Regathering Covenant

for CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Jesus gave us a new commandment. “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”  (John 13:34-35, NRSV.)

As we live through these difficult times, we have to find different ways to carry out Our Lord’s command. This covenant is based upon our desire to follow his teaching.

As we begin to plan for regathering, there are some difficult guidelines that we need to follow. We accept that the following practices are necessary to keep others safe during the pandemic. While we may long to be close to each other, as is our usual practice, we must refrain from this in order to protect others, especially those who are most vulnerable. We will follow State, County, and Diocesan guidelines to assure that we do so.

Here are the major parts of those guidelines:

• Discontinue singing (in rehearsals, services, etc.), chanting and other practices and performance where there is increased likelihood for transmission from contaminated exhaled droplets.
• Places of worship should continue to provide services through alternative methods (such as via internet and/or recorded streaming, telephone, drive-in, etc.) whenever possible.
• Required use of masks/face coverings for both members of the public and workplace settings where there is a high risk of exposure.
• Only attend worship if healthy and non-symptomatic with the novel coronavirus that could compromise the health of other parishioners.

We will also:

… continue to provide online services for those who should not attend, respecting that vulnerable folk need to remain at home.

… practice social distancing when we regather, including all spaces inside and outside the church. (At least 6 feet between each of us who are not in a family group).

… provide and use hand-sanitizing materials.

… allow ourselves to be screened with a forehead thermometer prior to entry to the church.

… follow the directions of our trained clergy, lay leaders, and volunteers.

… abide by any signs posted as to where we will enter the church and where we shall sit.

… be willing to give contact information to ushers, to be used in the event of a positive case occurring.

Thank you for your kind and loving cooperation!

07/28/2020