City Church Family:
In June we will begin a process of reopening for in-person worship gatherings. While we are eager to resume gathering once again for this cherished and formative practice of our faith, I want to begin with a word of caution. The process of reopening will be gradual and include multiple phases. We want to prioritize safety as a demonstration of our love for one another as well as for our neighbors.
Our staff and elders are strategically thinking and planning beyond the first phase, however, the plan outlined below is for the initial phase in June. Next month we will provide an updated plan for the second phase in July.
The Plan for June
Beginning Sunday, June 7 we will invite one community group each Sunday to attend the livestream of our 10:30 a.m. worship service. Our goal for the month of June is to keep attendance under 25. The schedule is as follows:
June 7th - Cool Spring CoGro
June 14th - Kennett Square CoGro
June 21st - Newark CoGro
June 28th - Trinity Vicinity CoGro
On the week your group is invited to attend, we ask that you inform your community group leaders if you plan to attend no later than Friday of that week. If you are not connected to a community group and desire to attend one of the services, please email myself or Margie Comanda and we will be glad to make that happen.
We ask you to stay home if:
You are high-risk for contracting COVID-19
You have a cough, fever, or shortness of breath, or if you are sick at all
You have been exposed to anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days
If you feel unsafe about returning to in-person worship at this time, or if you are uncomfortable with the guidelines that we will implement (see below), please do not hesitate to stay home and join the livestream of the service.
Below are some of the guidelines we will implement to promote safety:
The front doors and sanctuary doors will be propped open.
Individuals age thirteen (13) and up are required to wear a cloth face covering to enter and remain inside (recommended but not required for children ages 2-12). Face coverings will be available for those who do not have one.
Hand sanitizer will be available.
Social distancing of at least 6ft will be required. Seating in the sanctuary will be arranged accordingly. Family members of the same household may remain together.
Children must remain with their parent/guardian at all times. There will be no physical City Church Kids ministry (including nursery).
Those leading in the service will remove face coverings only when singing or speaking from the stage.
Offering baskets will not be passed; we will continue to encourage online giving.
Printed worship guides will not be distributed; we will continue to provide an online version.
We will not celebrate the Lord’s Supper in this initial phase.
I know we all long for the day when we will be able to experience Sunday worship as we once did. Until that day, we must remain patient and flexible. God has sustained us as a church family during this crisis. We have every reason to trust that he will continue to do so as we enter the next phase.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Jason