| Summer Outdoor Worship Point Place United Church of Christ (As of August 14, 2020. Dates and protocols are subject to change as we pray, learn, and seek wisdom.) |  |
Being church leaders in this moment is certainly not business-as-usual. As we enter into the summer months, we have had some good conversations about the whys and hows of being church, Glorifying-Growing-Glowing, and caring for one another as God cares for us. As much as we ache for things to just be “normal,” we do not feel that this is wise or responsible leadership at this point. Other churches are coming to other conclusions. And we understand that. We can only do the best we can with the information we have and our sense of the Spirit’s leading. Please feel free to contact Pastor Jon by phone or email with any questions for him and/or to pass on to the Leadership Team. Thank you for your patience in this adventure. We look forward to seeing you soon!
What are the core convictions driving these decisions?
- The Church must be a community that spreads the Good News, not infection.
- The Church is called to care for the vulnerable and make decisions with the common good and love of neighbor in mind.
- The Spirit of God transcends space and time to unite us even in when we cannot gather as we wish and meets us as we need and wherever we seek.
- Living by faith, in this moment, means humbly listening to the guidance of scientists, doctors, and governmental and denominational leaders, and trusting that when we sacrifice our wishes for love, God has better plans for us all.
What is the purpose of our outdoor gatherings?
At this point, there is still much that we don’t know about this novel coronavirus. What does seem clear is that being an enclosed space and singing together are among the most spreadable things we could be doing. We know that some may think the risk of outdoor worship is still too high. Others may think these adjustments and protocols are unnecessary. Our theological reasoning is listed above. It is our desire to care for the vulnerable, listen to experts, and avoid becoming a “hot spot” for infection that could impact others in our community.
What about kids?
Children are welcome. We understand that physical distancing is difficult for children.
Parents, please consider the outdoor space where we will meet and your capacity to help your kids maintain distance for the time of the service. Everyone should understand that children may break some of these protocols. That is ok. Please consider whether this time will fulfill its purposes for you as a parent. You may come and go as you need without judgment. You may also swing by before or after the worship time to say “Hello” if that would be a less stressful option for you.
Other adults, please take responsibility not to engage a child in a way that might draw them closer than 6ft. or move away graciously if a child approaches. Make the distance a “fun” thing with silly waves or air-high-fives, etc. We are comfortable with the limited exposure that might come from incidental contact, but please understand that there is still risk.
What if I don’t like the protocols for gathering?
We are taking these protocols very seriously. If we are seeing a disregard for these protocols at Sunday gatherings, the gatherings will be discontinued, and we will return to virtual-only ministries. To gather in worship as a community is a gift, and we hope that our church family will approach it as such and respect the prayerfully-considered parameters of the Leadership Team.
God bless you all,
Point Place UCC Leadership Team
- To have a physical experience of our church family
- To connect with one another in ways less mediated by screens and technology
- To encourage one another with prayer, song, word, and sacrament in a direct way
- The opportunity to see sisters and brothers in Christ
- A 30-minute service with Communion, Prayer, Scripture, and Song
- Feelings of awkwardness and even disappointment at some of the limits of our time together
- Great blessing as we soak up the opportunity to be together
- Worship videos will continue to be available on YouTube each week
- Sundays June 14 and 28, July 12 and 26, August 9 and 23, September 13 and 27
- Services will begin at 9am
- On the sidewalk and grass around the main stairway/entrance
- Services will be cancelled in the event of bad weather
- Lawn chairs, blankets, etc. for comfort.
- Masks required except for young children and medical reasons
- Bring Your Own Communion (bread/cracker & drink—no alcohol please)
- If you are exhibiting any symptoms of illness, please do not attend the outdoor service.
- Masks should be worn when near others
- Personal physical distance of 6ft. should be maintained with those outside of household
- Ushers will help guide you to a space.
- Absolutely no touching (hugs, handshakes, elbow bumps) outside of households. Waves, signs of the cross, air-fist-bumps, etc. are good alternatives.
- Please do not even ask to hug, shake, etc.
- Music and Prayers will be amplified.
- The building/bathrooms will be closed (unless there is an emergency).
At this point, there is still much that we don’t know about this novel coronavirus. What does seem clear is that being an enclosed space and singing together are among the most spreadable things we could be doing. We know that some may think the risk of outdoor worship is still too high. Others may think these adjustments and protocols are unnecessary. Our theological reasoning is listed above. It is our desire to care for the vulnerable, listen to experts, and avoid becoming a “hot spot” for infection that could impact others in our community.
What about kids?
Children are welcome. We understand that physical distancing is difficult for children.
Parents, please consider the outdoor space where we will meet and your capacity to help your kids maintain distance for the time of the service. Everyone should understand that children may break some of these protocols. That is ok. Please consider whether this time will fulfill its purposes for you as a parent. You may come and go as you need without judgment. You may also swing by before or after the worship time to say “Hello” if that would be a less stressful option for you.
Other adults, please take responsibility not to engage a child in a way that might draw them closer than 6ft. or move away graciously if a child approaches. Make the distance a “fun” thing with silly waves or air-high-fives, etc. We are comfortable with the limited exposure that might come from incidental contact, but please understand that there is still risk.
What if I don’t like the protocols for gathering?
We are taking these protocols very seriously. If we are seeing a disregard for these protocols at Sunday gatherings, the gatherings will be discontinued, and we will return to virtual-only ministries. To gather in worship as a community is a gift, and we hope that our church family will approach it as such and respect the prayerfully-considered parameters of the Leadership Team.
God bless you all,
Point Place UCC Leadership Team
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