Operational Plan for Church Services using Covid 19-Protocol

 

       It has been determined through the Official Board meeting on May 12, 2020 that the following persons will be responsible for our decision making, monitoring, and implementing our operational plan during and proceeding the Covid-19 pandemic:  Elizabeth Moriarty and Norma Jean Dickison.

 

     Covid-19 signs regarding social distancing, hand sanitization, and the voluntary usage of community masks will be posted at all three entrances to the church. It will be stressed that the wearing of community masks would be appreciated, although the Minister himself will be unable to wear a mask because several members of the congregation are hearing impaired and lip read to understand the church service.

 

     Hand sanitization stations will be placed at the entryway into the sanctuary and coming into the sanctuary from the hallway leading to the washroom/kitchen/church hall.

 

     A table will be set up at the rear and front of the church for the collection plates, individuals will deposit their donations upon entrance to the church to avoid any form of contact during church services.

 

     All hymnals have been removed to avoid contamination.  Church bulletins will be placed at the individual seating spots 2 days prior to the church service.

 

     There will not be any singing by the congregation except for a weekly chosen soloist who will stand at the alcove at the front of the church. Should a duet decide to provide an anthem, one singer shall stand in the front left corner of the choir pews, the other singer shall stand in the alcove at the front of he church, and the organist will sit at her seat at the organ.  These positions were measured out and all are beyond the 6 foot distancing protocol.

 

     Congregation members will be seated in every other pew, beginning with the first pew in the front, skipping the next, seated in the next, and so forth.  Using this protocol Saint Thomas United Church will have the capacity to seat 24 individuals. There will be a sound system implemented for usage in the church hall should there be an overflow of patrons. These patrons will also follow the 6 foot distancing rule.

 

     The church pews will be marked with bulletins as to which ones can be seated in, seating will be two persons per pew, each individual at either end of the pew, giving a distance of approximately 7 feet between individuals.  A couple seated together designates the couple seated at one end of the pew and another individual at the other end. This still allows for the 6 foot distancing protocol.

 

     Saint Thomas United Church will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized (using a proper sanitization product) after each church service, including pews, doorknobs, floors, church organ, the Minister’s station and the washroom. The Church kitchen will not be in use and will be closed off to the public.

 

Respectfully submitted by:   Elizabeth Moriarty, Secretary, Saint Thomas United Church