Most recent guidance for in-person worship 

As we begin our journey back to a “new normal”, please understand that we are guided by the principle that it is our responsibility to protect the vulnerable. St. Paul is clear in scripture that protecting the vulnerable is a priority in the life of a congregation. (See for instance Romans 13-14 and 1 Corinthians 8)

And yet … as vaccination rates rise and cases of Covid-19 fall, we have some added latitude in what is safe. We look first at what the federal, state, and local health officials declare. That means reviewing the material in its entirety, not just listening to the parts that are described in the media. There is often nuance in that guidance.

This is the current guidance for in-person worship at Our Shepherd. It will be amended/changed as conditions allow.

Masks:
Face masks will continue to be worn when inside the building. Not all people are vaccinated and not all people are eligible to be vaccinated (children under 12 and immunocompromised people for example). We want to be as welcoming to all as possible.
Communion:
We will continue to use the pre-filled communion cups until we exhaust our supply. As that supply diminishes, we will determine what is the best practice for distribution of communion.
Singing:
Singing will be permitted once again. Remember that masks are required. We are delaying sung liturgy for now, but we expect that will return soon.
Hymnals:
The hymnals are back in the pews and may be used during worship. This is the source for music for the in-person worship. Lyrics or music will not be printed.
Distancing:
We are modifying our distancing requirements. First, we will permit seating in every other pew, leaving a vacant pew between people. You are encouraged to sit with your household and leave 3 feet between you and those not of your household.
Bulletin/Screens:
We are producing a limited bulletin that will contain references to the hymns, the text of the Scripture readings, and very little else. Please take those home with you and discard them at home. Most of the liturgy will be on the screens.
Musical Groups:
We anticipate that we will soon be able to have vocal music from small choirs during worship. Much of that will depend on the comfort level of the musicians. Pre-recorded vocal music remains an option for them.
Offering:
We will not pass offering plates yet. Please continue to give online or place your offering in one of the offering plates as you enter or leave worship.
Livestreaming:
Worship will continue to be livestreamed. We have invested in those resources and will continue this option even as the pandemic fades into history. One of the things this means is that there will sometimes be references for those viewing the livestream. The screens at the front of the church do not always show what the livestream is broadcasting. The cameras are located in the back of the sanctuary above the glass doors. There are no cameras focused on the faces of those in the congregation. If it is not safe for you to be seen on video, please inform Pastor Earl or an usher. We will provide a space where there will be no incidental recording of your image.
Worship Time:
For now, there will be one worship service at 9:30 a.m. Sundays. This will continue at least through the summer unless attendance requires us to add another service.

You may reach out to me with ideas and questions about our policies.

Pastor Earl