Return to In-Person Worship May 9
THE TIME IS NOW!
Providence is returning to in-person worship in our sanctuary on Sunday, May 9 with services at 9:00am and 10:30am!
We have been more cautious than many local congregations, so this was obviously not a decision reached lightly or quickly. But, staff and lay leadership have decided the time is now. We’re not going to get everything right in navigating the transition, so we welcome your patience and understanding. While it’s impossible to find consistent protocols for safe indoor worship, best practices include: limited attendance, short duration, wearing masks, wellness, hand sanitizing, and good filtration. Providence will be guided by these principles in the following ways:
– Limited Attendance: maximum attendance per service of 70
– Short Duration: services will be 30-40 minutes in length
– Wearing Masks: all persons 6+ years of age will be expected to wear masks
– Wellness: please worship from home if you are not feeling well
– Sanitization Encouraged: hand sanitizer available at each entrance
– Filtration System: new system was installed in August 2020
The final and most important guiding principle for us is mutual love and respect for each other. Each member and guest of Providence comes with different needs and a different comfort level. We want to create a balance that best meets the needs and comfort of each. Some will feel that we are being too cautious while others may feel that we’re not going far enough, but hopefully our love for each other should make these differences not matter so much.
Q&A WITH PASTOR DAN FREEMYER
What will our schedule be upon returning?
9:00am Worship
9:45am Sunday School/Childcare
10:30am Worship
Why do we need to wear masks if most of our congregants are vaccinated?
I’m grateful for the vaccinations and encourage more to get them, but our worship service will always be open to anyone who wishes to attend, vaccinated or not. As a result, we need to protect the public health of everyone and masks are the best way to do that.
Will the seating be spaced out?
The space between rows and seats is generous, as they are set for social distancing. However, family and friends who are fully vaccinated may move their seats closer together within the rows if they desire.
What kind of filtration system do we have?
Our air cleaner system was installed in August 2020, before the Preschool reopened. We chose a top-of-the-line commercial bipolar ion generation system for the heating and air conditioning systems in the Sanctuary and Education Buildings. It’s the same type that John’s Hopkins Hospital installed and that is currently being installed in the SC Statehouse and the US Capitol. It is safe and effective, rendering most bacteria and viruses harmless, including COVID-19. It also removes pollen, dust, and other pollutants and contaminants from the conditioned air. While it does not sterilize the room and everything that enters it, this is the best available technology that should reduce the chance for virus transmission throughout our church buildings.
Do I need to make a reservation for worship?
For Sunday, May 9: YES, please reserve your seats by clicking here. This is the best way we can ensure that we have seats for everyone who comes and that no one is turned away. We hope reservations will not be necessary once patterns are established, but we will monitor attendance to determine that for the future.
What about online worship … will that continue?
Yes! Staff and our Technology Team have been working diligently to ensure that we can continue to stream our worship services online, so you will be able to worship with us no matter your comfort level with in-person contact.
Will Sunday School classes meet?
We have three adult Sunday School classes from which to choose. For more information, contact me (or check in) between services and I’ll be glad to help connect you with a class.
Will children’s services and childcare be offered?
Children’s activities will be provided between services and childcare will be offered during both services. For more information, contact Terri Largent.
How about youth activities?
Youth Sunday School and activities will begin on June 6. For more information, contact Marjorie Avent.
