NEW YORK STATE FORWARD PLAN
We have entered Phase Four in the New York State Forward Plan. In phase four no more than 33% of the maximum occupancy for a particular area of church as set by the certification of occupancy for services occurring indoor.  Our occupancy for the sanctuary is 245. One third of that is 82.
 
SAFE AND PREPARED TO GATHER
We have instituted regular and strict sanitizing protocols throughout the building. There are a few things that we should all consider or do to make our worship safe for each other.

1. If you are 65 years of age or older, have a compromised immune system, medical and/or health condition which may put you at risk, in following the CDC and local recommends, we ask you to consider waiting to attend church service until coronavirus concerns have diminished. If you are of good health, are able to be here, have taken proper precautions and believe yourself to be safe, we welcome you no matter what your age is.
2. If you feel sick in any way or have knowingly been exposed to someone with the coronavirus in the last two weeks, please do not come to or stay at service, and follow up with your healthcare provider before attending church.
3. Do not wear gloves within the building unless you are a greeter handing out the bulletin
4. Regularly wash your hands, don’t touch your face.                     
5. Wear a mask when walking through the building or waiting outside rests rooms.
6. Dispose of used masks in the trash cans by the exits.
7. If you have to cough or sneeze (even if it’s just your known allergy), use a tissue. Or cough or sneeze into your elbow.
8. Use hand sanitizer, especially on your way in and out of the building.  Hand sanitizer stations and bottles can be found throughout the church.
9. Practice social distancing when you are walking, sitting or waiting outside a restroom. Six feet apart is the recommended distance.
10. Every other pew is roped off so we can sit distanced. People who live together may sit together. If you are sitting six feet or more from others, you may safely remove your mask.
11. If you sing, standing or sitting is fine, but sing quietly, as to yourself, as if you were talking softly. (God hears you loud and clear-and gladly!)
12. At this time, we have suspended snack fellowship and our children’s programs.  We will add them as we continue to look to best practices and recommendations. When service ends, leave quietly, distanced from others and if you want to connect, please do so in the fresh air of the parking lot, practicing social distance.
13. When you exit the building, do so in single file, maintaining social distance

It might feel sad for us to not get fully back to church life as we knew it, but because we are doing what needs to be done now, when the time comes, we can again enjoy other ministries and church events in good health.

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