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 Home Liturgy and Reserved Sacrament.
The following policies have been created by our Regathering Team and Staff, which includes medical professionals and other individuals who are implementing similar policies in other contexts.
POLICIES
ATTENDANCE
In order to adhear to MDH’s attendance limit of 250 individuals, online registration will be required for attendance.
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
sore throat
additionally for children under the age of 12: new onset rash, body aches, or diarrhea/vomiting
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. Our Outdoor Worship is being conducted in a highly public space. 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
SOCIAL DISTANCING
Households stand/sit together, distanced 10 ft.
Participants will bring their own seating (Camp chairs, blankets, etc.)
Pastor will be amplified using a small, portable PA system and will be at least 20 feet from the front of the congregation at all times. (Speakers are pointed away from neighboring homes for noise reduction.)
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 45 minutes.
After Eucharist, there will be only two communally sung songs at the end of the service.
Participants will be given a moment to dismiss themselves if desired.
Virtual bulletins made available
Individuals can print their own 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 volunteer will be handing out paper bulletins.
COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION
Eucharist will be in the form of wafers only (no wine/juice) distributed by the priest
Congregants are invited up by household, beginning with the front.
Wafers placed in their outstretched hand (masks remain on) of an adult household representative.
Household moves away to a designated area, household representative distributes wafer to others and partake.
Afterwards, they may exit to their vehicles or return to their seat.
Consecrated Eucharist is at a table upwind from the distribution.
Priest sanitizes hands before serving, counts household members, and only picks up the required amount.
Note: Each household should partake quickly, as only one household at a time will be called up and the area to partake must be cleared for the next group before they are called to receive from the priest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Updated: Sep 11, 2020
Seriously, we have to wear masks outside?
We understand that wearing masks may seem excessive and that exposure to the virus decreases when outside. However, the Regathering Team unanimously agrees that for the sake of mitigating risk and upholding our public witness as we gather in an extremely public space, this is the most loving course of action.
Furthermore, the Minneapolis Park District has very graciously given us a permit so long as we comply with the Minnesota Dept. of Health's Stay Safe Plan which states that masks should be worn at all worship services, indoors and outdoors.
What happens if it rains?
In the event of inclement weather, we will cancel the Outdoor Worship and encourage everyone to participate in Home Liturgy.
How long is the service?
We are cutting many elements of our normal liturgy and are aiming for a service of about 40 minutes. We hold no judgment for those who may need to dismiss themselves prior to the service's conclusion.
Will you Livestream the service?
We are actively exploring Livestream as a potential offering for future services in a way authentic to our faith.
