A WORD FROM PASTOR LEX: Reopening the Sanctuary for Lake Edge UCC Worship 2.0 (September 2021)

I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19)

Lake Edge shouldn’t try to go “back to normal.” Hybrid worship is here to stay. We have changed as a congregation – let’s move forward into “a new Way.” This document is fluid and has input from our church's leadership. This is meant to show what worship MIGHT look like, once it's safe to reopen.
Please don't comment here; email comments to [email protected]. Thanks.

SANCTUARY SETUP
Masks for everyone age 2 and over (Dane Co. mandate as of Aug. 16, 2021)
Pulpit on top of chancel; lay readers and pastor will be unmasked only when ministering
Entrance only at front (glass) doors and back lot (glass) doors – all others exit only
One usher at each door, one in hallway above stairs by back door, one in front of sanctuary doors
Entrance to sanctuary only through glass doors
Front row reserved as marked for anyone with needs (as well as ministers)
Every other row blocked off, no exceptions - ROPE OR TAPE OFF
In open rows, members keep two seats open between themselves and other households
No “vaccinated only seating” or separation policy (contradicts UCC/Gospel message)
No printed bulletins, inserts
Members leave immediately after worship to make way for CTSR setup. Let the air clear in the sanctuary for the next congregation
Members do not approach platform for any reason other than emergency egress
 
MUSIC
No choir/praise leaders until variant is under control
Congregation can sing if masked, but only taped music at this time
Organ: (Sigrun willing to help as her schedule allows, but technical issues still to be worked out)
Possibility of large screen to project lyrics, prayers to stay paper free (same as the Courtyard: no one sees that info now)
Continue CCLI Streaming License for praise
Continue outreach to get hymns, special music, etc. to stream at no charge
 
COMMUNION – two scenarios are possible
Option 1: Bring your own Communion (no ministers needed to perform)

Option 2: Communion served in seats (would require special setup, cleanup, servers)
Ministers would wear gloves and stay masked
Ministers would move to sides of sanctuary, not down main aisle
Ministers would serve people in each row (number of ministers to be determined)

• Use the vacant rows for ministers to serve members in their seats
• No members coming up front

 
FACILITY AND MOVEMENT
Consider converting entire back parking lot to disabled access only, except pastor spots. Requires signage: “Sunday only (disabled symbol)” OR ask members to be considerate and park on street.
Temperature monitoring is unnecessary at present
Common-sense cleaning as appropriate (no chemicals)
Contact tracing is needed until variants are under control - possibilities

• Set up a guest book each week
• Pass a “pew attendance” type list

 
MEMBERS need to be responsible

• Social distancing – 6 feet, two seats between households, staggered rows
• Masks for everyone age 2 and up – no questions, keep them on
• Children need to stay with families (no Messy Worship anymore)
• Behave as though everyone has the variant
  • Act as though the other person needs social distance to be comfortable
  • Don’t put people on the spot by “going in for a hug,” etc.
  • DON’T ASSUME
• Stay home if you’re not feeling well. Not sure? GET TESTED
• Ushers should not have to assign seating: Common sense should dictate
• If you are able bodied, park on street, not in the lot – give special needs and seniors easy access
• Check eNews, Facebook (LE and Be the Church), website in case of last-minute closure – when in doubt, call Amy or Lex

 
Finally – this won’t be forever.  As things get better, we can remove restrictions as we are able. We need to protect our most vulnerable members in the sanctuary, as well as include all who are more comfortable participating online.
 
Key Words: Responsible. Careful. Respectful. Mindful. Inclusive. Loving.

Again, please email comments to [email protected]. Thanks.