News for 07.03.20
07.03.20
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Regathering SLPC for Worship

For the past 16 weeks we have been socially isolated in our battle against a powerful and unseen foe. But we are not alone during this pandemic – as in ages past: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

Technology has enabled us to stay connected via online worship since March 22. And for this we are very grateful – but we long for more!

As soon as our state and national leaders announced ‘stay at home’ orders we began to pray and to plan for the day when we could safely regather in public worship.

As leaders we:

  1. Sought the will of our Lord in prayer and from the Word.

  2. Carefully followed the public health guidelines provided by the CDC and the PA Public Health Department.

  3. Followed the April 4 recommendation of PA Gov. Wolf that: “Religious leaders find alternatives to in-person gatherings and to avoid endangering their congregants until the stay-at-home order is lifted.” We continued to worship weekly online during that time.

  4. Consulted on a regular basis with medical experts who are members of SLPC.

  5. Sought counsel from our PCA denomination and several churches in our region.

  6. Attended webinars and read detailed guidelines on the subject of regathering safely.

  7. Received input from YOU via two Zoom town hall meetings and a church-wide survey.

  8. Clearly understand that this pandemic is unpredictable and dynamic- with many areas experiencing surges in coronavirus cases after relaxed guidelines were put in place.

However, there is some good news! On Friday, June 26 our region moved from the Yellow phase to the Green phase of reopening. With that announcement we believe the time is right to begin regathering, slowly and carefully – with the love principle being the most significant influence in our thinking and our planning.

In Matthew 22, Jesus was asked: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” He replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (vs. 36-39).

The Apostle Paul summarized our high calling like this: “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10)

Health officials instruct that wearing a mask during this pandemic protects others from asymptomatic carriers of COVID-19, not the mask wearer from disease. This means wearing a mask is a selfless demonstration of love toward others. Therefore: We wear masks to protect our neighbor. We keep a safe distance to protect our neighbor. We even wash our hands to protect our neighbor.

 

Procedures for Outdoor Worship

 

Essential details:

  • We will begin regathering for Outdoor Worship at 10:00 a.m. starting on Sunday, July 12.
  • Regular attendees and new visitors are welcome, but space may be limited. While we hope not to turn anyone away, if our space fills beyond safe capacity we may have to turn people away.
  • We will encourage maintaining 6-8 feet social distance.
  • Everyone MUST wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth. Please bring your own, but if you forget, a mask will be provided. Children under the age of 2 years old are not required to wear a mask.
  • Notice of cancellation due to inclement weather or other reason will be posted on the SLPC website by 8:30 a.m. We recommend you check Sunday morning before you leave for church.
  • The church building will not be open for use. The Foyer restroom will be available only for emergency use. So please take care that your family members (especially children) plan with this in mind.
  • The safety of our community depends on you. If you do not feel well, please stay home. Check your temperature and stay home if it is 100.4°F or higher. If you are unsure, when in doubt, stay home.
  • If we are informed that someone who attended a service with us tests positive, we will follow the local health department and CDC guidelines.
  • If you were potentially exposed, you will be notified. The privacy of the ill will be maintained.

Location:

  • We will gather outside on the lawn area behind Fellowship Hall of SLPC.
  • We will be facing the porch area with the sun at our back.
  • There will be plenty of shade from the end of the grass paver area – in a semi-circle toward the toddler playground. [Playgrounds will not be open for play.]

Arrival:

  • From the main parking lot you will be directed to walk around the Sanctuary side of the building, through the grass paver parking area.
  • Please pick up a pre-filled, recyclable communion cup, complete with the wafer sealed on top of the sealed juice. These will be placed on a table in the grass paver area and will allow us to safely celebrate the Lord’s Supper.
  • The elevator will be made available for those in need of assistance. Escorts will be at the sanctuary door.
  • Children’s activity boxes, tailored to each family, will be available with your name on a separate table when you arrive.

Seating:

  • Ushers will direct the seating of each individual and family to help maintain a safe distance.
  • Everyone is encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
  • Families are encouraged to bring blankets so they can sit together as a family.
  • There will be limited seating on the picnic tables, benches, and folding chairs on the porch area set aside for those who are unable to traverse the lawn.

Worship:

  • A worship service that gives glory to God while also loving our neighbor by being safe.
  • The service will be carefully planned for 1 hour or less.
  • For now, we will discontinue our traditional time of greeting.
  • During the service the worship team will be a safe distance from the congregation.
  • Singing with masks on will be permitted. However, we ask that you sing softly to minimize the spread of respiratory droplets.
  • Note: No song sheets will be made available. The words to the songs will be included in the weekly Order of Worship, linked in the Friday SLPC email. You may print at home or view online during the service on your phone or tablet.
  • We will have communion together through individual serving cups received upon entering.

Dismissal:

  • After the service, dismissal will be directed by ushers from the stage in sequence.
  • Please take care to maintain 6-8 feet social distancing as you depart.
  • At this time there will not be fellowship time after the service.
  • Dispose of your communion cups in the trash cans provided as you exit.

 

Here are reasons for individuals to continue worshiping online and NOT join us for outdoor worship:

  1. If you or anyone you are exposed to is not feeling well.
  2. If you know you have been exposed to someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 within the last 14 days.
  3. If you are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, including being an older adult or having certain underlying medical conditions.


Further. if you are just not ready to join us in outdoor worship, that is okay. We understand and encourage you to continue worshiping with us online.

In the days ahead, follow the encouragement of the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:12:

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

Click here to see answers to FAQs on SLPC worship going forward, including the transition to indoor worship. Note: given the fluidity of this pandemic, this is a working document that will be updated as the situation unfolds.