Following the lead of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, we will follow a phased or staged approach. Phases should be considered to exist on a continuum, with movement between stages being multidirectional depending on the levels of the Coronavirus on the Cape. (We may need to back up a phase if the numbers increase here on the cape) We will continually review and update the protocols as necessary.
As we prepare for moving forward, I invite you to continue to pray with me that the Holy Spirit continue to guide us and bind us together as one people in Christ Jesus. I give thanks for all those who have helped us and continue to help us in each step of the way.
In Christ,
Pr. Peter Hebert
Phase
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Virus
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Actions
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Phase I
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Wandering the Wilderness
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The number of positive cases is growing.
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- Building is locked down
- Activity in the building is limited to staff and essential volunteers
- Physical distancing, mask wearing, hand sanitation are mandatory when in the building
- All worship services are online
- Only online meetings
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Phase II
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Given the Law to guide us
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Number of cases is on a downward trend. And Massachusetts is allowing outdoor activities like the beach.
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- Outdoor worship may begin
- Limited use of the building is allowed
- Physical distancing, mask wearing, hand sanitation are mandatory when in the building
- People in high risk categories are encouraged not to participate in in-person activities
- People who have recently travelled are asked to follow State guidelines for self-quarantining
- Social Distancing –
- Attendees are limited so they can maintain 12’ of separation; attendees provide their own chairs.
- If attendance starts to excess capacity, develop process for preregistration and leave room for a few “drop-ins”
- Safety Precautions –
- All participants will be required to wear masks
- Ushers will ask people how they feel and remind them to maintain separation and properly wear their masks; they will also track attendance
- Use of restrooms –
- Recommend using Church restrooms accessed through the front door only, and only one person at a time
- Follow arrows in and out of the building
- A table with hand sanitizer, to be used prior to entering and signage to direct hand washing before exiting
- Provide spray disinfectant (bleach solution) spray commodes/sinks before and after use
- Wait 72 hours before having Sexton clean the restrooms; Sexton needs N95 mask, face shield and adequate gloves
- Explore costs to have “touch-free” sinks and toilets
● Divine Service –
- Attendees will need to sit at pre-marked spots on the lawn
- Children attending remain with their “family unit”; nursery will not be available
- No community use of worship papers or physical contact
- Limit singing, wind instruments and unison speaking
- Communion will be offered with just the hosts, using tongs and sanitary means of ministration
- Encourage online giving and use an offering basket
- Once things are working well on Wednesday evening, we will consider adding a live service by the pond on Sunday mornings as well; this will only happen if we have enough volunteers to make this work
- Recorded and live broadcasts will continue
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Phase III
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Seeing the Promised Land from across the Jordon.
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Zero new cases on the Cape for three weeks, and outside the tourist season.
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- Services in the building may resume
- Members only? How to handle visitors?
- Social Distancing –
- Limit attendees so they can maintain 6+’ of separation
- Designate seating areas with tape – determine the max number of participants
- Children attending, remain with their “family unit”; nursery will not be available
- Consider furniture and set-up to max our safe capacity (pews or chairs)
- If attendance starts to exceed capacity, implement preregistration and leave room for a few “drop-ins” or consider adding more services
- Safety Precautions –
- Entry through main entrance only
- Need hand-sanitizing station
- All participants will be required to wear masks unless they have a medical reason not to
- Ushers will ask people how they feel and remind them to maintain separation and properly wear their masks; they will also track attendance
- Use of restrooms –
- Provide signage with proper instructions
- Only one person at a time
- Have “touch-free” sinks and toilets installed
- Provide hand sanitizer, to be used prior to entering and signage to direct hand washing before exiting
- Provide spray disinfectant (bleach solution) spray commodes/sinks before and after use
- Wait 72 hours before having Sexton clean the restrooms
- Service –
- Plexiglass Barrier for organist and other areas of interaction as needed for both staff and volunteers
- Determine if communion will be offered
- Limit singing, wind instruments and unison speaking
- No community use of worship materials or physical contact
- Encourage online giving and use an offering basket placed at strategic locations to facilitate no contact offering
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Phase IV
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Arrival in the Promised Land
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There is a vaccine, no active viral cases on the Cape, or an effective therapy is developed.
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Proceed, following recommendations of medical and church institutions
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Check back for updates
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