Frequently asked questions about returning to church for in-person Sunday worship and other activities
During Covid19, what can I expect from my church?
Ewing-Covenant Presbyterian Church and its leadership are concerned for you and your safety during the Covid19 pandemic. During the past months, the Session and the “Returning to Church” committee have adopted a policy and plan to ensure that attending church worship services and other group activities is as safe as possible. There is a plan in place for gradual resumption of in-person worship and activities and other uses of our building as it becomes safe to do so. In this regard, the Session is committed to following state, county and local rules, regulations and guidelines as the minimal standards for the reopening of our church campus.
The chart below outlines the process for moving from restricted usage to regular usage of the church. Progression through the stages is determined by the church Session and Pastor in consultation with the Return to Church Committee. Presently (early 2022), the Ewing-Covenant Presbyterian Church has expanded its in-person worship and other activities to Stage 4.
Stage 1: Activity limited to low-risk tasks essential to the church operations and weekly online virtual worship services.
Stage 2: Small groups of 10 persons or less attending in-person gatherings or meetings with significant safeguards.
Stage 3: Limited church worship and other activities for up to 38 persons with significant safeguards.
Stage 4: Expanded church worship and other activities for up to 72 persons with significant safeguards. Note: Capacity limits have been lifted.
Stage 5: Resume regular worship services and meetings only if the underlying risks are significantly reduced or eliminated and/or an effective and safe vaccine is available
When I return to the church building for worship or other activities, how will I know it is safe?
In addition to following state, county and local rules, regulations and guidelines, the Church and its Session have taken into consideration reliable scientific information and “best practice” recommendations available from Center for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), our denomination, the Presbyterian Church of the United States of America (PCUSA), and other faith-based groups. The church will be cleaned after group use, sanitary stations will be available (hand sanitizer, etc.) and adherence to safety measures, including check-in requirements and other procedures and rules will be strictly observed.
Precautions will include successful and full completion of mandatory screening prior to entering the worship space/meeting space (including temperature-taking, completing a questionnaire form as well as a Notice and Release form) as well as wearing masks covering nose and mouth, maintaining social distancing, and using hand sanitizer.
Worship services will be altered for safety when necessary, including no singing or responsive prayers, and no lingering/congregating following the service. Offerings may be placed in a centrally located box (contributing via on-line payments systems is also an option.)
High risk individuals should consider participating via on-line services. Individuals feeling ill, or showing symptoms of illness should remain home and consult with their physician.
Am I at risk if someone has or is subsequently diagnosed with Covid19?
All attendees must fill out a questionnaire and a release form, which will be used for purposes of contact tracing (that is, contacting and informing all those who have potentially been exposed to the virus.) If you have attended in-person worship and/or activity and are subsequently diagnosed with Covid19, you must notify the Church immediately.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Church Office, or Committee Chair Carol Hecky.