Covid-19 and Our Worship Service *Update*

We praise God that we have been able to meet in person for worship and fellowship with many of you since the middle of May. For those that have needed to join us virtually, we hope to see you in person as soon as possible. In this memo we would like to give you an update on what we have done to help prevent the COVID-19 virus and our current plans for the future.

We have put into effect several procedures to help with safety concerns related to the virus:

• We are cleaning the church Monday and Friday. We are using a botanical disinfectant that kills 99.9% bacteria in 30 seconds. This disinfectant is safe for all ages; infants to seniors.

• We have placed hand sanitizer in various locations and are asking people to use it.

• The filters on the HVAC units have been replaced with the best quality filters available. They filter out unwanted particles including dust/lint, dust mite debris, mold particles, most smoke, pollen, pet dander, bacteria, virus carriers, odors, and smog while allowing cleaner air to flow through.

• Upstairs, we have an air exchanger that replaces the air every 50 minutes. Downstairs, we have an air exchanger that replaces the air every 70 minutes. Normally these units come on by 8:00 A.M. So, before anyone arrives on Sunday morning the air in the building has been replaced several times.

Our seating has been set up to facilitate social distancing. Please remember that you should have three empty chairs between you and another person or between family groups. The services are being simulcast in the conference room and downstairs, should overflow seating be required.

Social distancing is required pursuant to Governor Reynold’s proclamation and carries the weight of law. Romans 13:1-6 requires us to submit to the civil government and recognizes it’s right to care for citizens and implement rules/laws to protect us. The board of elders has met and unanimously agreed that the requirement to social distance does not interfere with our ability to practice our faith and that we will abide by the Governor’s proclamation, thereby requiring all those in attendance to do so within the building.

At the conclusion of the service we ask that everyone be seated and you will then be dismissed by rows – starting in the narthex and progressing to the sanctuary. When you are dismissed please exit the church building promptly and in a manner that does not hinder others behind you from exiting safely. Once outside the building, you are free to associate with others as you see fit as long as you don’t hinder the exit of others. Please do not be offended if you are reminded of the social distancing requirements.

The Elders will continue to meet and evaluate the safety status regularly. Your compliance with our request will help us to continue to enjoy our meeting together.

Pastor Christopher Arch