Grace Lutheran Church – Fridley, MN
Situation:
è The U.S. President has announced that churches are essential and are able to reopen
è The Minnesota Governor has now allowed churches to reopen at 25% of capacity
è With Grace Lutheran Church having a capacity over 200, a limit of 50 attendees would allow us to comply
è Beginning on May 31, there will be two worship services at Grace: 9:00 am and 10:30 am
è Members are urged to register online for the service of their choice for each week, along with the number of people from each household:
è This website will tally and inform how many are coming to each service so members know ahead of time
Attendance:
è It is a privilege to be able to worship together again. We thank the LORD for making this possible!
è In fairness to all, by attending worship at Grace a responsibility is laid on each of us to look out for the well-being of our fellow Christians. Therefore, please be willing to communicate with Pastor or an Elder should any one of us possibly become infected with COVID-19. May the LORD in His mercy forbid this! But should this happen, the Elders are committed to open communication to all should it happen.
è If anyone is high risk, vulnerable, recently exposed to a COVID-19 patient, or has symptoms of illness (especially high temperature and cough), the individual along with any others in that person’s household are strongly urged to stay home for one’s own well-being and the well-being of others
è If any member remains uncomfortable about returning to worship, online worship is still available
è For all those who do not attend, a worship service from each Sunday will be archived at Grace’s website:
Worship:
è A designated usher will open the main door to church as people arrive and to the main worship area
è Attendees are asked to restrict touching to as few surfaces as possible
è Please be seated by family groups and by spreading out in the pews, attempting to keep the recommended six foot distance between groups (pew use will be alternated between the 1st and 2nd services)
è Since the worship content will be projected, attendees are asked not to use or touch hymnals or other items
è Attendees are asked to limit projection of their singing
è The offering plates will be available in the narthex following worship
è During worship dismissal by the ushers, honor physical distancing to a six foot distance between groups
è Physical distancing is strongly encouraged also after worship, perhaps leaving immediately after worship and, as much as possible, having discussions outdoors
è Please avoid handshakes, hugs, and other physical greetings
Other:
è Cloth face coverings or masks may be used if attendees desire to use them
è The church will be stocked with sanitization supplies
è The church will be cleaned and disinfected after each worship service
è Use of the facility is limited to the narthex, sanctuary, and restrooms
è Attendees are encouraged to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or the inside of their elbows.
è Regular washing of hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is encouraged as advised by the CDC
è After being in the restrooms, people are urged to grab the door handle with a paper towel
è Please refrain from using the water fountain if at all possible
è If high hydration is necessary, please consider bringing one’s own water bottle
è Any serving of refreshments at church is suspended
è The church furnace will circulate fresh air from outdoors, air-conditioned if needed
è For now, communion is available through private communion. You may schedule this with Pastor Hein by emailing (john.p.hein@gmail.com) or calling/texting (612.408.1635)
è If there are any questions or concerns about this plan, please contact Pastor or one of the Elders
è Pastor: 612.408.1635 / Frank Radichel: 763.486.9271 / Eli Wales: 612.325.6245 / Dave Rust: 763.913.9753