GUIDING VALUES

First, we conduct worship services that are authentic to our biblical and sacramental heritage as received by the Anglican tradition and consistent with the values and culture of our particular congregation, Restoration.

Second, as a form of loving our neighbor and honoring our authorities, we adhere to the Minnesota Department of Health’s “Stay Safe Plan: Phase III” which states:

Places of worship, religious services, weddings, and funerals can hold services both indoors and outdoors, with 50% capacity, places of worship cannot exceed 250 people for each self-contained space– see guidance for additional details. Proper social distancing measures—like staying six feet apart and wearing a mask—should be taken.

Third, due to the diverse array ages, health conditions, and levels of risk tolerance, we acknowledge with sadness that one type of worship service is not able to accommodate every individual. Therefore, we will offer additional options to carry forth the ministry of Word and Table beyond the principle service, such as At Home Streaming and Reserved Sacrament.

The following policies have been created by our leaders, which includes medical professionals, educators, and other individuals who are implementing similar policies in other contexts.

POLICIES

ATTENDANCE

In order to adhere to MDH’s attendance limits, online registration will be required for attendance.
The state mandates that movie theaters are never to exceed 50% capacity [As of March 13 Update]. In order to adhere to proper social distancing, we remain even lower than the state guideline.
Worshipers will self-certify that no members of their household have experienced any the following symptoms in the past 10 days: fever, cough, loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath, or sore throat.
Worshippers will also certify that they have not had direct contact with anyone known to have tested positive for COVID in the past 14 days.
Essential staffing/volunteer roles only.

MASKS AND SANITATION

We regret that masks have become a polarizing topic in our society. We consider it part of our Christian witness to wear masks when gathered together. In light of this, please wear a mask before, during, and after the service other than when receiving Eucharist as instructed.

Furthermore, we wear masks for the sake of Public Witness. We want our neighbors to know that we are being abundantly cautious as we come together.

Other mask policies:

Single use masks will be available at the Welcome Table for those who do not already have a mask.
Children under the age of two will not be required to wear a mask.
Hand sanitizer will be available near the registration table.

PEOPLE FLOW AND SOCIAL DISTANCING

Participants will be guided into the building and sanctuary through one entrance, and then exit in another.
Households sit together.
Pastor will be at least 20 feet from the front of the congregation at all times.
Musicians will be appropriately socially distanced.
We ask that you continue to maintain social distancing guidelines after the service.

WORSHIP SERVICE ACCOMMODATIONS

Service length will be about 60 minutes.
Instrumental music is dispersed throughout the service. Congregational singing is reduced to one song at the beginning and two songs at the end of the service.
Virtual bulletins made available in addition to ones provided by the church.
- Individuals can print their own bulletin at home prior to the service or download on site via QR code.
- If an individual is not capable of obtaining a virtual bulletin, a masked Greeter will be handing out paper bulletins.

COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION

Households will remain seated during the Communion distribution.
- In order to reduce the movement of people, Communion Servers move down the aisles, distributing directly to households.
Communion Servers sanitizes hands after serving themselves and before serving others.
Eucharist will be in the form of wafers only (no wine/juice). Our canon theologian and church history reminds us that the sacramental benefits of both kinds of communion (bread and wine) can be experienced in either kind individually.