CONSIDERING RESUMPTION OF IN-PERSON GATHERINGS
Our district includes two states: Illinois and Wisconsin. Each state has its own set of dynamics related to the COVID-19 pandemic and thus considering the
resumption of in-person gatherings of our communities of faith should take into consideration respective state guidelines. In addition, the welfare of our
congregational constituencies needs to be considered during decision-making, as well.
Our district has not made a statement or created a document with definitive guidelines to use for resuming in-person services. However, a list of resources, including some helpful questions, has been compiled for your use as you enter into a decision-making process. As we become aware of new information, we will make it available to you through the newsletter and/or occasional memos.
If your congregation has developed guidelines or statements that you are willing to share, send them to the district office indicating this intent, and we will be happy to distribute it.
Questions to consider
Resource List
Guide to Returning (Wisconsin)
http://content.delivra.com/etapcontent/WisconsinCouncilofChurches/attachments/WCC%20Guide%20to%20Returning%20to%20Church%20-%20Ministry%20During%20COVID19.pdf
Information from Lewis Center for Church Leadership
https://www.churchleadership.com/tag/covid-19/
Article from Congregational Consulting Group
https://www.congregationalconsulting.org/caught-between-anxiety-and-anger/
Information from Church Mutual
http://d31hzlhk6di2h5.cloudfront.net/20200518/aa/78/b9/76/a691037ea57238bafccae0cd/CM0308-2020-05-RC-Recommendations-for-a-Safe-Return-to-Worship.pdf
Information from Brotherhood Mutual
https://www.brotherhoodmutual.com/resources/safety-library/risk-management-articles/disasters-emergencies-and-health/general-health-and-injuryprevention/coronavirus/before-we-gather/
Shenandoah District Best Practices
http://images.acswebnetworks.com/1/929/BestPracticesReopening2020.pdf
State of Illinois Guidance for Places of Worship
https://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/Church%20Guidance.pdf
Restore Illinois – Phases 1-5 explained
https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/restore-illinois-introduction
Our district has not made a statement or created a document with definitive guidelines to use for resuming in-person services. However, a list of resources, including some helpful questions, has been compiled for your use as you enter into a decision-making process. As we become aware of new information, we will make it available to you through the newsletter and/or occasional memos.
If your congregation has developed guidelines or statements that you are willing to share, send them to the district office indicating this intent, and we will be happy to distribute it.
Questions to consider
- What are the professionals in our area advising at this time? What do governmental leaders say is safe? What do the medical experts in our communities advise as it relates to gathering in person? How will we weigh and balance what may be conflicting information?
- If we were to resume in person gatherings what do we see as the risks? What do we see as the gains? What steps will we need to take to provide a safe and healthy space and experience for people?
- What portion of the congregation would feel safe in returning to in person gatherings? What portion should not feel safe returning at this time because of their age or other medical conditions? Are there commitments we can make as a congregation that would help people feel safe and included?
- If we were to resume in person gatherings how do we provide for those who have been able to be with us in our current forms of gathering but would not feel comfortable coming to the building and being together in the same room?
- If we are to resume in person what will we require of those who attend? How will we support safe practices when together? What is the maximum number of persons we can have in the worship space and abide by government and health guidelines?
- If we resume in person activities, will it only be for worship at this time? What about other aspects of our ministry such as children’s, youth groups, Sunday School, meetings, and more?
Resource List
Guide to Returning (Wisconsin)
http://content.delivra.com/etapcontent/WisconsinCouncilofChurches/attachments/WCC%20Guide%20to%20Returning%20to%20Church%20-%20Ministry%20During%20COVID19.pdf
Information from Lewis Center for Church Leadership
https://www.churchleadership.com/tag/covid-19/
Article from Congregational Consulting Group
https://www.congregationalconsulting.org/caught-between-anxiety-and-anger/
Information from Church Mutual
http://d31hzlhk6di2h5.cloudfront.net/20200518/aa/78/b9/76/a691037ea57238bafccae0cd/CM0308-2020-05-RC-Recommendations-for-a-Safe-Return-to-Worship.pdf
Information from Brotherhood Mutual
https://www.brotherhoodmutual.com/resources/safety-library/risk-management-articles/disasters-emergencies-and-health/general-health-and-injuryprevention/coronavirus/before-we-gather/
Shenandoah District Best Practices
http://images.acswebnetworks.com/1/929/BestPracticesReopening2020.pdf
State of Illinois Guidance for Places of Worship
https://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/Church%20Guidance.pdf
Restore Illinois – Phases 1-5 explained
https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/restore-illinois-introduction
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