To insure that this is a safe practice the distance between the speakers and the congregation is increased by keeping the front row empty in the sanctuary and by setting the seats at least 13 feet from the lectern in the Great Hall.
Masks continue to be required for all others while indoors.
We ask you to register for worship so that we can do the state required contact tracing in the unlikely situation someone attending worship gets sick. Registration can be accomplished by filling out the form at the bottom of this page.
If you do not register, you are still welcome to worship with us, sign in sheets at the doors will be available for your name, phone number and a box to initial that you hold the church harmless.
All the usual doors used to enter our worship spaces will be open and all bathrooms will be available. We do ask you to use the sanitizing wipes found in the bathrooms when you are finished.
Entering and Service Details
Masks
Will You Attend?
The Church Council and Re-Gathering Task Force will continue to monitor developments in NJ in order to respond to future changes. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the church office so that we can get your questions to the appropriate person for a response.
We believe this to be a reasonable accommodation, both for the speakers and for those in the congregation who have difficulty hearing or understanding these speakers while masked.
To insure that this is a safe practice the distance between the speakers and the congregation is increased by keeping the front row empty in the sanctuary and by setting the seats at least 13 feet from the lectern in the Great Hall.
Masks continue to be required for all others while indoors.
We ask you to register for worship so that we can do the state required contact tracing in the unlikely situation someone attending worship gets sick. Registration can be accomplished by filling out the form at the bottom of this page.
If you do not register, you are still welcome to worship with us, sign in sheets at the doors will be available for your name, phone number and a box to initial that you hold the church harmless.
All the usual doors used to enter our worship spaces will be open and all bathrooms will be available. We do ask you to use the sanitizing wipes found in the bathrooms when you are finished.
Entering and Service Details
- The front and side doors of the sanctuary, and main entrance to the great hall will be used.
- We are no longer requiring temperature checks. Please self-monitor for symptoms.
- When you enter you will see hand sanitizer stations throughout the church. We ask that you visit these (or use your own) prior to taking your seat.
- It’s time to rejoice in song! We are excited to announce that we will be leading the congregation in song. Please remember that masks are still required.
- Spacing - Please sit with others from your household and those that you regularly see. Allow comfortable space between groups in front and next to you.
Masks
- Masks will continue to be required when in the church building. Please understand this decision has not been taken lightly. While CDC guidance has adjusted masking recommendations for persons who are fully vaccinated, it has not reversed masking recommendations for all. We will continue to monitor local transmission and vaccination rates, along with masking recommendations and will revisit this decision on a monthly basis.
- Masks are not required or recommended for children under 2.
- We encourage conversation and fellowship before and after services outside the church building on our front lawn, behind the sanctuary in our garden area, or outside the Great Hall. Enjoy the views, beautiful weather and conversation with fellow attendees.
Will You Attend?
- Please exercise wisdom in deciding whether or not you will attend.
- If you are ill or experiencing symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat or new loss of taste or smell, please stay home and join us through our live stream option.
The Church Council and Re-Gathering Task Force will continue to monitor developments in NJ in order to respond to future changes. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the church office so that we can get your questions to the appropriate person for a response.